Mark gave her a warm, loving smile and got up from the couch. He turned off the television and the two of them walked to the kitchen to prepare dinner together. There was no urgent, animal desire when they cooked and shared their meal. Instead, they talked and joked and laughed the entire time, outside of when they were actually chewing and swallowing their food.
While they were washing the dishes afterward, Mark got a text on his cell phone. He read it and then turned the phone to show it to Tanya. "It's Debra," he said. "She wants to come over tonight. Is that okay with you?"
Tanya nodded as she read the message. It said simply, "Can I take care of you tonight?" She looked from the phone to her father's face. He was watching her intently.
"Are you sure it's okay?" he asked again.
She
