Liz cried, “I don’t deserve this!” “I think you do,” he countered, beaming. “How did you…?” Her words trailed off. When had Ike managed to make arrangements for the two of them to take a three-day cruise to the Bahamas? She searched her brain, and realized he’d probably done it after they’d arrived at their hotel the day before. They were currently enjoying breakfast in the hotel restaurant. The seafood omelets were divine. “Ike, I know a cruise is expensive.” She reached across the table to take his hand. “I can’t tell you how much I appreciate this, and you’re so sweet for wanting to do this for me, but you can’t pay for me to go on a cruise.” She patted his hand. “You’ve already shown me such a wonderful time. But a cruise too? It’s just too much.” He shook his head briskly. “What’s stopping us, Liz? We have the time and the funds…” He sat up taller in the chair and spread his hands expansively. “We’re here! Just think about that. If we were back home, we’d be looking forward to … breakfast.” He made a face. “Imagine, breakfast as the highlight of the day! And we’d be making a selection from that heart-healthy rot they call nourishment.” He shook his head briskly. “And then we’d either head off for some planned excursion to the mall, or off to a doctor’s appointment, or off to a recliner, where we’d while away an afternoon.” He gave another shake of his head. “We’re old. We’re not dead. No! I realize I’m not ready to pack it in. I’m not ready to be told what to do—have my every moment choreographed by someone who doesn’t even know me.”
