Chapter Sixteen – Getting There

The clothes hanger was held tightly in her hand, the garment hanging from it brought close to her body for another inspection. Scrunching up her nose she shook her head and tossed the dress onto the no pile.

"I thought you bought a dress specific for this party?" Stu asked from his position on the bed. Lou could see him in the mirror though - half dressed and playing on his phone. "A very expensive one if my bank statement is anything to go by."

Turning around, hands on hips, she eyed him over. Shirt was still unbuttoned, pants unbuttoned, and jacket slung over the vanity mirror chair. With her hair and make-up perfected, all she had to do was pick that dress that seemed to elude her. "Are you going to finish getting ready any time soon? Christina will be here with the cakes any minute."

"Then you better pick out a dress quick." Lou eyed the dress she had originally picked out for the occasion. It was hanging on the back of the closet door looking just as fabulous as the first time she'd seen it. "I like that one."

"What?"

He pointed to the dress she had just been thinking over. "That dress, you should wear it."

Lou smiled, unsure whether he was just humoring her so she'd hurry up or if he actually was taking an interest. She assumed the former but instead of making a big deal about it she nodded. "I like it too."

"As much as I love you in that." He gestured to her lingerie, casting his gaze over her before continuing, "I want to see you in it."

Lou smiled, appreciating his words. That was until he scratched his chest and let out a burp. The loving atmosphere had burst like a bubble and she went back to starting at the dresses. Several more joined the pile on the floor. With a sigh, she reached for the dress hanging there like a piece of art.

It was heavy and the dusty pink crepe material shimmered in the artificial light. It was perfect - maybe that was why she daren't wear it. It also cost a small fortune. But this was something that would last forever. She likened it to the dress she would wear for the rehearsal dinner and, most importantly, her wedding gown. This was just the first in a line of dresses that would document her journey from single lady to married woman. A smile graced her lips as she imagined passing it down to her daughter, telling tales of the evening that had yet to even play out. It was scary but exhilarating at the same time.

Carefully she slipped the dress from the hanger, fully aware of Stu watching her every move.

"I need help with the zipper." Lou uttered once she had the dress slipped on. Her hands pressed against the clinched in waist of the dress, the bow detail there was the perfect finishing touch.

Stu was behind her, his pants now buttoned up but his shirt still open. She felt him pull together the two halves of the dress before he slowly slipped the zipper upwards.

"Thank you." Turning to face him, she began doing the buttons of his dress shirt. "Now can you please finish dressing?"

"It'll take me two minutes to get ready." He tugged at the lock of hair that brushed her cheek. "You haven't even chosen your shoes yet."

"Shows how much you pay attention." Smoothing the tails of his shirt, she yanked the front of his pants closed and buttoned them. "I picked them out this morning."

"Your hair?" he asked, tugging on the lock again. "Doesn't that take you – Oi!" He arched back when she pushed her hand down the front of his slacks.

"I'm fixing your shirt, hold still."

"Well watch out," he grunted.

"You love it when I play rough," she reminded. Glancing up, she saw the flicker of desire in his eyes and made sure to avoid contact with anything but his shirt. Satisfied, she withdrew her hand and began buckling the belt.

"How much time do we have?"

She recognized the tone. His hand landed on her waist and drew her closer. With a regretful sigh she leaned up to press a kiss on his cheek. "Not enough for that."

He groaned as she slipped away. Pulling the shoe box from the closet, she opened it to reveal the pair of shoes she'd worn only once. She took them out and stepped into them, admiring the soft leather. Balancing on one foot she propped the other on the bed and leaned to fasten the ankle strap.

A large, warm hand caressed the back of her thigh as she shifted to the other foot. Glancing up she saw Stu behind her, his tie draped around his neck. "Need help?"

"No." His hand slid upward, fingers trailing over the bare flesh beneath her dress. "Whatever you do, don't bend over in front of our guests."

"They see the same amount of skin when I go swimming," she reminded.

"That's different." He plucked the elastic band of her panties then let his hand fall to her thigh again.

"Stu, we don't have time."

"Consider it foreplay then." His breath caressed her ear. "As soon as the last guest leaves, you're mine."

A tingle made its way down her spine. Enjoying the heat of his palm on her skin, she lazily glanced to the nightstand. When she saw the books stacked there, cold reality washed through her and she began to pull away. "We'll see."

"What?"

"Scarlett and Sophie are staying the weekend, remember?" Lou ducked around him and got a hairbrush from the dressing table.

"Fuck."

"It's two nights, Stu. You'll live."

"But it's our engagement party." He was perilously close to whining.

