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Karin Schill

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What a cute update with Margaret and her grandparents. She's only 11 and yet she keeps surprising her grandparents. I bet they hadn't expected her to be such a little shark at poker! :lol:

I like that you got a mention of Andrew Dowling in too!
Just after I had mentioned how it was weird they never mentioned him.
 

Ms Southworth

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Outstanding kitchen scene with Miss Ellie, Clayton, and Margaret! :jolly: 10 out of 10 points from me! :loveit: I liked the setting and the dialogue! :kiss: And let's not forget the mentioning of Miss Ellie's famous chili! :wink@

I really like the way you're writing the character of Margaret! Somehow, she's just like I imagined Donna's daughter would be! Very mature and smart for her age, including topics in regards to topics that children her own age couldn't care less about! :yep: And, of course, Margaret's not into watching television, which she most likely considers a waste of time! Excellent writing work! :wink@

LOL ... :lol: ... of course, Clayton doesn't want to take on Margaret in another board game! :D I loved Margaret's counter comment: “Grandpa, are you familiar with the term ‘sore loser’?:lolo: (PS. I added "you" in the qoute, as I imagined this word to be missing in your scene! Please hit me, if I'm mistaken! :box:)

Somehow, I'm not at all surprised that Margaret knows how to play poker! It goes very well with the type of upbringing that I imagine her to have had with Donna in Washington! :dance:

I was pleasantly surprised that Margaret is a great card shuffler as well! It gives her persona some edge! :think: And I like it! :loveit:

Clayton's response to Margaret's proposal of a poker game was such a "grandfatherly" thing to say: “That’s an awfully big game for someone so young.” :fantastic:

I got a good chuckle out of Clayton's comments:
  • I don’t know how I get myself into these things. I’m telling you Ellie, [Margaret's] a shark.:giggle:
  • But after [Margaret's] through with me, I may not have a leg to stand on!:lolo:

I loved the part of their conversation about who's got the most money - whether it be real money or not! :D

You did an awesome job with the way you wrote the character of Miss Ellie:
  • She’s got you over a barrel there, Clayton.:Clol:
  • She’s definitely keeping you on your toes.” :wink@
Somehow, I think that comments like these ones may come mighty close to something Barbara Bel Geddes could have said herself, if she'd been in similar circumstances! :giggle: She was quite a character ... and a funny lady to hang around with (or so I've heard)! :)

How sweet that Margaret asked if her grandparents would be at Southfork for Christmas! :ss7: I imagine that she just loves having a large family ... and especially having loving grandparents like Miss Ellie and Clayton! :kiss:

Please continue with this fanfic! :clap: Please entertain us some more! :spinning: Please update soon! :best:
 
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Ray&Donna

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Pillow Talk

Ray smiled as he felt Donna kiss the side of his face.

“Ready for another round?”

“Not just yet—I’d hate to wear you out, cowboy. I’m just getting you broke in again.” She tickled his ear with the tip of her finger.

He tilted his head to face her. “What did I ever do without you?”

She gave him a crooked smile. “Without,” she replied.

She propped herself up to face him, and she began to rub his firm bicep with her hand. He pulled her closer, so that she was able to rest her chin on his chest. He gazed into her eyes and ran his hand through her hair. “What would you think about moving in?”

She looked at him thoughtfully. “I don’t know if that would be right. What would Margaret say?”

“Well, you wouldn’t have to move into my room—you could use your regular one down the hall. You know, the one you never actually sleep in!”

She poked him in the side of his stomach. “Are you teasing me?”

“No, I’m serious. You two should move in. You already spend most of your time here anyway.”

She studied his face. “Why don’t we give it a few more days? Let’s wait until after Margaret starts school, then we’ll move in gradually. I just don’t want to rush this.”

He smiled at her. “Well I do—I want to be with you. But if I’ve waited this long, I can wait another week or two.”

“That’s the spirit. Now show me again how much you’ve waited.” He took her into his arms and they continued making up for lost time.
 
