The judge smiled and wished them both good luck. The lawyers sagged with relief, and a torrent of merry legal chitchat—speculation about the future of no-fault, reminiscences of the old days of Alabama quickies—excluded the Maples. Obsolete at their own ceremony, Joan and Richard stepped back from the bench in unison and stood side by side, uncertain of how to turn, until Richard at last remembered what to do; he kissed her.