"I'll take real good care of my puppy, mommy, I promise." Olive blinked up at Lauren in wide-eyed intensity over the head of Jellybean, her constant companion since Bo had given it to her.

Lauren glanced down at Olive as they walked down the street. A little smile tugged at her lips as she took her daughter in. Her little brow furrowed, she looked so adorably sincere it made Lauren's heart squeeze.

"I'll clean up all the messes and feed it every day." Olive pleaded in earnest, tugging at the sleeve of Lauren's jacket.

"Uh-huh," Lauren said in a teasing voice. She wasn't convinced. It was still a daily struggle to get Olive to clean up after her own messes.

For several minutes, they silently walked down the street. Then, in a small, but firm voice, Olive declared. "All kids need a pet." She glanced at Bo for help. "Right, Bo."

Bo cut a sideways glance at Lauren and offered her a sheepish little grin. "She's got a point." She supplied helpfully.

"See Bo knows!" Olive's face melted into a soft smile, and Bo lifted her into her arms.

Building off Olive's gusto, Bo started listing off all the fun things they could do with her pet. And in her arms, Olive happily agreed with all her points and shook her head rapidly up and down.

The three of them continued walking along the main road, a scattering of shops, restaurants, and businesses on both sides of them. Lauren was unable to stifle a smile at both their almost comically excited matching expressions.

A while later, Bo put Olive down, and she looked a little anguished as she glanced up at Lauren. "Mommy, don't you like puppies?"

Bo shot her a grin, a particular sly enjoyment visible in her eyes. Lauren's mouth fell open, eyes widening as she looked back and forth between them.

"Don't tell me you're a cat person." Bo teased, affectionately nudging Lauren's shoulder.

"I love dogs. But it's a lot of work and responsibility." Lauren said, echoing a point she'd made a number of times. "A pet isn't just something you jump into, Olive. A puppy will need lots of attention and training."

"I'm a big girl," Olive stopped abruptly, looking indignant and innocent. "I'll take good care of my pet. Don't you trust me?" She asked, her arms hung at her sides, and her head dropped.

Lauren stopped, crossed her arms over her jacket and tilted her head to one side, considering her daughter for a long moment.

"I can help with the puppy." Bo offered, along with a heartfelt expression.

With that, Olive removed her gloves and stuck out her pinkie for Lauren. "I Pinkie swear," Olive said with her finger up over her head, waiting for Lauren to take it.

Lauren gave a secret smile, taking in Olive's desperate entreaty. As Lauren stared down, Olive's face brightened, and her heart showed clearly in her eyes.

Pausing, for a moment, to think it over, Lauren finally relented. She wrapped her littlest finger around Olive's. "Okay," She sighed with dramatic flair. "We can look at puppies."

Olive gaped at her for one stunned beat, absorbing her mommy's words. Joy leaped into her small face, giving Lauren an expression of naked gratitude. "Yay!" She pumped her arm in triumph and let out a cheer. "Let's go."

Bo and Lauren's eyes locked, a silent exchanged filled with love and understanding passed between them. Bo flashed her a grin, a hint of her dimple showing and she held out her hand for Lauren.

Olive's little feet kicked up the sidewalk as she sped forward, her steps booming in rhythm on the pavement.

"Olive, wait!" Lauren yelled as she watched Olive sprint away from them. Lauren and Bo quickened their steps to catch up with an enthusiastic Olive.

All the way to the animal shelter Olive glowed and chatted excitedly. She reached up to clutch both Bo and Lauren's hands, walking between them with her eyes dancing everywhere.

Exhilaration burst in Olive's chest. "There it is!" She shouted when they rounded the corner, and the animal shelter came into view. She took off at a full run, her little arms and legs pumping madly.

Inside the animal shelter, they walked to the front reception desk where Lauren gave her name. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Bo and Olive whispering to each other with mirroring smiles.

"Do you have a section with puppies?" Lauren asked the woman behind the desk.

"Yes we do," the receptionist told her as she handed Lauren a clipboard. "Janice will show you around."

After filling out the paperwork, a brisk white-haired woman, Janice, strode up to lead them to the area where the adoptable puppies were kept.

The next room held a long row of pens that were waist high, all the puppies inside ranged in sizes and breeds. Loud yelps and barks sounded as they approached, and a faint smell of dog food, hay and urine hung in the air.

