A Gentle Touch

"What? What did you say?" The range hood was still on in the kitchen. Alaric faintly heard Valerie's voice, but he didn't hear what she said.

She replied loudly, "Nothing." She was unwilling to disturb his high spirits.

"Okay." Alaric was in a good mood now, with a faint smile on his face.

Ten minutes later, all the dishes were ready.

"Dinner's ready."

Alaric took off his apron, set down the spatu