Kirra, too young to fully understand what was happening, appeared to be mostly confused, but quickly settled into nonchalance. I reserved a chance for... storminess later when realisation set in.In contrast, my second daughter’s response was one of barely contained fury. The black eyes glaring at me over Mother’s shoulder as Hotene listened to her explanation communicated everything: she believed that I was responsible for driving her grandmother away, and nothing anyone could say or do would sway. When we return to our new home Linda and I make love. It is as glorious as always, I do not know how I experience such joy. My life is reborn with Linda in a way I never think before, never dream. With her all is well.But later, it comes to me that there is a thing in my mind that I cannot leave. Beside me in bed Linda sleeps now, but sleep will not come to me. I rise softly so I will not wake her and go to other room in this great house that we now have. I must think to myself.I make error in. "Some day." But how? With the hormones and all. ..."She stopped and pulled at both of my hands until I was facing her. "Doyou trust me?"I didn't need to think twice. "Absolutely." We'll make it happen."A thousand questions ran through my head. I only asked one. "How?"Her smile outshone the sun setting behind her. "Together."=-=-=Christmas Chocolate RingsThe fresh pine log snapped and hissed as it caught fire from the dyingembers below. I nearly spilled what was left of my lukewarm cocoa on. " Oh," Gwen said with a startled shake of her head as she let her arms drop down to her sides, "that's almost romantic. It's definitely sexy enough to make me horny." Good," Ben said with a relieved grin, "does that mean we can fuck?" Of course," Gwen said as she reached for the hem of her sweater and then hesitated when she finally realized that neither of them had turned on the lights when they entered the room."Hi guys," Jane called from the chair where she sat next to the old control.