Olive scanned her eyes over the room. "Don't the puppies get to play outside," She asked in concern, turning her face up to Lauren. "I don't like that they're in cages. It makes me sad."

Lauren saw the wheels turning in her daughter's mind, and uneasily Olive started playing with her jacket zipper.

"All our animals get two hours of outdoor play with our volunteers," Janice answered, halting in front of the first kennel.

Olive's face fell, and she pulled on Bo's arm to whisper into her ear. "Do they live here forever if they never find a family?"

Bo looked helplessly at Lauren for assistance. She didn't know how to answer that question. Were you supposed to tell a seven-year-old that dogs were euthanized if they didn't get adopted? She had no idea how to explain that to a child.

Feeling Olive's anxiety, Lauren crouched down and looked directly into her eyes. "Many will find families but, unfortunately, some won't. I know it's sad, but they try to give them a good life while they're here."

Olive chewed on her lip thinking that over.

After watching Olive try to process that, for a moment, Lauren said. "Have a look." She smiled and tilted her head at the cage.

Olive peered over the first pen. It held three sleeping puppies, curled in a pile on a blanket. She smiled as she looked at their small, fuzzy bodies. "They look like a family." She turned to Lauren, and then Bo. "At least, they have each other," She said before she continued to the next pen.

The next kennel held two mixed breed puppies that were play-fighting with each other and rolling around. Olive laughed as the pair, fell over, growled at each other before lunging to wrestle again. "I think they're friends."

The third pen was the largest, and it held the most animals. Eight puppies frolicked about, pouncing on each other, yelping and growling. They wriggled like crazy as they scrambled onto each other.

"See anything you like?" Janice asked, bending over the gate to pat one of the puppies. "Would you like to hold one?"

Olive's head dipped, with Jellybean tucked under her arm, as she puzzled out the situation.

Bo bent over and scratched another puppy behind its ear. It lifted its head and closed its eyes in appreciation. "They're all pretty adorable, Olive. Hard choice."

Olive stayed silent, and Janice picked up a puppy and handed it to her. Olive's eyes lit up, and she giggled as the puppy wriggled happily in her hands. She smiled up at Lauren before she kissed its nose.

For a few minutes, she cradled the puppy in her hands until it fell asleep. "All these puppies are happy with their friends." She tilted her head back to look up at Lauren. "I want the doggie that's been here the longest, that needs a family the most."

"Our older dogs are held in the next room," Janice said, gesturing to the door at the end of the row.

"Are you sure?" Lauren asked, lightly stroking the puppy Olive held. "You wanted a puppy."

Olive conducted an internal battle with herself, which only lasted a second, as she stared at the puppy's face. Finally, Olive nodded and handed Lauren the puppy so she could put it back into the pen. "I want to help a lonely doggie, so we can give it a good life." In her eyes, it was clear her decision was set, and nothing in the world would change her mind.

Bo looked down at Olive and marveled at what a mature and compassionate choice she was making. The world would be a much better place, she thought, if it were filled with more people like this spirited, and kindhearted little girl.

Lauren and Olive made no further comment. They merely followed along as they were guided into the next room.

They wandered up and down the rows of cages for several minutes. Ever an outgoing, inquisitive child, Olive asked many questions about the dogs as she looked them over. Abruptly, Olive stopped and pointed at a brown and black dog huddled in the corner. "This one looks sad, it's the one I want."

Lauren read the card attached to the cage. "Four-year-old female, Beagle and German Shepherd mix."

Olive slipped her fingers in between the wires. "Here girl, here," She said, sweetly.

The dog uncurled from the corner and gave her a friendly 'wuff'. She stood by the bars and started licking Olive's fingers. On Olive's face was an expression of the purest joy Bo had ever seen.

"I think she likes you." Bo said, sticking her fingers inside to rub the dog's nose.

The dog sat down, showing her tongue, and wagging her tail, clearly enjoying the attention.

Lauren looked down at Olive and stroked the dog's paw. "I think she's perfect, as long as you're sure."

Olive grinned up at her mommy. "I'm sure. She's family, already."

Janice opened the cage and pulled the dog out. She crouched down to put a leash on her and handed it to Olive. She pulled out a doggie treat from her pocket and gave it to Olive. "Give her a cookie," She said with a wink.

