It took Mark only a second to recover. Before he responded, he took a deep breath, released it, and then took another. Then his smile returned and Sar...h could almost see his heart melting. ‘That sounds like the best idea I’ve heard all day, in fact it’s the best idea I’ve heard all week — no, all month. Maybe the best idea I’ve ever heard in my life!’ That was the beginning, for of course, he did ask her out. In fact, from that moment on, they spent every spare minute that they could together.. I asked Jen if we could spend a day together and because she lived at home with her parent and they would look after her c***d, she had to clear it with them but not before her dad gave me another grilling about what? when? were? and why?. The green light was given and he allowed me to take his princess to the coast for the day and the date was booked.The day soon arrived and I picked Jen up, said hello to her dad and listen to his usual ground rules and we set off. Jen was wearing this lovely. When politely and shyly enquired as to why I wasn’t having dessert, my reply of "I’ll be having you later"Bringing a flush to her cheeks, as she politely excused herself to to powder her nose.Reaching under the table I wordlessly hand her a small bag, and return once more to studying the food on the tables around me, picking up the minor mistakes only a chef would notice. Upon her return I studied her as she sat gently down, only a small wince betraying the fact she’d obeyed the note in the. He had made it last through May, despite the desert heat.“If we have room, sure. Now you go get packed and get to bed, you have an early start tomorrow. Are you sure I can’t drive you?” Jess asked.“Naw, Greg organized a car, it’s all arranged. You coming to bed soon?” Dennis asked.“In a little while, I need to update Richie on the change of plans,” Jess sighed. She had done it! All her planning and scheming had worked out perfectly.And that was it, the game was afoot!~~~~Friday 13 December.