" I'm upset," he choked out, "because I don't want that big brute to seeme this way." Oh," she said, feigning sudden comprehension. "I get it. My bi... strongboyfriend hasn't seen my small weak husband looking all girly before now.Oops. Should I have consulted you before I invited him over? Hmmm? Imean, he has seen you in your boy clothes. So he knows what a shrimp youare." This is... it's just..."She raised her eyebrows quizzically. "It's just what? You already saidunfair, so please. “Yes, and we’ve talked to Donna too. Coop, that girl is already in love with you, and she’s afraid you’ll leave and go back over to St. Louis.”“Mr. Harker, I can tell you’ve been talking to my dad.”“Well, he and I did have a few words in private about you the other day.”“I still have some talking to do with Donna, but you and Mrs. Harker will be the first to know if we can work out the details.”“Coop! Damn the details, Son. You know you’re falling for that girl. Go tell her what you want and. "I know, It's my burden. By the way I found out that it's Juan's birthday. He's turning 29," Jeff filled the girls in. There was some Spanish music playing and a big spread of Mexican food in the kitchen. Jeff had the munchies so he grabbed Maria, made his way over and grabbed a plate. Christine was now alone and noticed two men walking over to her. "Hey, I'm Juan, what's your name?" Juan asked in a thick Mexican accent. "I'm Christine, it's your birthday right?" "Yeah, thanks for coming. So. "Let's go get some ice cream to celebrate."Fifteen minutes later, they had shared a banana split at the small ice cream shop in town. Erin's childhood friend Mary now owned the shop that had belonged to her parents. She had joined them and Jack had contentedly listened to their chatter.When they had gotten back in the car and had started across town, rather than driving toward home, Erin had questioned him and all he had told her was that they were going to make some good memories. Standing.