With a full grin, Olive quickly took the treat and offered it to the dog. She eagerly took it, slobbering her thanks by licking Olive's hand clean.

Janice turned her attention to Olive with a smile. "She's yours now. That's a big responsibility."

"I know," Olive said with satisfaction. Happiness buoyed her spirits so that she giggled with joy as the dog continued to lick her hand.

Olive squatted down and hugged the dog's neck as she gave Bo and Lauren her best, sunniest smile.

After giving the dog a big hug, Olive stood and held onto the leash. Beside her, the dog's tail swept from side to side on the floor, her tongue lolled sideways out of her mouth, and she cocked her head at Olive. "She knows I'm her friend." Olive said with beaming pride.

"Her name is Cocoa," Janice told them as she removed the notecard from the cage.

Olive scratched the dogs head, and behind her ears. "Like my favorite cereal Cocoa Puffs."

"I like it," Bo declared, bending down to give her a belly rub. "It's a good name for a dog."

Cocoa rolled around on her back happily at the praise and attention.

Janice smiled at the group and turned on her heel. "Let's get the adoption process started so you can take your new dog home."

So down the pathway, the four of them, went. And an hour later, they left with pounds of dog food, squeaky toys, chew bones and the dog herself.

XXXXX

At home, Olive was sprawled on the floor, playing tug of war with Cocoa. And Lauren stood in the kitchen making dinner. She peeled and sliced apples for a pie she was preparing.

Bo strode into the kitchen just as a playful bark and a giggle came from the other room. "Olive's pretty happy with her dog, huh?"

Lauren laughed, putting her apples and knife in a bowl. "That's an understatement." She glanced at Olive as she hopped up and down with Cocoa copying her. She wiped her hands on a towel and turned on the stove.

Bo took a few steps closer, so she was standing next to Lauren. "You know this place feels a little small now," She commented, probingly, her voice low and sweet.

Lauren glanced over at Bo and shrugged. "Yeah. I might have to look for a bigger place soon."

Affection ignited Bo's gaze; she leaned over to kiss Lauren, pulling back with a mysterious smile. "Well, I've been thinking about the future." Bo began as she handed Lauren a tablet. "I kind of love this place." She swept her fingers over the screen revealing photos of a large property. "It needs a lot of work, but it was affordable."

Lauren stared at her in surprise, barely blinking. She was speechless, and her mind was working uncharacteristically slow.

At the stunned look on Lauren's face, Bo raised her eyebrows at her. "You wanted to help the kids from HANE, so why not open a school or a camp? It's remote which is a definite perk for the training sessions and letting your dragon free." She stuttered out, her nerves fully on display.

Lauren glanced down at the picturesque photos of the property and then swung her eyes back to Bo, still unable to find any words.

Bo cocked her head to the side, studying Lauren's reaction. "You can have all the freedom you want there, to reach for your own dreams." Her throat turned painfully dry from the sudden rush of emotions. Grand gestures were stressful and new to her. Lauren had changed her life, and she wanted to give her something back in return. At her very core, Lauren was all grace, smart, strong, and authentic. She deserved to be happy and fulfill her dreams, and Bo wanted to help her any way she could.

Frowning, Lauren looked back and forth between Bo and the tablet when suddenly her mind caught up. "Did you buy this place?"

"I did," Bo said with a nod, her eyes bright and full of hope and wonder. "We'll have to make some changes before it's exactly what we want, but it could be really nice."

Questions jumbled in Lauren's mind. "Oh gosh, Bo." She was breathless from shock. "This is incredible," She said, surprised by how much she loved the idea. It touched Lauren's heart that Bo was so caring. That she was offering her this opportunity.

Gaining confidence about the situation, Bo bit her lip to hide the big smile that was trying to break free. "There's plenty of space to expand, and maybe, one day, we can open up our services to help any humans or Fae. There are lots of possibilities we could explore."

"Wanting to get back into the private investigator business?" Lauren asked, a broad grin spreading across her face.

Immediately, Bo perked up and offered her a smile that grew a little brighter as she spoke. "I wouldn't mind. We need a way to keep an eye on the Order, any human and Fae conflicts, and HANE ex-members that might think about reforming. A base of operation, so to speak. There's a lot of potential, and it would even give Kenzi a place to work. It fits our needs, and your dreams, perfectly." She was babbling, she could hear it. But she was so excited and powerless to stop it.

