“Thanks, Sis,” he said. He slipped the twenty-dollar coins into his trouser pocket. “I'll pay you back once the bank opens.”
Maggie rolled her eyes. “Did all that artillery fire damage your hearing, Charlie? We're doing well here. More than well. Consider it a welcome-home present.”
At that moment they heard the sounds of Carl coming downstairs. He limped into the kitchen wearing a dark gray suit and gave his wife a hearty good-morning kiss. When they parted, Maggie's cheeks were flushing a delicate pink and her eyes were bright. Charlie looked uncomfortably down at his plate, feeling more like an intruder every moment.
“Off to the farm, Charlie?” Carl asked. He sat down beside his wife, stealing a slice of bacon over her ineffectual protests.
He nodded. “Just an inspection tour,” he s
