I don’t always achieve that ideal, but it is what I strive for. It wouldn’t change anything about how I feel for you, nor would it change my desir...e to marry you.”“And you don’t think it should change my desire?”“That’s up to you,” I replied warily. “If I’ve failed to meet your standards, then you have to decide how to move forward, if at all.”“What do you want?”“The same thing I’ve always wanted,” I replied. “A faithful Orthodox wife with whom I can raise faithful kids, and who will be a. I’d just about had time to light a cigarette when Carol appeared. She winked at me. “Are you always this naughty?” she asked.I shrugged. Her flirtatiousness made my resentment crumble. “Only when I’m required to be nice.” Noticing that she wasn’t carrying anything, I offered her a cigarette. She took one with nimble fingers and allowed me to light it for her. I watched as Carol took a drag, the smoke lingering as she exhaled. There was no breeze to speak of, and in that peculiar way the climate. ... When I was working back at my friend Rich's telephone business, we hired a new guy named Carl. Carl was one of these techy type guys, a real nerd, so to speak. He was smart though, I have to admit. Got something like a 790 on the math portion of his SAT's. He was really a smart guy and that was what we needed. Anyway, one day Carl was a bit excited.... "Alan." Carl said. "Yes, Carl." I answered. "I think I invented a time machine." "Um...what dude?" I asked cautiously. "I think I invented a. “Me-me neither.” I grinned nervously. She laughed.“Well, your father’s much less happy about the whole endeavor, so I decided to call up a priest. They’ll take care of the ceremony, make sure your father handles things with dignity.” Mom assured me, lacing her fingers with mine.“Mom... can we lay in bed together?” I asked shyly. She kissed my forehead.“After the ceremony, I’ll do whatever you ask. But right now, I’m under orders from your father to never climb into bed with another man. Which.