Anne nodded. She knew people like that. Or rather, their children. She dried her hands. "Let's go."

He opened the door for her and walked out behind her. "Thank you again for the great work. My house looks amazing."

Anne smiled at him. "I'm glad you're pleased, Elijah. Ye should find a wife, so it'll always be clean!"

Elijah looked embarassed and rubbed the back of his neck. "Its complicated. But between my scars and how hard I work, I'd be a terrible husband. No one should feel they have to settle for someone like me. But thank you."

"But you are kind and responsible. You would be a good husband and father." Anne said, believing that she was being super helpful.

Elijah smiled and shrugged. "Well I believe there should be love too. I don't think I can say it would be so easy. I like spending my money and time helping others ."

Anne looked at him surprised. "Ye mean to say you've ne'er been in love before?"

Elijah looked away embarassed. "I never tried. I was teased badly as a child and figured no one could ever love me back." Of course his mind briefly flashed over a few men in his life that came close, the latest being a certain holy man.

Anne suddenly stopped walking and frowned. "I'm sorry. Kids are mean."

Elijah shrugged and put his hands in his pockets. "Most don't know better. They don't realize it's mean or they have to be taught not to be mean. Some don't care and it never changes." He sighed walking in a leisurely stride beside her. "I'm glad all you kids grew up good."