I started to say something, but she spun and wrapped her other arm around my neck, reaching up to kiss me firmly. Pulling back, she said, "We don't ha...e time for much. My mother wants to take me shopping, and I managed to stall her for a few minutes. I told her I needed to talk to you about some research that we had planned to do today. We only have time for a quickie, so that will be today's lesson."She backed up to the workbench, and lifted her skirt. "Lift me up, please."I stepped up to her,. You girls are the best thing that has ever happened to me. For me, the present dire circumstances are worth every bit of hardship and aggravation we are facing, but I feel for you and your friends and the losses you are will suffer.”“Don’t worry about us, Gramps. We are getting what all of us desired more than anything. We wanted children, a suitable father for them and a challenge commensurate with our mental abilities. What set of circumstances could possibly have provided all of our desires. "Something to look forward to."They walked quietly to a small bistro on a side street that tried to look English or Irish, The Oaken Bucket it was called with an ornate wooden sign hanging out front. He led her to a table on the side of the faux-paneled room with its ornate coats of arms, and they sat and put down their work. "You have to fetch beer here, no waiters." He remembered his long-ago trip to England with his wife and their time in a smelly pub, a very misty memory."I'll get it," she. When the time comes I can help steer you in the right direction for those also.”She had thanked him again several times and before she left he pulled a book from a shelf in his office and handed it to her. “This is a general introduction to Civil Engineering. It will give you a better idea of just what areas you might find most interesting. Take it with you and spend some time this summer with it. You have my e-mail address so when you have questions, feel free to ask.”Now in July, Emily was.