If Ford got caught being a sexual deviant by his wife-to-be, it would be much more problematic than Noble catching him — but he was sure that Ford knew that. Noble couldn't point it out. Not now, with his brother looking like a stray dog caught in a trap, and the room still smelling faintly of Mr. Farley's cologne.

But Ford's love affair wasn't just about him anymore, if it ever had been.

Noble held up his hands as if to surrender, and still could not resist saying — "Ford, we have to figure things out." The house was too small, and they had no money, and it was abundantly clear that Ford could not go burglarizing houses anymore. But Ford had to go off and be in love with someone, and this had to be distressing for the other person, sure — but what about their family?