The annual hospital dinner was held in a neighboring mountain town because Black Bear didn’t have a venue large enough. Bond drove down to Valley View to rent a tuxedo. He thought he’d feel like a sardine stuffed in a can, but it was actually more comfortable than SEAL dress whites or blues. He chose a two-button black suit with unnotched satin lapels and a satin tie to match the lapels. His white tuxedo shirt was plain, its studs black satin and no cummerbund or vest. He already had black patent dress shoes from his service days. They pinched a little, but they would do.
Rory was driving, and when Bond opened the door to him, a true Irishman stepped over the threshold.
“You look magnificent,” Bond blurted out. His tongue was so tied from s****l need and emotion it was a wonder he could
