Chapter 7

Lou was ready to fall onto the Chinese carpet and do it there, but the tree lights distracted him. He pushed himself away. “Listen, let’s douse these lights and I’ll show you the spare room.” The room on the first floor at the end of the hall was intended as a maid’s room, but Ann never wanted live-in help, so they used it as an extra guest room. It was cozy, with its own fireplace and bath and French doors leading to a private backyard surrounded by a stand of creaking eucalyptus trees.

Lou led George past the kitchen and pushed open the door to the guest room. The bed sported a neutral beige and blue bedspread. An easy chair nestled beside the fireplace and, above it, Ann had placed a wreath of holly with bright red berries.

“Will this work?”

George barely glanced around. “Perfect. Is the bed big enough?”

“Why don’t we find out?”