They had lived their most of Becky’s life and she grew up there – it was a safe and friendly area where nothing big ever happened.So she felt perf...ctly at ease leaving windows open while she was home, even being alone. She had come home from work that Friday night from the local home improvement store where she worked as a cashier and demonstrator. She enjoyed the job, but she was also glad it was the weekend as that day had been a busy one.But this night was not to be the quiet peaceful one. It's not for me, you understand." "Of course not. "It's for my impecunious family. My father hurt his back, and cannot work; my mother must work, doing the most menial of chores; my brother is a hopeless drunk; my little sister needs braces..." "...And your grandmother needs a new kidney. "You are a noble soul to sacrifice your own happiness to marry for money, Thalia Menninger." "I know. But now I can have both," she smiled up at him, as she held herself to him. "Oh, I wish that were true, My. ’ A little last-minute change of plans was necessary. The call to Ginger ensured that Archie would be at the shelter and they could have a few minutes alone. The Moment was fast-arriving. ***** ‘Merry Christmas, and welcome to the shelter. What can I do … Oh, hey, Samantha! What are you doing here this early?’ Samantha smiled broadly. ‘Hi! What can you do for me? You can come around and hug me. And why am I here early? I’m here to give my boyfriend a ride home.’ Folding her in his arms, Archie. " John dad said with a smile. "Mom decided to see if you had some dirty clothes the other day and found your little secret out. We had a little talk about it. We'll love you no matter if you're our son or our daughter." "Th-Thanks." John said sniffling. "But this is all such a surprise. I always dreamed that you'd act like this. Always dreamed you'd take it this way." Wiping away the tears, John watched as his mother went over to the wardrobe and pulled out a pretty blue dress with a red.