Fifteen minutes later, Gilbert sat in a hot soapy bath. Anne had put what Gilbert's Uncle Dave used to call "a little of the Scott Act" into the mug of hot coffee that Gilbert held.

Anne came into the room. "I hung your towel and your night shirt next to the stove so they'll be nice and toasty for you. Susan set aside your dinner before she left. I'm heating it up now and you can take it in bed if you like."

Gilbert said, "Did you have a nice visit with Owen?"

Anne said, "Oh, Mr. Ford? Oh, yeah. Just as he said, he just stopped by to say hello and let us know that he would be staying in Four Winds for a few days. He only meant to stay a few minutes."

Gilbert said, "He looked awfully comfortable for a man who was "just stopping by."

Anne said, "I'm sorry, Gilbert. I shouldn't have invited him to sit down. I was hoping that you'd be home this afternoon. I'm so glad that you're here safe with me – and hopefully getting warm."

Gilbert said, "Owen seems to be doing well for himself. Handsome as ever, wouldn't you say, Anne-girl?"

Anne said, "I don't know what you're talking about, love."

Gilbert said, "Oh, come on. When Owen first came to Four Winds to board with Leslie, didn't you ladies all gab about how handsome you all found the new writing man? He seems to be doing pretty well with the writing still – and the looks."

Anne said, "Well, I'd forgotten all about that. You make me forget everything except how happy I am to be your wife."

Gilbert rolled his eyes. Anne ignored the eyeroll. She set on the floor next to the tub and soaped up Gilbert's brown curls. She massaged his scalp.

Gilbert grinned. "I love your technique for changing the subject."

Anne said, "Well, I'm not finished yet."

She picked up the sponge. Soaped it up. Washed his back.

"Gil?"

Gilbert snored, asleep in the tub.