"Love some." He stepped back and looked at her white bathrobe. "Does this come off?"
"Pull here," she said, offering him one end of the cotton belt.
"Later," he said. "I was just curious what was underneath."
"I am underneath," she said. They had tea and toast in the kitchen.
"Your quilt is a big hit."
"Oliver, you spent too much."
"I had to have it for Emma."
"The church will find good use for the money."
Emma. The church. They fell silent. It was late and still. There were no distractions. Suzanne turned toward Oliver. Her face was rueful and sweet and helpless. He slapped her hard, turning her head sideways. It was like a snake striking.
She turned her face slowly back to him. A tear welled up in each eye.
Oliver's mouth was open in shock. "Suzanne . . ." he said, horrified.