It was very similar to our Presbyterian church. Looking at the program, I felt that I would be comfortable with the message, the people, and the music...Mack introduced us as Gretchen's parents and then said that we were here as their special guests while he made a special announcement. He said, "I have asked and the lovely Gretchen Carlsen has agreed to become my wife. Following a precedent set by her parents, we will be married next Sunday afternoon at three o'clock. It will be a small wedding. Oland and his father sat and talked for several hours, after sending Beatra home. Berandal had a hard time believing his son's story, until Roland pulled out the gems. There was more than Roland first saw in the pouch, when they were all dumped out on the table.Along with the emeralds and diamonds, there were rubies and sapphires. There was also a very heavy ring, that was the last piece out. the voice in Roland's head gloated."Power ring?" Roland asked out loud, startled.Berandal looked at his. ?’ I ventured. Ok, so maybe I was fishing for compliments but after the recent blow to my confidence I think I’d earned the right to. ‘Well,’ He began, ‘From what I can see you’re not wearing any make-up which means you want people to appreciate that you are who you are. You’re nervous because you’re not really used to doing this sort of thing, which means you’ve recently been through a break-up. I’d say he messed you up good and proper because you have very little confidence in yourself. Your. ....jest gon...gonna get (blech) get rid of those extrabit...bits," she replied.Terrified and horrified, my fight or flight instincts kicked in likenever before. My purse was full and heavy. As she staggered closer, Iswung it, hard. It caught Auntie on her left shoulder sending hercrashing into the wall. I grabbed my suitcase and headed out the doornot bothering to see if I had seriously hurt her. I made it as far asthe highway when Thad's truck pulled up. That's when I had a.