‘She’s soaked!’ Jo declared triumphantly. ‘She’s absolutely filled to overflowing. He came through for us!’ ‘No pun intended,’ Jill mu...tered. They all laughed, and the tension was broken. Jo jerked her finger free of me and bent to pick up the robe. I instinctively reached to take it from her, but she ignored me, turned away, wiping her finger on it, and dropped it over the back of the couch. ‘Let’s go ladies!’ Jo said sharply, a general leading the troops. ‘Get a move on! We only have ….’ She. Make yourself comfortable." I paused for a moment, took a deep breath and added, "If you are uncomfortable out here on the couch, or if you get lonely, I have a queen-sized bed. I won't be offended if you choose to join me at any time while you are here. I'm not pushing myself on you. I just want you to know you are welcome, if you want." Greg nodded, but did not say anything. I assumed that sharing my bed was not something my stepbrother was up for, and I decided that was not going to tempt. The evening strolls ceased when Emma was diagnosed with a virulent and fast spreading cancer. She was rushed into St. Joes Hospital where she died in Harley’s arms. Harley seemed to age overnight and began to shut himself away. Mom and Grace would have none of that. They made a point of going over to make sure the house was cleaned up twice a week and Harley was ordered to present himself at our table for breakfast and supper. On Sunday we’d pick Harley up and walk to Trinity for church. They were studying each other. Julie thought that David wasn't handsome, at least not like her boyfriend George, but then he wasn't unattractive either. He had all his hair, nice teeth and seemed to dress okay, particularly since he wasn't expecting company. His feet were bare but he was wearing some nice khaki wash pants and a blue pullover. And he apparently didn't even need reading glasses. His wife was probably missing him.David continued looking her over. He put Julie's weight at about 120.