That’s what we agreed on.”

“That’s more than he deserves.” Margaret turned her head toward the window and watched the maple leaves move.

“Maybe.” I set her slippers by the bed.

“But I don’t want to spend the next ten years fighting with him in court.

I want to spend them sitting on a balcony with you, is all.”

Margaret coughed once, a dry little sound, and then smiled.

“You always did know how to end a conversation.”