"It's like being at the dentist." Sandra watched confusion flicker across his features. "You know how they always start asking questions the moment they have all their tools in your mouth? All you can do is grunt and hope they understand."
His laughter filled the intimate space between them, rich and genuine. "Hell, you're right. They always want to know about work or vacation plans when their hands are buried in my mouth."
She dabbed her lips with the cloth napkin, noting how his speech patterns had relaxed as the evening progressed. Thecareful professional tone he used during the day had given way to something more casual, more authentically him.
"I know you mentioned North Carolina early on," he continued, "but I never dug deeper. Didn't want to sound like I was interrogating you."
Her smile was warm as she recalled, "I grew up in Chapel Hill. My parents were history professors at UNC."
"Both of them? That's either really convenient or really competitive."
"Convenient, mostly. They co-wrote textbooks on Roman influence on modern law."
Terry's eyebrows climbed toward his hairline. "Roman law, huh? Bet that made for some lively dinner conversation."
Sandra couldn't help but laugh at his expression. "I know, I know. Not exactly page-turner material. They were wonderful parents, just... academically focused."
"Focused how?"
The question was simple, direct. Very Terry. He didn't waste words when he wanted information.
"They never planned for children. I was very much an unplanned baby." Sandra traced the rim of her wineglass with one finger. "Don't misunderstand… I wasn't unwanted. They were good to me. Just completely devoted to their research, sabbaticals, lectures."
Terry leaned forward slightly. "Sounds like a loving home, but a little lonely."
Sandra's fork clattered against her plate as she set it down too quickly. "Exactly! You've described my childhood perfectly."
She speared another bite of steak, memories painting themselves across her mind. "They considered me an unexpected gift, but their lives were very established. A child simply hadn't been in their plans."
They ate in comfortable silence for several minutes, but Sandra caught the subtle changes in Terry's expression. The slight furrow between his brows, the way he chewed more slowly.
"You've got questions," she said softly. "Ask away. I'm not embarrassed about my childhood."
Terry wiped his mouth with his napkin and set his fork down. "I'm trying to figure out the practical stuff. Crying babies, toddler meltdowns, school activities. Hell, just the teenage years." He paused, his gaze steady. "Hope that doesn't sound rude but thinking about my own kids... it was hard enough with Patricia helping. Can't imagine doing it alone."
Sandra nodded, touched by his honesty. "They couldn't have done it alone either. UNC had excellent daycare for employees. Lots of volunteers from the education and psych departments." She shrugged. "College professors don't make enough for nannies, but between daycare and the students they hired to babysit, I always had someone around."
"Makes sense. Patricia never stopped working either, so we tag-teamed. Preschool, daycare, babysitters—whatever it took."
"You didn't just manage," Sandra said, her voice filled with genuine admiration. "Your kids are incredible."
Terry's expression softened, pride evident in his features. "They turned out pretty damn good, didn't they?"
The words were simple, but Sandra heard the deep satisfaction underneath. This was a man who measured success by his children's happiness, not his professional achievements.
"So after UNC?" Terry asked.
Sandra finished her last bite and leaned back. "One wonderful thing about my parents was their dinner parties. Even when I was young, I'd listen to conversations about books, history, and law. Law captured my attention most."
"Why law?"
"The stories, maybe? Cases felt like puzzles with real consequences." She took a sip of wine. "You know the rest… after undergrad, I went to William and Mary in Williamsburg. One of my friends was from Virginia Beach, and when we needed to escape, we'd head to the bay side. Fell completely in love with this little corner of the world."
Terry's grin was knowing. "Can see why."
"After graduation, I interned with a prosecutor in Richmond. Hated it. Then I accepted a position with a big firm in Alexandria. Good money, but the stress! I thought I’d have an ulcer before I turned thirty!” She shook her head. "One of my law professors told me Legal Aid here was desperate for help. I came down, spent time learning what they did, and felt like I'd found my place."
The server appeared to clear their plates and refill their wineglasses. After ordering dessert and the server departing, Terry reached across the table and covered Sandra's hand with his.