Lauren bent down and studied the floor plans and photos, imagining what it all could be. From the pictures, it was going to take a lot of work, but that also made it more exciting. "It's big. There's enough space for two offices, classrooms, maybe even a lab…" She said, voicing her musings out loud.

"Plus," Bo swept a finger on the tablet. "A little cabin in the back to give us space and privacy. For us. I thought it could be our new home."

Lauren shot Bo a look, and her brow puckered in interest. She studied Bo's face. It was bright and hopeful. "Are you asking us to live there with you?"

Seeing the confused look in Lauren's eyes, Bo pressed her lips against hers and kissed her again, lightly. "You and Olive don't belong in this apartment. Not anymore. You deserve a home. One we can share together. I want us to take ownership of our own lives. Like you said: carve out a little place of goodness in this cruel world."

Being a parent, having a partner was all-new to Bo. Truthfully, she never thought about or planned on having children. But with Olive and Lauren it came so naturally, she learned fast and adapted. Quickly, her connection with Lauren and Olive had become her anchor, gave her strength.

Bo started again. "I feel like for the first time, in my life, I'm truly, and completely not alone anymore." The last words came out as a hoarse whisper. "I've never had this before," She murmured quietly. "If we want it, this could be our real life."

Silently, Lauren stared at her and saw the vulnerability in her eyes. Her heart hammered, fully aware of the huge step they were about to take. "Do you know how incredible you are? How happy you've made Olive and I?" It was impossible to keep the tears from collecting in her eyes. "And how happy I want to make you in return." She traced her fingers over Bo's cheek, amazed at how in love with her she was.

Bo felt her heart do a double-thump at Lauren's words. With a delighted smile, she relaxed. "So are we really going to do this? All of it? The school, living together?" She held her breath, waiting for Lauren to answer.

Hearing Bo's words, seeing her standing before her, displaying her heart, made Lauren feel indestructible. Was there really any real choice before her? No, there wasn't. Her smile spread, making her eyes sparkle. Lauren tipped Bo's chin up gently, meeting her gaze. "You, Bo Dennis, are more amazing than I deserve." She kissed her lips. "Yes, I want it, too. Everything. Let's do it."

Bo took a hold of Lauren, closing her eyes so she could savor the moment. She knew they could handle anything as long as they were together. Her once stark and empty heart was now full of warmth and love.

Smiling, Lauren curled her arms around Bo's waist. Reality sank in leaving Lauren a little breathless with happiness and hope. She placed a tender kiss on Bo's waiting lips and fell into her embrace.

Olive bounced into the kitchen with Cocoa following behind her. She lifted her nose into the air, and Cocoa mimicked her. "Smells good, mommy." She rubbed her belly. "I'm starving, can I have a snack before dinner."

Automatically, Bo and Lauren stepped apart, so Olive could stand between them. Laughing at Olive's keen face, Lauren took an apple from the bowl and offered it to her.

Eagerly, Olive took an enormous bite, letting juice fall onto her shirt. "It's yummy," She said while nodding her approval as she finished chewing.

"We have news," Bo announced, shooting a quick smile in Olive's direction. She slid her hand down Lauren's arm to her hand and squeezed.

Olive divided a curious look between them, with wide eyes, all the while a grin clung to her lips. She was silent for a second before she asked, "What?"

Bo and Lauren smiled, looking at each other. "Would you like it if we all lived together?" Lauren asked, waiting with bated breath for Olive's reaction.

Olive's eyes flared in surprise. "Yes!" She burst out, her voice pitched high. Cocoa, by her side, gave a loud bark in agreement, and then whipped her head around as if she surprised herself.

Olive catapulted herself into Bo and Lauren's arms. "This will be amazing!" She exclaimed, wrapping her arms around them tight.

Holding her daughter, Lauren almost broke down into tears. It brought her so much joy to see how happy Olive was with everything.

Going through so many life-altering events like her transformation made Lauren appreciate all the little things in life more, but also the larger ones like family. Through all the trials they'd pulled together as a family, becoming one. It was perfect, almost a miracle. She knew that no matter what life threw at them, they'd always get by with a bit of love, hope, and trust in each other.

XXXX

Their new home was two hours from the city on vast acres of land. It was nestled in rolling hill after rolling hill, surrounded by dense pines, with a large clear, sparkling lake running along the side of the property.

