Charles inclines his head graciously. "You have our eternal gratitude for your generosity through it all...both the festive trimmings and the unshakable shelter you've provided our storm-battered souls. Truly, Maggie, Tim - you've been family in every sense that matters most."
Maggie gives a dismissive sniff, but I don't miss the telltale shine of unshed emotion flickering in her eyes before she averts them brusquely. "Yeah, well...quit tryin' to make me blubber all over the place with that award-winning silver tongue of yours, Hot Stuff."
Despite her gruff deflection, she surprises me by reaching over and giving Charles' arm a brief, uncharacteristically gentle pat. Then she rallies, slapping her hands decisively on her thighs as she pushes herself up from the sofa with a grunt.
"Rig
