“Wonderful; darling; charming; cute”

Every morning, he’d wake to the sun and to the snores of his wife. He’d roll and with an outstretched arm, run his long fingers through her silken hair. She’d rouse and give him a slender smile, eyes gluey and cheeks reddened.

Cupping her face in his hands, he’d lean in and kiss her on her morning-breath lips, “Good morning my ducky love.”

“Good morning beef cake.” she’d reply, brushing his stubble.