Bo drove up, and the tires crunched on the freshly fallen snow on the gravel driveway. Olive stared out the window, Cocoa in her arms, and she darted her eyes over scenery. "Everything here looks like a painting," Olive commented in awe.

It didn't take long before the large property came into view. The building itself was two-stories, with a large barn alongside, and in the back, an interconnecting pathway joined the cabin to it.

Bo parked and Cocoa, snoring in Olive's arms, startled awake and lifted her head around. "We're here," Olive told her, kissing her furry head.

They climbed out of the car, getting hit with a blast of cold air, and the sharp earthy scents around them filled their senses. A dense fog laid over the hills in the distance, and a light dust of snow covered everything in sight.

Excitedly, Cocoa padded across the yard, and Olive scurried alongside her as they explored. Lauren shouldered her bag and watched as the pair began to play in the open space.

As Bo looked up at the sky, she contemplated the beauty of the universe. While she was beyond happy, it caused her to pause, wondering how she'd gone through some many years with no real purpose or direction. But bringing regret and personal angst into their warm and loving home wasn't something she would do. Her life, once filled with loneliness and emptiness, had been transposed into one of tenderness and love. With Olive and Lauren at her side, she knew she would never go back to her other life.

Instead of getting lost in the past, Bo barked out a laugh as Cocoa and Olive roamed ahead of them, crunching fallen snow as they played together in the yard.

Lauren put an arm around Bo's shoulder. "It's beautiful," She said softly, taking in the panoramic view of the lake and cabin.

"It is," Bo said, wrapping her hand around her waist to draw their hips closer together.

Lauren nuzzled up to Bo, and they stood still and looked out across the beautiful land. The clouds over them parted, allowing the sunshine to spill out, lighting the cabin ahead of them. The day turned bright and sunny though the winter air was cold.

The wooden cabin snuggled amongst tall, dark pines was beautiful, peaceful. It was small and had a long porch that ran along its length. A swing hung from a high branch of the tree out front. The sun reflected off the vast lake to their right, its water clear and beautiful, and tall trees loomed up all around the area.

"I like this place!" Olive called out, several feet away from them. Cocoa impatient to play raced in circles around Olive.

Lauren and Bo exchanged a smile, and then Bo kissed her forehead. "I love it," Lauren whispered to her.

"And I love you." Bo said, she looked into Lauren's tender eyes and a faint mist swept her eyes. Devoid of apprehension, pure elated energy filled her.

As they walked up to the cabin, Olive followed behind, with Cocoa, wagging her tail and panting with excitement beside her. The three of them plus Cocoa looked at their surroundings, drinking in the tranquil setting, and taking in the fresh, mountain air and sight of their new home. The view seemed to go on forever, majestic, and stunning.

"Welcome home," Bo said, cheerfully clapping her hands together. "It's smaller than I expected but I think the land makes up for that."

Lauren made a thoughtful, quiet sound, agreeing with Bo. A smile curved Lauren's lips before she spoke. "It's perfect, Bo."

They stopped at the door, and Cocoa sat and stared up at Olive, waiting. And Olive stared up at Bo wide-eyed. Olive's cheeks were flushed from the cold, and her thick eyelashes blinked slowly as she gazed at Bo.

"Want to look inside?" Bo asked, holding up the keys to the cabin. She'd never owned a home before, but this place was theirs. A sense of peace and happiness filled Bo as she glanced at Olive and Lauren.

"Yes!" Olive piped enthusiastically. She reached out a hand to the dog, rubbed along her head, and let her sloppily chew her gloves.

Bo turned the key, and they stepped inside. It wasn't fancy; still it was welcoming and comfortable. The cabin had four rooms, a small attic, a kitchen the lead onto a back porch and a living room that filled the front half.

Lauren noticed that through every window she could see trees, and the sight left her feeling more peaceful than she could remember. She yearned for normalcy away from the outside world, and she knew they could find that here.

"Whoa," Olive's eyes sparkled and danced across the cabin, as she stomped the snow off her boots. "This looks like a magical place, filled with dreams." A smile broke out like sunshine over her face as she stripped off her gloves, and dutifully pocketed them.

As they wound their way through the cabin, Bo took Olive's hand. "Can we stay here forever?" Olive asked, peering up at Bo in curiosity.

