I’ve been out of the country for nearly three years. Before that I went through about one and a half schools a year, so I never had a chance to deve...op friends. Anyway, it’s just a thought.”“Kelly, I would love to be in your wedding. But are you sure your mother would approve?”“I don’t really see why not. I happen to know that some of her best friends are liberals. She’s very tolerant,” Kelly finished with a grin.Moments later Bill appeared, followed by Mike. Mike gave Kelly his usual warm. First is to give you a message from Debbie – after we talked last night." (I saw Gareth give us both a quizzical look but he didn't make any comment.) "I suggested that she take a break for the day, do some thinking and that sort of thing. In return for which, I said I'd come in and help out in her place, if that's OK?"We both agreed that it was, though I could tell that Gareth was now retrospectively curious about where Debbie had been – this morning and, I guessed, last night, too. Well, he'd. .. but, you have some unfinished business with Jennifer. You know it, I know it, she knows it. So for the present, my answer to you, 'oh love of my life' and I mean that with all sincerity. My answer is 'no -it's a probationary no... but it is a no.' When you and Jen are through with whatever you two need to do. I'll reconsider."I sat in the chair next to her, still holding her hand. My emotions felt as if I were riding on a roller-coaster with the safety bar loose. Lynne came over and sat in. He agreed a set of signals with Lachlan and Colmgil and prepared himself to ascend in the balloon. Gabrain insisted that he go up too but Scott tried to convince him it was better if only one of them went up. Gabrain was having none of it, going so far as to make it a royal order, something he had never done before. Wolf set to barking loudly as Gabrain leapt into the basket and Scott fired the brazier, rapidly working the bellows to increase the heat. Slowly the balloon filled up and rose.