” My wife was doing a remarkable job of keeping a straight face.Amber’s expression changed from confusion to surprise then to gratitude all withi... a heartbeat. But Franklin’s eyes narrowed. He turned to Amber. “Please excuse us for a moment.” Without waiting for a response, he led his daughter a short distance away. “Ok, Amanda. What’s this about?” he demanded when they were out of earshot.“I thought I already explained everything.”“Yes, yes. ‘Adult alone time’, I know. What are you. " She waved at the box of rolls. "Anyway, you're all set." Thanks a lot," Crystal said. It took all three of them to get the cake and pastries out to the car. Crystal drove through a few ruts, then got on a side street with fresh snow where it was easier going. "I love those rolls," she said. "They have a cream filling you suck out through the tip."Karen smirked. "The perfect thing for our party."The first two floors were a construction zone with cabling and pipes everywhere. Because of the. She was a vision and Astahoped some of the attention would be on her so she could get throughthe ceremony. Valencia's gown was a simpler version of her own, longand straight following Valencia's lean curves and also sporting a high-collared V-neck. She got her own soft white cape and her hair felldown in soft curls on top of it. Asta clipped the clasp shut for herand turned her toward the mirror where they could each see both oftheir reflections.Asta looked and felt feminine and gorgeous. . Your Stanley Sports Steamer, for example.”“The cause of my late arrival yesterday.”“Exactly. This Gimp has spent time with my engineers. I think you will find he possesses useful mechanical skills that could help avoid such difficulties.”“His other skills would seem worthwhile too, if I believe the look of delight on the face of Madame Chair of Council. And to have a resident Gimp at Henderby Hall – well, I can imagine some that might be a little jealous. All right, Adelaide, I will find him a.