"Anything you want," Bo said with a broad smile, walking forward in slow steps through the house. "I think this should be your room," She said, pausing at the doorway.

Olive's eyes rounded, and she glanced over at Lauren, who was holding a smile. "Really?" She asked, moving excitedly from side to side.

Lauren squatted down and put a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Yep, it's your room. Do you like it?" She asked, as she finger-combed Olive's hair, and brushed her fingers over her forehead.

Olive perked up and did a little happy wiggle dance. "Yes! I love it." Her voice rang out so loud that Cocoa barked.

Lauren hauled her close into a hug, and Olive's arms closed around her readily. "I'm so happy," She mumbled against Lauren's shoulder.

"I love you, my sweet girl." Lauren pulled Olive, even closer. "You have given me everything," She whispered into her ear, and moisture blanketed her eyes. "In a lot of ways, you saved my life and freed my soul. I'm so honored to be your mommy, and I couldn't be prouder of you."

"I will always love you, mommy, always, and always, and always," Olive told her, playing with Lauren's hair while they embraced.

The moment caressed Bo's emotions, as she watched Olive and Lauren with a fascinated respect, along with so much love and devotion. Pleasure at the sight warmed her to her bones.

Never one to miss out on enjoying a joyful moment, Olive ducked away from Lauren's arms and started hopping around her new room. She swung her arms in wide circles, so excited she felt ready to burst as she took off running around her new room. "This new house is fabulous," She exclaimed, which sent Cocoa into a high-pitched bark-fest. She dissolved into peals of laughter and fell happily to the floor. Cocoa licked her face and Olive giggled, clutching her belly. As far as Olive was concerned, this was the most perfect, special moment of her life.

Unlike anyone else in the world, Olive could light up an entire room by the joyful energy radiating from her body.

Lauren's heart constricted as her gaze lingered on Olive. She was happy, at that moment, but there were bound to be trials and growing pains for her in the future. The odds seemed to be stacked against her living a quiet and ordinary life. She was likely to face many challenges; life doesn't come with any guarantees, after all. But Lauren wouldn't be able to let her experience a happy childhood, brief though it might be, if she always worried about the what-ifs.

More connected than ever, Lauren knew, Olive was strong, holding a seed of power that was waiting to grow and blossom. For a moment, Lauren wondered how Olive would change when her powers emerged. Would that power dull the bright spirit that was so uniquely hers, or would it reinforce it?

Bo's fingers curled around Lauren's and squeezed. At the same time, Lauren shifted her gaze to meet hers. So many things had happened to them. Their relationship wasn't even six months old, and the development of their deep connection had taken them both by surprise. But there they stood, together, on the brink of a new beginning.

Bo tightened her hold on Lauren's fingers, and in a very tiny voice, she asked. "So now what?" Her skin prickled with awareness at Lauren's closeness.

Warmth spread through her at the gentle touch of Bo's fingers, and the sound of Olive's loud giggles wrapped around Lauren like a hug. "Well, we're both free. Now we live, and build our own happiness." She said, sounding utterly delighted with life, with Bo and her little girl.

Nodding in contentment, Bo leaned against Lauren's shoulder. "That's what I was hoping you'd say."

Everything around her faded away as Lauren's mind drifted. Yes, the world would change, and Olive would change. Anything and everything can change in a heartbeat. Life has its own cycles, after all. Everything was subjected to change. Today it was cold, but that would become yesterday, a different day, and eventually the next day's warmth would melt it all away. Life blooms brightly, then wanes and withers, but then flourishes again. The darkness of night might be inevitable, and storms too. But after the darkness comes the light. After the storm comes the calm of a fresh start. It always passes, moves forward to the next phase. And Lauren knew she would soar into the next rung of her life with everything she had, and she couldn't wait to find out what came next.

XXXX

AN

Woo-hoo! 4 stories completed, and only 4 to go!

It seems I can't help myself with these cheesy happy endings, but I tend to put my characters through a lot, and I think a happy ending is justified here. And really I couldn't bring myself to deny Olive her happy ending :)

There's a small chance I might do an extra chapter with this later on, like I did with Stand Together, but only if an idea strikes me and I have the time.

As always, thank you so much for reading until the end, and I appreciate all the reviews/comments throughout the story.