"We can share one if you don't mind that I use a straw," she says lightly, not minding his gloves at all. Kevin is one of the few people who've never looked at her askance, who never expected her to stop wearing her veil, who don't complain when she won't join them in the pool.

"Thank you for being patient with me," she murmured. "I know it's not the usual way of dating."