"No, I wouldn't want you to give me a dime more than you already have!" She reached out her hand for him to shake. "I think we have a deal."

He took her hand and shook it, surprised at her firm grip. "Are you sure? Because I don't want you to feel that you have to."

She shook her head. "I want to live in the cottage. And …" She ran her finger across the small table and collected quite a bit of dust. "This place really could use a good cleaning. Once that's done it ...