I was pleased and proud of my choices... she really seemed to like the jewelry. Her kiss of thanks almost took me down on the couch right there, in front of my cousin and his wife.

"Thank you Cian... Its beautiful..." She smiled, and the world brightened.
A soft laugh came to her lips. "I think we need to keep focused on saying thank you to your friends before I let us get distracted..."

It occurred to me later, that was the first time I ever heard her laugh that did not involve pain.

About 40 minutes later we said fair-well to Chester and Marta; I sent them on their way with several written instructions to various people which Ches would call or mail the next day (Monday). Krista kissed both of them, and thanked Marta for her kindness and concerns. I had already made a mental note to see if Marta would like to expand her business... or if Chester needed an influx of capital. Good family is like a precious memory; one must hold them close and keep them special.

About 20 minutes after I finished helping them load their bikes, they roared off towards the road. Krista and I were alone. Time to get to know the woman.

Turning back towards the cabin, I was surprised to see Krista standing on the cabin steps, dressed only in her jewelry and a smile. I responded to the unspoken shout... and we ran together to the bed. Time to baptize this place as ours.