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Karin Schill

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Well considering the fact that they've just gotten engaged I'd say moving in together is the next logical step. :)
 

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Great scene from Ray's king size bed! :kiss: It was very easy to imagine SK and SH acting out this scene for real! :gotcha:

Amazing dialogue between Ray and Donna! :jolly: My favorite part of it has to be the part that made me smile and chuckle the most: :) :giggle:
  • Ready for another round?” :wink@
  • Not just yet—I’d hate to wear you out, cowboy. I’m just getting you broke in again.:p

I love that Ray suggested that they move in together! :) Being 11 years old, Margaret should definitely be included, not only in the discussion of when their family should all live under one roof, but also in the planning of the wedding and such. It seems like Ray and Donna may end up with a rather short engagement (and thus skip getting engagement rings all together), so the three of them need to take time picking out wedding bands, the type of wedding they want, clothes to go with it, a honeymoon, and so forth! :spinning:

I can't wait to see where this fan fic is going! :dance: Please update soon! :clap: And have a great New Year's Eve! :ny2:
 

Ray&Donna

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August 19, 1998

The next week and a half passed briskly as Ray and Donna prepared for their wedding and Margaret prepared for her first day at her new school. The more time they spent together as a family, the more comfortable they all became with the idea. As she watched them together, Donna was sometimes taken aback by just how much alike Ray and Margaret were. The same mannerisms, habits, expressions—it was all pretty remarkable for two people who had spent so many years apart—and yet to her it made complete sense. Since it was going to be an important day, she and Ray had already decided to meet beforehand and then take Margaret to school together. That morning, Donna woke Margaret up before she went downstairs to fix breakfast. Before she started, and while Margaret was still getting ready, she went to call Ray.

Ray had already been out riding that morning. He needed to be alone, and the cool morning air helped him to collect his thoughts. He was sad to see their summer coming to an end, but eager for the next phase of his life to begin. He wanted to be a good husband and father, someone his family could depend on to be there for them. He watched the sun rise, and then put his horse in the stables before going back inside. He had just finished cleaning up when the phone rang.

He picked it up, already knowing who it was. “Good morning, Donna.”

“Good morning, cowboy.”

“So how is everything going? Is Margaret ready for today?”

“I think so. How are you?”

“Do I get to spend the day with you?”

“Yes, you do.”

“Then I’m great.”

She laughed. “Me too. Can you do me a favor? I need a ride into town after we drop Margaret off.”

“Sure. What do you wanna do after that?”

“I don’t know. I’ll let you decide.”

“Do you wanna mess around?”

“Haven’t you asked me that before?”

Ray laughed. “Yeah, I guess I have.”

“Well, the answer’s the same, then,” Donna assured him.

“Great. I’ll see you in just a little while.”

“I can’t wait. Bye, Ray.”

“Bye, Donna.”

Ray thought about Donna as he drove toward her house. She was always the one who stabilized him, who made him see his life for what it could be—even if he was too stubborn to realize it. She was the one who had shown him that he could love someone else, and have them return that same love. She had tried her hardest to teach him about what was important in life, and he had finally accepted it.

When he arrived, he found Donna and Margaret having breakfast in the kitchen.

“Hey, partner.”

“Hey, daddy.” She jumped up and hugged him. “Come have breakfast with us.”

“I’ll just have some coffee, thanks.”

“What is it about people in Texas only wanting to have coffee for breakfast?” Margaret inquired. “Mama fixed pancakes and everything. The least you can do is have something to eat.”

Donna laughed. “It looks like your daughter has overruled you.”

Ray sat down at the table. “Where did she learn to be so persuasive?” He smiled at Donna.

She winked at him. “Oh, I don’t know. I guess she takes after me.” They continued making eyes at each other. Margaret stared at them curiously.

“Not to interrupt your moment or anything, but I need some more syrup.”

Ray continued to gaze at Donna. “Get it yourself, kid.” Finally he made his move and kissed her. Margaret shook her head at them and went for the pantry.

“I’m going to be putting the house on the market soon. I won’t need it anymore in a few more weeks.”

“Uh-huh,” Ray said. “I can’t wait.” They kissed again as Margaret came back in the kitchen.

“I guess this is what I have to look forward to. But seriously, you two are acting like a couple of teenagers.”

Ray smiled. “Remind me why we had a kid again?”

