" I'm constantly surprised, and pleasantly so, at what high esteem you hold Dad," admitted Gwen as she clung to Steve. "I always heard that boyfriends...and fathers didn't mix. But you really do like my father, don't you?" I do like him, but more importantly, I respect him. He's earned my respect by raising a wonderful family. He's proven his selflessness and concern for his wife and kids many times since I've known him. I'd much rather have Kate be upset with me than disappoint your father.". In fact, he had spent several weeks at a time in London and Edinburgh, rather than have to come up with excuses for Monique. He knew she understood, but he still did not like having to do it and someday he would explain it to her if she wanted to hear it."You look so serious," Samantha said, reaching out to take his hand, pulling it to her lips and kissing it gently."Good morning. Just wool gathering. Thinking about the evils of society and the good of single people," he said, dissembling. "How. I’m busy with chores. And, I don’t own any toys, for your information,” Heather chuckled back. “Awwww, pretty please! I’m meeting Gil for a quick coffee and want you to meet him,” Jessica pleaded. Heather sat straight up in her chair and let the shiver in her body run its course. It was one thing to fantasize about a faceless man, she didn’t know if she had the nerve to meet him in person. But, she was tempted, her curiosity was building. “I really have a lot of chores to catch up on, Jess.. I’m going to do everything possible to show up Brad and the Hollywood office.”I applauded that attitude, and told Kelly that I hope she succeeded.We took off to look at one of Kelly’s developments. It was beautiful the way it had all the brush cleared away from our area so that we wouldn’t feed a fire. One of the features Julio had decided that we needed to invest in was a six million gallon cistern that all the rain water ran into. The water there was pumped out to keep the grounds green. We.