Carla Jean can't help the way her expression twists with skepticism at that — not because of what Kate's told her in itself, but because it's something that people apparently need a warning for. In her opinion, that's utter bullshit. She's got half a mind to ask who and find out why, but that's not half as important right now as where she stands on the matter. There'll be time to roll her eyes at others later.

"My husband was more'n twice my age when we met and got married," she says, absently twisting the ring on her finger, though there's nothing soft or too sentimental in her tone. It's just a fact, stated plain and simple, not worth getting hung up on. "Unless by older you mean he's on his deathbed, I don't see what difference it makes. Least of all to anyone else."