Donna caressed the side of his face as she looked at him. “Because we wanted one really, really badly. Just not one this sarcastic.”

Margaret gave them a perturbed look while eating. Donna finally noticed her. “Margaret, don’t frown so much. It’s the first day of school. Anyway, I need to finish getting ready, so I’ll leave you to talk.”

“Hurry back,” Ray said as she left the room. She smiled back at him.

Ray and Margaret ate in silence for a few minutes before he decided to say something. “So…first day of school?”

Margaret looked up from her eggs and smiled. “Isn’t that why you came to pick me up this morning?”

“Yeah, I guess it is. I just hope you’re not too nervous. The Braddock school system is really good.”

“I know…but I think you came to see mama more than you came to see me.” She smiled at him with that all-too-familiar mischievous grin.

“Maybe so, but I always want to see you. You’re the best kid I could ever ask for.”

“I love you, Daddy.

“I love you, too.”

Donna then returned. “Ready to go?” she asked both of them.

“I’m ready.” Margaret jumped out of her chair. “Now where is my backpack?”

“It’s already in the car,” Donna informed her. “Ready to go, cowboy?”

“Yes, ma’am.” He smiled at her. They held hands as they followed Margaret outside.

She turned to face them before she hopped in the backseat. “Okay, there will be no kissing or hugging in front of the school. It’s now or never.”

“I’ll take my hug now, then.” Ray bent down and hugged her. “Good luck today, partner.”

Donna then bent down to kiss her daughter on the cheek. “Okay, time to go.” And with that, they got inside and headed down the road.

A little while later, with Margaret dropped off at school—she was able to let go much easier than her parents—Ray and Donna headed for Dallas.

“So what did you need to come into the city for?”

‘Well, you know how we’re getting married in a few weeks?”

“Yeah, I seem to remember that.”

“Well, I already have a dress. Which means, of course, that you need to be measured for your tuxedo.”

“Seriously?”

“Seriously. You can’t just get married as is.”

“Okay then. But this better be worth it.”

“Oh, I promise I’ll make it worth your while. Remember, patience is a virtue."
 
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Karin Schill

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Very cute family update. :)
I guess Margaret is at the age when watching her parents kissing can be slightly embarrassing...
 

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Amazing update about wedding preparations and 1st day at a new school! :spinning:

I loved the part about how the three of them are becoming a tight-knit family! :hug:I also loved how much alike father and daughter are when it comes down to it! :gotcha:

I'm a lot like Ray in this fanfic! :) I like to enjoy the fresh early morning air ... ... clearing my mind while I'm doing some kind of physical activity! :hat:

I had to read these two sentences over and over several times as they just said so much: "[Ray] was sad to see their summer coming to an end, but eager for the next phase of his life to begin. He wanted to be a good husband and father, someone his family could depend on to be there for them." :clap:

Great conversation between Ray and Donna! :gotcha: And may I say that I love it when Ray jokes around:
  • Do I get to spend the day with you? ... ... Then I’m great.:giggle:

  • Do you wanna mess around?:D

The description of Ray's thoughs when he drove to Donna's house was just amazing: "She was always the one who stabilized him, who made him see his life for what it could be—even if he was too stubborn to realize it. She was the one who had shown him that he could love someone else, and have them return that same love. She had tried her hardest to teach him about what was important in life, and he had finally accepted it." :dance:

Great conversation between the three of them at the breakfast table! Very entertaining! :bowing

I laughed out loud at a couple of Margaret's comments seeing her parents making out:
  • Not to interrupt your moment or anything, but I need some more syrup.:p

  • I guess this is what I have to look forward to. But seriously, you two are acting like a couple of teenagers.:kiss:

I have no doubt that Ray - with Donna's help - will look very handsome at their upcoming wedding! :kiss:

I'm looking forward not only to Ray and Donna's wedding day but also their wedding night! Also, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Bobby will have found Pam and brought back to Southfork, so the entire family will be united once again on Ray and Donna's special day! :jolly:

Please update soon! :best:
 

Ray&Donna

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I'm looking forward not only to Ray and Donna's wedding day but also their wedding night! Also, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Bobby will have found Pam and brought back to Southfork, so the entire family will be united once again on Ray and Donna's special day! :jolly:

Please update soon! :best:

That's the other story :D ;)

***

With the fitting out of the way, they spent the early afternoon lying in the bed. Ray nibbled on her ear and she laughed.

