"Funny that," Alec echoed because he'd thought the same thing and couldn't stop slanting her a look that said as much. She could handle herself and handle her business but that didn't mean Alec wouldn't worry about her feelings and how they could be hurt if someone took her for granted.

"Do you think you'd ever consider it, though?" Alec asked after wandering around for a little while longer. "Marriage? I'm not saying right now or even in a year. Just...did you see that as your future when we were younger and still in New York?"