The mid-morning sun cast a warm glow as the Jones family returned home after Sunday church, preparing for the much-anticipated lunch at the Fentons in a few hours time. Ted saw no reason to change his attire, confidently believing that his Sunday best, worn faithfully for every church service, would suffice to meet Paul Fenton's unspoken dress code and silent judgment.

Sally, on the other hand, deemed her church attire unsuitable for a casual lunch with friends. She insisted on donning something more relaxed and comfortable, teasing Ted about her need to uphold a fashion image unlike him.

With their sartorial choices made, the Jones family hopped into their car for the short drive to the Fentons' house. Ted took the driver's seat, Sally sat beside him, and Becky settled in the back, carefully cradling a large, opaque bowl of food that Sally had prepared. Intrigued, Becky rocked the bowl about, feeling it's content in an attempt to discern what it was.

"What did you make for lunch today Mom?" Becky asked, her curiosity getting the better of her.

Sally replied with a smile, "Oh, I made a dessert salad."

"Dessert salad? Isn't that a little corny?" Becky's eyebrows raised as she responded.

Sally turned her head towards Becky, meeting her gaze.

"Sweetie," Sally began, her tone didactic, "if there's one thing you learn about bringing food to someone's house, it's to never outshine the host. A dessert salad is the perfect choice. Besides, I know Paul Fenton loves it even if others don't appreciate it."

Becky smiled, nodding in awe of her mom's wisdom.

"I should be taking notes in case I ever become a middle-aged Midwest housewife," Becky remarked with a bit of cheek.

Sally chuckled and playfully warned, "Watch yourself, young lady. You never know what the future holds."

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The car ride to the Fentons' took them past the main street of Sommerfield, with Ted remaining silent, lost in his own thoughts. However, when Sally had mentioned Paul Fenton, he became interested in the conversation, and he couldn't resist making a comment.

"We shouldn't be surprised that Sally knows exactly what kinds of desserts Paul likes," Ted said, his tone tinged with a hint of jealousy. "She probably has all his favorite recipes memorized."

Sally turned quickly to Ted, a stern look on her face.

"Ted, hush," Sally admonished him, not wanting their conversation to take a certain direction.

Becky, sensing the tension building between her parents, chimed in with curiosity.

"Why would Mom know so much about Paul's food preferences?" Becky asked.

"Sally, tell her," Ted persisted, his playful nature getting the better of him.

Sally's expression turned more serious.

"Don't you dare."

Despite Sally's protest, Ted decided to continue sharing the information.

"Becky, your mom actually dated Paul when they were in their teens." Ted revealed, a mischievous twinkle in his eye.

"No way!" Becky exclaimed, her eyes widening with disbelief.

"Ted!" Sally shouted, her frustration evident.

Ted shrugged his shoulders, meeting Becky's gaze through the rearview mirror.

"So what? It was a long time ago, before your mom had even met me. I don't think it's anything," Ted said nonchalantly, attempting to downplay the significance.

Sally, unimpressed with Ted's response, voiced her opinion.

"That's a load of crock," Sally retorted. "The real reason why your dad always seems uninterested in socializing with Paul is exactly because of that."

Becky sensed an opportunity to tease both of her parents at the same time.

"Hey dad, do you ever think that mom is comparing your technique against Paul's whenever you kiss her?"

"Becky!" Sally protested.

"Of course not, no one can beat me in that department." Ted quickly responded, his tone laced with humor. "But just imagine, if your mom and Paul had stayed together, you would be Dan and Mary's sister, and I would probably be playing for the Twins in the Major League."

Both Becky and Sally burst into laughter at Ted's playful imagination. Sally's seriousness dissipated, replaced by a smile as she thought of a witty comeback.

"I don't think that's how ancestry works Ted," Sally quipped, a smile playing on her lips. "And with your weak throw, you can forget about the Major League, you'd be lucky to make the Sommerfield over-50s."

Becky couldn't help but stifle her laughter with her hands over her mouth. Ted smiled to himself, appreciating Sally's feistiness. He glanced at Becky through the mirror.

Admitting playful defeat, Ted said to Becky, "Sometimes, I do wish your mom had stayed with Paul instead."