“Didn’t I tell you I’d make it worth your while?”

Ray rolled over so that he was on top of her. “Well, you didn’t lie.” He kissed her and then nibbled on her lip. She smiled as he ran his hand through her hair.

“Want me to make it worth your while again?”

“Uh-huh.”

“Come on then, cowboy. I’ve got to take you back to school soon, but that doesn’t mean I can’t teach you a few things right now.” She moaned softly as he entered her. He kissed her both softly and intensely, in the way only he could, as she ran her hands all over his body, touching him in places that only she knew to touch. He quickened his pace and she grasped him tightly as she felt his release inside of her.
 

Ms Southworth

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Cute update from the bedroom! :swing:

Ray and Donna's short conversation made me smile, as it said so much:
  • “Didn’t I tell you I’d make it worth your while?” :cool1
  • “Well, you didn’t lie.” :p
  • “Want me to make it worth your while again?” ;)
  • “Uh-huh.” :dance:
  • “Come on then, cowboy. I’ve got to take you back to school soon, but that doesn’t mean I can’t teach you a few things right now.” :jumpingsnow: :kiss:

Please update soon! :bowing. :best:
 

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August 22, 1998

Donna looked over her manuscript for what seemed like the hundredth time. Naturally there would be further revisions, but having been out of the writing game for so long, she wanted to make a good impression. What she had written was coherent, it was true to Andrew, and was honest. Finishing the book was like closing the chapter on this part of her life, a time that was happy if not completely fulfilled. She was lost deep in thought when a voice interrupted her.

“Mama, what’re you doing?”

She turned to face her daughter. “I was just looking over this manuscript one last time before I mail it to the publisher.”

Margaret smiled. “You should let me read it.”

“I don’t think you’d find it very interesting. All of that political stuff can be kind of dry and boring.”

“Well, I lived part of it—how boring could it be?” She reassured.

Donna laughed. “You’ve got a point there.” She looked at Margaret pensively. “Do you ever miss him?”

“I do sometimes. It seems weird that I can’t see him anymore, since he was such a big part of my life.”

“That’s how I feel, too. He really did love you like you were his own.”

“I know,” she replied. After thinking about something for a moment, she asked her own question. “How did you meet Andrew?”

“Well, it was kind of a chance meeting. I was working on the oil lobby, trying to help stabilize the price per barrel. He was one of the senators I had to convince that my goals were worthwhile.” She motioned toward the couch. “Come sit beside me.”

Margaret sat down and continued the discussion. “So you met him in Washington?”

“Yes—in those days I commuted back and forth. Not the easiest thing for a pregnant woman to do, but I felt it was important.”

“How did Daddy feel about it?”

Donna frowned. “Well, he didn’t approve. We had hit a rough patch, and all we did was continue to hurt each other. There was a disconnect between what was being said and what was understood. There was a divide and there just wasn’t a way for us to live together anymore.”

Margaret looked puzzled. “That’s kind of confusing—could you clarify your point?”

Donna laughed. “What are you, a lawyer?” She then smiled. “I’ll try to simplify it. We couldn’t be what the other wanted—or needed—at that time. Do you understand?”

“I think so.”

“So we both found people who would give us what we needed then. It didn’t mean we didn’t love each other anymore, it just meant that it didn’t seem right to stay together just because there was a baby on the way. That’s why you were born in Washington. The divorce was already final, and I had moved there permanently. It was a hard decision, but I did what I thought was best for our future. It seems silly now, doesn’t it?”

Margaret placed her hand on Donna’s. “It’s not silly—just kind of sad. But the good news is that all of that is the past.”

“Thanks honey. You’re right, of course. Okay, I have to take this to the post office. I know you want to come.”

“Of course—then again, I’ll do anything to keep from having to do homework.”

“Did you finish packing up your room?” They had discussed moving to Ray’s house for good after her first day of school.

