"OK," she said. "That just might work. We're both damaged property, I guess."
"Plenty of time for renovation." He kissed her, there in the gap at the front of the house, with the chilly autumn breeze passing through, where all the world could watch, if they noticed, if they cared.
The kiss ended. "Let's get started," Sylvie said. "I know you work alone, but I'd like to train as your assistant."
"I think the official term is 'helpmeet'."
"Whatever," she said. "I've got no experience but at least I'm cheap."
They spent the rest of the afternoon framing in the replacement wall and putting up the new door. By nightfall, the house was tight again.
Copyright © 1998 by Orson Scott Card
ISBN 0-06-109399-8
Cover illustration © 1998 by Phil Heffernan/Stepback Art, © 1999 by Douglas Paul Design