"Most assuredly," Molokov answered, salivating with eagerness as the delicious aroma washed over him. If he closed his eyes, he could imagine himself as a boy again, sitting at the dinner table and playfully poking his sister as they waited for their meal to be served. He had not thought of Nadezdha in years and it was a bittersweet memory.

Once Helen had filled his plate, he thanked her graciously and dove in. From the first bite, he was in heaven. Each bite after that was just icing on the cake, as it were. If ever there was a reason for him to propose marriage, this might well be it.