Then came the man's deep, pleasant voice. "Have you eaten yet, Sophia?" he asked.

"Not yet, but Mom's almost done cooking."

"Is that so?" he said.

Grace paused for a moment before carrying the dishes out of the kitchen. Just then, Sophia and Alexander walked in from the living room.

Sophia said, "Mom, look Dad's home."

"He is, isn't he" Grace said, glancing at Alexander and looking away.

After taking off her apron ...