I do have to work tomorrow night, but I could use some extra money for Christmas presents. Tommy went and got fired from McCutchean's again, and Linda...said there isn't any spare money to buy Christmas things for her boys." I don't want you cleaning my house, Brenda. I'll give you the money, or lend it to you if you'd rather. I told you that you can have anything of mine you want, anytime. I've really let the house go, but only because I've been in a little funk ever since that last time I was. Mrs. Collins, in just a few months I have come to love Cathy and Ken more than life itself. Please let me love you. I'll do anything at all for you that's in my power to do if you'll only give me the chance to demonstrate my love."Ed Bradley was standing by the doorway, stunned. He had left Vangie's side to get a drink after the gifts were opened, but then Cathy led in this vision by the hand. Glancing toward his son, he saw Ken absolutely beaming with pride — and enormous love — for this. It took all of the merchant's efforts to stay seated on his nervously jerking horse as gusts of wind threatened to lift him from his seat. He lost track of time but he knew that they were well off the main dirt road, and with a sinking heart he knew that he was lost. Cold and weary, the merchant was quickly losing all hope of finding an inn when he suddenly noticed a light, like a beacon, shining brightly from the middle of the dark wood.Lost, cold and hungry, the merchant pushed his horse on. Will you favor me, Esteemed one?”The man in the suit, the Esteemed one, lord of the manor, put his hands on Khun’s tanned shoulders and guided her so that she stood in front of him. He tilted her chin up to his and kissed her, cupping her breast. She lifted one knee to hook around the back of his thighs, pulling her body against his as they stood in the marble hallway. “Not here,” he said, and took her up the stairs to the second floor, then went to the back of the corridor and left down a.