It's probably for the better that the entire village hasn't been afflicted. Beverly cringes inwardly at the thought of more people being so vocal about their honest thoughts. Things are strained enough already. The last thing they all need is brutal honesty.

"Probably better that I don't run into them if they are," she admits wryly. "There is such a thing as too much honesty. At least if I stay with you, the most I have to worry about is the occasional profession of love and we've already jumped that hurdle."

If she does tell him how much she loves him, at least that won't be a surprise. Unlike some other things she could say.