At the time," she added."Glad I didn't bet on that one either. I'd almost be willing to bet you could convince the Pope to allow conjugal relations in...side the Vatican!"She actually stopped for a moment as though considering that as I stumbled ahead briefly, stopping myself looking at her. "Funny you should say that," she smiled. "Always thought it would be fun to get it on somewhere around there, would be quite the challenge wouldn't it?" Actually ... no. I wouldn't take bets against you. Mama had helped them get the adoptions approved, and the children seemed to have completely taken over both their lives. I'd never seen Grace happier, or more content. Watching Jane fussing over Diane and Lorraine, their two new daughters, was a sentimental thing for me to see.I'd gotten too caught up in my own life and problems to manage to keep up with these good friends of mine. All of them expressed their worry and concern for me. It made me realize how many lives my own now touched in so. And I promise, I won't even get all bitchy about the bridesmaid's dresses. I promise I will do my best to make it your special day."She stands then and I leap up to hug her. We kiss and it turns into a very sensual kiss. I feel the rise and fall of her breath and feel her tears on my cheek. I cry, too. I slip my hand between us and untie the belt of her robe. I push the thin cotton robe off her shoulders and step back. Her hands drop and the robe slides to the floor. I take in the sight of her. A woman wandering alone in the world needs do what she must to stay alive. Indeed, it is a service offered by many travelling women amongst the people of the southern valleys." It's not what how I would wish it to be," Ivory sniffed. "Is there nothing else I can do?" While you live in this village," said Glade with a sad smile, "what the Chief wishes is what you must do."For the rest of the day, the shaman and her apprentice supervised the preparation of entertainments for the Reindeer Herders..