“I swear, I’m usually a much better bamboozler.” Cooper put a hand over his heart and nodded solemnly. “Guess I was a little preoccupied then. This time, though, I promise - you’ll swear it’s nearly believable.”<br/><br/>Sarah’s replacement of the plate on the table was his signal that she had polished off as much of this meal as she was going to just now. Coop gave her calf one more affectionate squeeze, then set about putting the tray back together. The mammoth chunk of cake would keep fine under its lid; the rest he scooped up and stacked tidily.<br/><br/>“Done and done. Now …” He stood and stretched out a hand to Sarah, almost as if inviting her to join a dance. “Much as I hate to say it, would you care to get dressed again? You're welcome to the shirt if you like it, by the way.”