Porch lights fought the coming darkness, kids ran down the sidewalk, in a hurry to get home before their parents shouted for them, and a dog barked from a nearby backyard. A couple of painters finished loading their ladders and gear onto their truck in front of the Miske home. They managed to get three-quarters of the exterior painted and were sure they could finish the next day, including the trim.

In the kitchen, Billy pinned Marie against the counter. He was all hands and Marie laughed as she tried to fight him off. Pots and pans occupied every burner on the stove; boiling, frying, and simmering. Somewhere, Billy Junior cried.

“The baby!” Marie begged.

Billy nibbled at her neck and ran his hands up her side then back down. She giggled and squirmed and Billy Junior cried louder.

“...

Please subscribe to keep reading.