Rina punched his good shoulder.

Decker smiled. “They know I won’t come to Brooklyn. They want to see the boys, don’t they?”

“I’m sure that’s a big part of it. You can understand that. And even if Channaleh isn’t technically their own, they feel like she is. Eema’s already booked us two rooms—one for us and one for the children.”

“Nothing like pressure.”

“I never committed. Don’t go if you don’t want to. Life’s too short for doing things you don’t want to do.”

“Who else is going?”

“Just Eema and Abba. It’ll be just the seven of us.”

“What about your parents?”

“They’re going to Israel to be with my brother.”

“What about your former sisters-in-law and their families?”

“Eema and Abba spend plenty of time with them. They just want it to be the seven of us.”

Decker rubbed his eyes. “Would it make you happy to go?”

“Spending some time alone with you would really make me very happy. And it’s free.”

“That’s not the issue.”

“It’s a legitimate issue if you saw how much these things cost. They wouldn’t take our money anyway. They want it to be their treat. But it’s totally up to you, Peter. I mean it.”

Decker bit his mustache. The poor people had lost their only son from illness. Now, more than ever, he could feel their heartbreak. It seemed so cruel to deny them their grandsons, too. And it would please Rina and wouldn’t involve going to Brooklyn. Plus, to be honest, the idea of having nothing to do for a week except make love and lie around the pool did sound pretty damn good. A free family vacation with built-in baby-sitters and kosher food provided to boot. Rina wouldn’t have to drag along pots and pans and kosher food packed in an ice chest. And if he said yes, he’d look like a prince in Rina’s eyes.

“If it’s just them…” Decker massaged his temples. “Sure, we can go.”

Rina’s smile was wide and happy, and for a moment Decker saw her old self. He knew it would take time for her to get over her trauma, and he hoped his agreeable attitude was helping her along.

Rina gave him a big kiss on the cheek. “You really are a nice person. Just the best!”

“No prob, darlin’. It’s worth it to see you smile.”

Marge said, “Just answer me one question, Cindy. What in the world could have possibly gone through that brain of yours?”

“I got some very important information, Marge.”

Calm, Marge told herself. Just remain calm. First thank God she’s not your daughter, then treat her like any other dingbat witness. “And what is that information, Cynthia?”