His body was stiff from the exertion, but he wanted no one to help him in the task. He dug the hole deep in the woods beside Maggie’s cottage. Maggi... stayed inside, preparing Regan. When the hole was deep enough, Cien climbed out slowly and looked down. He had the most sincere wish that he could burry himself right along with her. For a long moment he couldn’t breathe through the pain in his chest. Would that pain always be there when he thought of her? A memory of her smiling and happy. On the lips, in the usual way. She kissed me back like a child, with her lips shut. I tried again, with the same result. "Can you feel what my lips are doing?" I asked gently."Yes," she said."Then see if you can make your lips do the same thing." When I kissed her the next time, her lips relaxed and softened, and moved against mine. I slipped my hand under her back and held her close, and on the next kiss, I tickled her lips with my tongue. I was immensely relieved and gladdened to feel the tip. He smiled and lead me to the kitchen. The oven was on and it looked like he was baking something. What are you cooking? I asked. Just some brownies for later, He said. I was leaning against the counter and he was next to me. Next thing I knew he leaned over and kissed me. I kissed him, and we made out for a good 3 minutes until he broke away. Wh- I started to ask, but a loud timer cut me off. Oh, the brownies. I said. Haha yeah. Let me take them out real quick. He put on oven mits and bent over. I’ll be honest, I haven’t caught you, but I’mpretty sure you’re cheating on me. I suspect with thejack-ass you just danced with. I saw the look youguys gave each other when you went to the bathroom.Then he came over to our table he gave me the sameamount of respect a guy would give to the husband ofa woman he’s fucking…none.”“Harry,” she said, now with a softer voice, “I wouldnever cheat on you, why would you even think.