“Hannah and Amelia still have issues. After Amelia came back from Maine last year, they decided that what we three share is top priority, and worth overlooking each other’s foibles. But gradually, their ability to tolerate one another slips away. It worries me. I’d prefer perfect harmony.”

“When you’re all angels with harps flying around in heaven, you’ll have perfect harmony,” Bob said. “Maybe, when one of them comes under stress, she takes it out on the other.”

“Could be, but why not on me?”

Bob laughed. “You’re the oil that keeps the wheels turning. They need your level head and calm manner to smooth things over. They can’t risk angering you or having you decide to walk out on them.” He nodded toward the bedroom. “They know, I’m right over here, ready and eager to welcome you.” Bob winked at her. “Can I interest you in moving in with me?”

“No. I like things just as they are, and so do you. You just won’t admit it.” Grace snuggled next to him on the couch. “But I think you’re right. Hannah is especially stressed since Zachary came home.”

“He’s a disgrace, that Zachary.”

“Hannah’s rather amazing the way she’s taken Sarina under her wing. She’s made an appointment for her with Laura’s obstetrician, and she’s helping with the arrangements for the birth. Hannah’s hired a nurse to be with Sarina and the baby for several weeks after the baby comes.”

“Hannah’s doing all that, eh?”

“Someone had to step in and help,” Grace replied. “The poor girl’s alone in a strange country.”

“This isn’t some strange country. It’s America.” Bob’s army background surfaced. “She should be glad she’s here and not over there getting shot at.”

“Spoken like a true man.” Grace smiled at him. “Well, I’m off now.”

“Hey, not so fast. Aren’t we going to cuddle a bit?”

“And muss that bed we just fixed so nicely?” Grace kissed the top of his head and departed.

Back at the farmhouse she found a message from Brenda returning her call of several days ago.

“Brenda,” Grace asked when she phoned back, “you going to be home awhile?”

“I am. Come on over. I just made a wonderful marble cake. Oh, I forgot, you don’t eat cake.”

“Thanks. I love cake, but it’s best if I forgo that pleasure. I just had coffee with Bob, and I’m not hungry.”

“You just come on along whenever you like,” Brenda said. “I’ll be here.”

Fifteen minutes later, Grace and Brenda sat on Brenda’s porch swing.

“I keep intending to ask Bob and Max to put up a swing like this on our porch,” Grace said. “Every time I sit here, I love it.”