“Yes, but I didn’t have that much. Almost everything is over there already, since that’s where we spend so much time.”

Donna smiled to herself. “Well, we do spend a lot of time there, but I know your daddy enjoys it.”
 

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Beautiful mother/daughter scene! :spinning:

I'm glad that Donna was able to finish her manuscript! I just love this sentence: "Finishing the book was like closing the chapter on this part of her life, a time that was happy if not completely fulfilled."

Margaret really IS the daughter of a politician: :giggle:
  • Margaret: “You should let me read it.” :)
  • Donna: “I don’t think you’d find it very interesting. All of that political stuff can be kind of dry and boring. :mo:
  • Margaret: “Well, I lived part of it—how boring could it be?” :lol:

Sweet talk about Andrew and the time when the three of them were a family! :hat:And it was a nice summary of how Donna and Andrew met! :jolly:

My favorite parts of this scene are Donna's superb responses to her daughter's questions:
  • Well, he didn’t approve. We had hit a rough patch, and all we did was continue to hurt each other. There was a disconnect between what was being said and what was understood. There was a divide and there just wasn’t a way for us to live together anymore.:gotcha:
  • So we both found people who would give us what we needed then. It didn’t mean we didn’t love each other anymore, it just meant that it didn’t seem right to stay together just because there was a baby on the way. That’s why you were born in Washington. The divorce was already final, and I had moved there permanently. It was a hard decision, but I did what I thought was best for our future. It seems silly now, doesn’t it?:clap:

Margaret just cracks me up: :giggle:
  • That’s kind of confusing—could you clarify your point?:lmao:
  • What are you, a lawyer? ... ... :lol: ... ... I’ll try to simplify it. We couldn’t be what the other wanted—or needed—at that time. ... ...;)

Yet, Margaret is also extremely mature for her age: "Margaret placed her hand on Donna’s. “It’s not silly—just kind of sad. But the good news is that all of that is the past.:spinning:

10 out of 10 points from me! :jum:Excellent writing! :j1:

Please update soon! :best:
 
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Karin Schill

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I really like that Margaret and Donna talked about Andrew and also Donna's new book. It was good to get to know how Margaret feel about all this. :)
 

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Ray and Clayton were spending that same Saturday riding across the ranch. Each was glad that, if only for a few months, they could once again get another man’s perspective on things. It was the afternoon now, and they paused as they came to the top of the ridge overlooking the river.

Clayton looked over at Ray. “This time next month, you’ll be a married man again.”

Ray glanced at him, and the concerns on his mind were evident. “I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous. I wasn’t exactly the world’s best husband the other times.”

“Your eyes look troubled Ray, but that’s not what matters. Do you love her?

“Of course I do, Clayton.”

“Then that’s all that matters. If you really love somebody, you find a way to make it work.”

“Do you think I’m rushing things? How did you know that you were ready to get married again?”

Clayton thought about it for a second. “A lot of times when you find true love, it’s an accident. But if you find it twice, it’s yours and you’ve earned it.”

“I guess maybe you’re right.”

“Of course I’m right.” He smiled at Ray. “No matter what obstacles have come our way, I’ve never regretted marrying Ellie for one moment.”

“I’m making the right decision—I just worry about spoiling things.”

“I know you do, but Donna ‘gets’ you and understands your feelings. You love each other unconditionally and that’s rare to find these days.”

“We’re both pretty lucky, aren’t we?”

“That we are, Ray—lucky indeed.”
 
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Karin Schill

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Great update with Clayton & Ray. I've always enjoyed their friendship. :)
You did a great job at describing how Ray's feeling a bit apprehensive/insecure about the marriage and that it will fail again and how Clayton reassured him that all that matters is that Ray and Donna love and understand each other.
 

