While we would be waiting for dessert and coffee, Michelle would excuse herself. That would be my opportunity to ask permission to marry Michelle.Just...on queue, Michelle excused herself. Her parents and I chit chatted for several minutes, and then I blurted it out, in my most sophisticated British accent. “Michelle and I have decided to get married, but first I want your permission to do so,” was my line, having practiced it in my mind for the last two days. “Oh Ben!” said the mom, “Wasn’t that. ” His voice was barely a whisper, their gazes locking as he gave a deep sigh. “I’m sorry… I wasn’t a bright teenager and looking back… I realize I must have really hurt you.” She stared at him for a long moment; she said nothing and barely took a gasp of air, before she even realized what was happening he was standing in front of her, embracing her tightly to his chest. She hated to say how much she loved it. His strong arms wrapped around her back, chiseled chest being crushed into her own,. We live right over there in that loose subdivision that borders the land here. We know the operators here real well and I told them to call us as soon as a strange aircraft called in. It was a gamble, but we figured it would be you."I said, "That wasn't very bright of me not to ask where to come in, especially since I haven't been out to see you here since you've built the house. I didn't realize you were building right next to an airport." We both wanted this place since we both give flying. I hadn't thought that we could, but Chief Horgun says that there will be room for them after all." And just how would we travel if we left our ponies behind," Gortai asked irritably, looking up from where he was bidding a fond farewell to a village maiden. "Is the Goddess Astur going to fly us through the skies?" Something like that. Wait, you will see," Chinzel answered with a sly smirk. "Now, let us go."Warmly bundled, they rode their ponies down a narrow trail. The clouds had closed in.