Chapter 1007

He took the cloth from her hands, finishing the task quietly. They worked side by side in silence, hips touching occasionally, until the sound of light footsteps behind them drew their attention. Scarlet emerged from the house, still wrapped in one of Jude's shirts, her copper-red hair tousled wildly. She smiled, kissed Jude on the shoulder as she passed, and leaned against the basin beside Susan.

"You two look like a painting," she murmured. "Serene and ancient."

Susan snorted. "You're just saying that because you didn't want to do laundry."

"Guilty," Scarlet grinned.

Jude stood, shaking water from his hands. "Come on. Let's start the day together."