"There you are," John said from behind her. "What a view, huh?"

"It sure is." Susan, up on her tiptoes gave him a light kiss. "What's the news on the heat pump?"

"Not good. Hank, who is the owner of the company, by the way, thinks it's worn out. He's going to try replacing some parts, but otherwise we're looking at a big price tag and another delay. We can only do so much in the cold." John rubbed his hands together. "We should've added a fireplace in this room, ...