[He looked at her, and for a moment his expression was openly wistful. He was something real close to happy around her all the time, drunk or sober. He knew what he really should do, especially if he went and put a baby in her belly. But she deserved a whole man, not one who was still battered by echoes of the war. If he could heal up and become that man again, then maybe...but that would take time. This weekend, he would give her something to remember him and try to explain himself. It was the best he could do by her for now.]

Yes ma'am. I'll go do that now.

[Swallowing dryness from his mouth, he tugged his hatbrim and started leading George on, glancing back once or twice.]