Arthur hesitated for a second, his dark eyebrows drawing together before he smoothed out his forehead.

“Ordinary investment returns from his regional defense supply clients.

It’s business math, Eleanor.

Nothing a grieving widow needs to worry about.”

“David paid off this mortgage with his military salary,” I said quietly.

“David is gone,” Arthur snapped, clasping his hands together over his legal pad.

“And living in the past won’t pay the property taxes on this place.”

“I’m an active Army officer,” I said, turning the wedding ring on my finger.