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Awsome scene with Ray and Clayton! :spinning: 10 out of 10 points from me, as the scene definitely had that unique “Dallas” feeling about it! :clap: Also, I just love scenes, where the main characters take a step back and you get to take a peek inside their brains! :) As always, your descriptions of the surrounding was superb! :jolly:

I really liked listening to how apprenhensive Ray is about his upcoming wedding! I think that it’s a good thing that he doesn’t take married life and romance as granted, but realizes that it’s something that needs to be “nurtured”! :yep: This was Ray’s best line, IMO: “I’m making the right decision—I just worry about spoiling things.:)

Clayton’s comforting and reasuring words were excellent! :yep: I especially liked this piece of advice: “A lot of times when you find true love, it’s an accident. But if you find it twice, it’s yours and you’ve earned it.:kiss:

Please update soon! :best: I’m loving this fanfic! :love5: And to no one’s surprise I’m looking so much forward to the wedding! :love6:
 

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August 26, 1998

They finished moving in that weekend, and Donna put her house up for sale. She loved living at the ranch, and she knew Margaret did, too. As far removed as it was from her previous life, she knew she belonged here. Margaret had school, so Donna and Ray spent their days together, taking in the beauty and calm of the land. They would usually spend their days on horseback, riding across the ranch, or visiting with Clayton and Miss Ellie. In the meantime, wedding preparations had been completed. Miss Ellie offered to host a small ceremony and reception at Southfork; they had accepted, and most of the RSVPs from guests had been received.

Another perfect summer day had come to an end. It was late in the evening, and Ray had asked Donna to go for a walk with him. With Margaret asleep, they snuck out the front door. Ray never tired of having her all to himself, and he slipped his hand into hers as they walked across the lawn. She almost couldn’t believe she was here with him—it seemed like something out of a dream.

The moon lit their path, and the stars hung in the sky like a billion diamonds. As they walked past the stables and across the backyard, each of them wanted to say something but resisted the urge to interrupt the moment. When they came to the fence, they paused to look up at the stars. Ray looked at Donna. He couldn’t be for sure, but she seemed to be off in another world.

“You seem so deep in thought. You looked like you were wishing on a star or something.”

She smiled at him. “I don’t have to wish on a star. I’ve got everything I could ever need right here on this ranch.”

He smiled back at her. “Me, too,” he said.

“I was kind of lost in thought, though. I was thinking about the night we met. It was a night like this, where it seemed like the evening was made just for us.” She continued. “You were the kindest, most handsome man I’d ever met. Even then, I knew you were something special. Neither of us is young anymore, but when I look into your eyes, I can still see what I saw all those years ago.”

He felt himself blush a little, as his heart filled up with emotion, and he thought he felt a tear form in his eye. He tried to compose himself. “It’s so beautiful out here. You know what else this reminds me of?”

“What’s that?”

“The first night we ever spent together.”

She glanced at the side of his face. “I thought you might say that.”

“You know, I was so nervous that night. I wanted everything to be perfect. I couldn’t have known then what I know now—that the way you felt about me meant that you would accept me no matter what. My faults didn’t matter then. And they don’t matter now. All that matters is that I love you, and I’d walk through Hell and back to keep you.”

When he looked over at her, he noticed she was crying. “Ray, you have to stop saying things like that. It makes me go weak and I start to cry like a baby.”

“Well, that’s kind of what I’m here for.”

“What’s that—to turn me into a blubbering fool?”

“No, of course I don’t want to make you cry. I’m here to support you when you get weak. You know, when you need someone to lean on.”

“I do need you—more than you know.” She paused. “You weren’t the only one who was nervous that night.” She turned to face him. “But you did everything right, and as we lay there I knew I’d made the right decision.”

Ray laughed. “Well, you weren’t so bad yourself.” Ray reflected for a moment and smiled. “I didn’t mean to laugh at what you said. It was just a happy memory.”

She pulled him close to her. “I’ll forgive you—but only if you seal it with a kiss.”

He pulled her close to him and pressed his lips to hers. “Are you ready to go inside?”

“I think so. But it’s getting kind of chilly, so I’m going to need you to keep me warm.”

He put his arm around her as they began to walk toward the house. “I think I can take care of that.

***

Later that night, he lay in bed watching her sleep. All he could think about was how blessed he was to have found his soul mate, not once but twice, and how as long as they lived, nothing in this world could ever tear them apart again. He brushed the hair from her face and she smiled as she slumbered, oblivious to his actions. Gradually he drifted off to sleep, the stars twinkling and the moon shining its light down on them as they dreamt of each other.
 
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