“Very noble of you.” Decker laid the clean utensils on top of the rack. “However, I think I have a better idea.”

Rina waited.

“I don’t think we should bring the two of them together until we know more about Marta and Anika Lubke. Remember, your mother is a camp survivor, and we don’t want to cause her any more pain. I think we should talk to the women first.”

“You want to go to Saint Louis?”

“No need because the fates are with us. Marta Lubke Wallek is coming in to visit her sister. How about we take advantage and make a little vacation out of it? We’ll leave Saturday night, right after Shabbat, stay overnight in Santa Barbara, then continue on to Solvang on Sunday and come back Sunday night. Surely the boys can watch Hannah for twenty-four hours. They’re both over eighteen.”

“Sammy works on Sunday.”

“Jacob doesn’t.”

Rina made a face. “I don’t know, Peter. What about Cindy?”

“Saturday is her day with Jan. Sometimes they go out at night. That’s inviolate. But she can certainly pick up some of the slack on Sunday. I’m sure she won’t mind a morning or afternoon shift.” Now Decker made a face. “By the way, she’s bringing Koby over for Shabbat this weekend.”

Rina’s eyes brightened. “So they’re back together?”

“For the time being, yes.”

“I like him.”

“You like his circumcision,” Decker remarked.

“Yes, I like that he’s Jewish. I’ve never hidden my partisan feelings. So when are we going to visit Solvang?”

“Marta is visiting her sister in three weeks. How does that work?”

“Perfect. No major holidays in the way. And it will give me plenty of time to prepare … cook Sunday dinner for the boys and Hannah.”

“Rina, they’re capable boys. They can cook for themselves.”

“I know, but it’s not hard for me to cook a little extra.”

“Can I give you a cross to nail your hands on, Saint R?”

“I like cooking for my family. So sue me.”

“I don’t want to sue you.” Decker took her in his arms and slapped her to his chest. “I’d rather screw you.”

She punched his shoulder. “What got into you?”

“I wish something would get into you.” He raised his eyebrows. “If you would examine my motivations, you’d see I have other reasons for wanting you alone for a night away.” He kissed her hard on the lips.

“Eeeuuuu!”

They both looked toward the door. Hannah scowled at them, turned on her heels, and stomped out. They broke into laughter.

Decker said, “I’ll see what she wants.”

Rina held him tightly. “She’ll survive for a minute.”

She gave him a long, slow kiss, the kind that makes body parts move independently.

“My oh my,” Decker said. “What got into you?”

“Are you complaining?”

“Not at all.” He broke away. “I’ll go check up on Hannah.” He was still stiff. “Maybe you should check up on Hannah, and let me take a cold shower.”