Chapter 12 - Page 161 - Village Goes To Work

   The children stood silently at the window again, watching Jim and Rhasha singing in their pajamas. After two more songs, Jim told them it was time to go to bed, and the children disappeared into the night. He and Rhasha snuggled into bed together and drifted into a sound sleep.

   When Rhasha woke up, Jim had his right leg across both her legs, and his right arm across her waist. She watched his face as she waited for him to wake up. Finally she saw two big blue eyes looking back at her. “Good morning, sunshine,” she said, and kissed him on the cheek. She began brushing his hair.

   “Good morning, sweetheart,” Jim replied. “I love you.” It was the first time Jim had said “I love you” in private, like her lover.

   Rhasha was all over him with kisses. Then she said, sincerely and lovingly, “I love you so much, Jim.” Tears welled up in her eyes. They held each other tight.

   Jim pulled away. “I think it’s time for me to take a cold shower.”

   As Jim threw his legs over the side of the bed, Rhasha teased, “I agree. Let’s both take a shower.”

   Jim knew she was teasing. “You first, sweetheart,” he said. “You’re the one that stinks.”

   Rhasha sat up in bed and laughingly threatened, “Take it back, or you’ll be sorry.”

   “I’m going to be sorry? Ooh, I’m so scared, Rhasha.”

   She snatched the full glass of water Jim had left on her night stand the night before and threw it in Jim’s face. He gasped and wiped the water off his face with his hands.