Tea was kind of important here. Especially in the South where he was from. "You can add sugar to any tea," he reminded her. "But it always don't take it well. Some of that stuff just taste bitter no matter how much sugar you put in."
He didn't think anything of her patting his knee. Sam came from a big affectionate family, and little comforting touches were all part of that. He frowned as she jerked her hand away. "You okay, Dorcas?" he asked.