With relief, Steve did as instructed, placing the paper gingerly on the drying cloth. He hovered for a moment, debating if he should try to blot some of the water off, but quickly decided against it, not wanting to smear it any further.

Moving over to the linens she'd brought, he'd just started to shake them out when Marie returned. "Oh, thank you so much. I do apologize, again." Shoulders slumping a little, he gave her a small smile. "Tonight has not gone well for us, has it?"