Hill herself eschewed the forge—"Me, get all sweaty down there where nice girls don't go?" she'd asked. "I don't think so. It's not bride-like." But...she'd insisted that he bring the products to her for inspection, and had twice sent him back for minor emendations. The night after she finally gave her approval had been a memorable one for all on the planet, and several opined that her shrieks of pleasure had probably reached as high as the Gardener itself.Some of them told her so the next. He climbed into the truck and closed the door, but sat there for a few moments. She had affected him more than he realized. His invitation to walk the seawall was a last-second attempt to have the evening continue. He was pleased when she agreed. He started the truck and drove off toward the park. Jenny was standing beside her car, waiting for him to arrive. He parked, climbed down from the big cab, and walked over to Jenny, holding out his hand to her. She took it, looking in his eyes as they. Again.It has been a few weeks since I last heard his voice and my heart aches to hear it again right now. I feel a deep sadness and it has fully taken hold of me today. I feel almost desperate to hear his laughter and be the one to bring him joy. I want to hear all about his day and have long conversations on subjects we have discussed a million times before. I want to talk about the impossible dream of a life we could have together. I want to hear him say that he loves me just as much as I. That one should never be redundant... in polite conversation...after a point is made... until one of Them says now... "yeah... yewfreaky white bitch... tail yo' Wife sum mo'... 'bout how yew changed yo'racist attitude... 'twenen uhh black man's laigs... wholl yew wuzlickin' up unduhneaf' Hiz nutsack... muthafuckuh..." as new words...from a slightly different subject matter... start spilling from yourlips..."oh... yes... please... I... I forgot... I... I never knew that Iwas a racist... before.