village。
In the confines of the car； he was more imposing than ever。 His hands
were strong on the wheel； his thigh strong when he braked。 In profile；
his hair was a thick silver…blond； his eyes alert； his nose； lips； and
chin classically chiseled。 Everything about him spoke of mand； of a
man with a mind of his own。 But she knew that already。
They bought food。 They drove home。 They did fine right through dinner；
sticking to general topics like politics； the economy； and the oning
winter in the mountains。 They disagreed on some things； but could listen
to the other's point of view。
They didn't run into trouble until the last of the peach melba
disappeared。 Then he asked； 〃Why did you decide to e up here this
time； Anne？〃
It was inevitable that the talk would turn personal on some level； and
she had nothing to hide。 〃I realized that you were right。 The holidays
are closing in。 I'm hoping to take home a little extra strength。 They'll
be tough。〃
His voice iss him a lot？〃
〃Yes。 It isn't as bad as it was。 I can accept that he's gone now。 I'm
used to waking up without him。 The people around me are having more
trouble。 They're sometimes so solicitous it'd make you sick。
Thanksgiving's apt to be one long let's…cheer…up…Anne ordeal。〃
Mitch blew out a breath。 〃Oh； boy。 I know what you mean there。〃
〃How so？〃 she asked； not letting