I took a scoop of ice-cream, sat on the sofa, turned on the mushiest, most self-indulgently disgusting romantic crap I found, ate up, and sniffled eve...y now and then.Aideen arrived from work and saw me in that rather distasteful state. I had just finished watching yet another stupid romantic scene and was crying when she came through. She took a couple of seconds to look at me, as if she couldn’t believe her eyes.“Stop that infernal lowing this instant!” she said.“I’m ... I’m ... sorry. I. Tomorrow, those riding drag will to it all day." Billy turned to chase a steer back into the group.Pedro had dinner ready when Emerson, Maria, and Billy rode up to the camp fire. Pat, Miguel, and Ernie had already finished and were back out circling the herd. The rest were working on their meals."I never knew beans and biscuits could taste so good," Cathy spoke as she dished more onto her plate. "I hope I don't gain weight on this trip. If I do, Pedro, it will be your fault."Pedro, who had not. He was there with his eyes lowered, completely comfortable. I was on the edge of my seat, wondering what was going on. Mary straightened her skirt again and turned to me. "So, Nicki. It seems you weren't saved by the bell after all. You were broken down in the country, with no phone and you were dressed in a latex catsuit." Nigel flinched. Like he knew he shouldn't move, maybe like he wasn't supposed to be listening, but couldn't help himself. "Now now, boy." said Mary. "Boy?" I thought. "Boy?". I tossed my shirt and jeans aside and pulled on the silky white boxers I'd chosen for this night and then I lay back on the bed to await my angel.I heard Missy gasp when she opened the bathroom door and saw the dry ice cloud filling the hallway. She looked like an angel as she walked slowly toward me. I could see her body outlined by the kitchen light. The soft white negligee blew gracefully behind her as she made her way toward me."Oh, John," she sighed as she entered the bedroom. Two candles.