"And if they walk in on us?" Bent at the waist, she began brushing her hair into a high ponytail. Her fingers worked quickly to twist the hair into a knot at the crown of her head. Tucking the ends in, she reached for several pins to keep it in place.

"We'll lock the door."

"I won't lock them out, what if they have nightmares?"

"What if they sleep like the dead all night long?" he returned.

She was relieved to see he wasn't angry. A bit put out, yes. Slightly miffed. But not angry. She picked up the can of hairspray and aimed it at her head. "We'll figure it out."

"We'd better. My great-grandparents had fourteen kids in a two-room house. And they didn't even have a lock."

"Something tells me your great-grandparents were a lot quieter than we are." Lou waited for the cloud of hairspray to dissipate before opening her eyes. Leaning close to the mirror, she checked her makeup.

Stu grimaced. "Can we not discuss their sex life? Please."

"You brought it up," she laughed. "How do I look?"

"Flawlessly fuckable as always."

"She's here." As she spoke, the doorbell rang. Stu looked at her, bewildered, as he knotted his tie.

"How did you know?"

"Women's intuition. Plus she said she'd be here at ten of." Lou moved to the window and peered out to see Christina, Stephen, and the girls waiting outside. "Go let them in, I have to finish my makeup."

"But you… Okay," he acquiesced, catching her by the waist. "By the way, I love you."

She allowed herself a brief moment in his arms, reminding herself that the party was a celebration of their love. "I love you more," she whispered.

After a quick kiss, Stu pulled away. Grabbing his jacket, he pulled it on as he went downstairs. "Coming," he bellowed, certain Stephen would be leaning on the doorbell soon. He adjusted his cuffs, did a breath test against his palm, then opened the door.

"About time," Stephen greeted as he entered the house. Balancing a large white box on one hand and a gift bag in the other, he handed the box to Stu.

"Did you want me to open the door naked?" Stu turned to greet Christina. "I don't know where the cake goes," he admitted as he gave her a one-armed embrace.

"Stephen, can you take these?" She handed over the smaller boxes she carried then took the box from Stu. "I'll get everything set up. Where's Lou?"

"Upstairs, gilding the lily."

"Stay in the house, girls," Christina called over her shoulder as she headed for the dining room.

Stu turned to the open doorway, smiling widely as he looked down at Scarlett and Sophie. "I'm sorry, have we been introduced?"

Sophie giggled, swinging her small body so the full skirt of her dress flared. Instead of the usual pigtails or ponytail, her hair was loose, blonde curls tumbling down to her shoulders. Stu spotted a jeweled clip holding the hair from her face. "Way!"

"I'm sure I recognize your voice, Miss, but I'm afraid I don't remember meeting you before." Stu lowered to one knee so he was closer to their level. "Now, how do I know you?"

"You so silly. It's me!" Sophie hugged his neck, giving his cheek a wet kiss. "Go help Mommy wit' cakes now." She rushed after her mother, her dress shoes clattering on the floor.

"No running in the house!" he called after her before turning to Scarlett. "Well, well, look at you."

She grinned, stepping close for a hug. "Mama got us new dresses."

"And scrubbed all the cooties off you, too," he teased, nudging the door closed. "You look so grown up."

"I don't have cooties!" she defended.

"Oh yes you do. Look, your mum forgot one." He lightly pinched her neck, causing her to squeal. Making a show of dropping the invisible pest to the floor and stamping it with his foot, he then brushed his hands on his thighs. "You know how you get cooties?"

"How?" she asked as he took the light shawl from her shoulders.

"Kissing boys."

"Stu! I don't!"

"The cooties don't lie."

"I don't have any!" She was laughing even as she shouted.

"Of course you don't, I just got the last!" He kissed her cheek and straightened. "Go upstairs and find Lou. She'll tell you how to make sure you don't get cooties."

"I don't have any," she grumbled as she skipped to the staircase.

Chuckling, he waited until she made it upstairs and he heard her talking to Lou before heading to the dining room. He passed Stephen on the way and stopped him. "The girls are staying, right?"

"Yeah, ah'm abou' to go get their stuff. Yeh could come lend me a hand?"

Wondering who would keep Lou from sampling the cupcakes while he was gone, Stu hesitated. Then, hearing the front door open, he heard his future mother-in-law's voice and smiled with relief.

Though technically the party was being given by and paid for by Lou's parents, they had given all creative control to their only daughter. As he moved to greet them, Stu thought to himself how well they knew Lou. Her father, a retired commander in the Air Force, possessed a firm handshake and a deceptively easygoing personality. Recalling his anxious first meetings with the man, he realized he was still a bit nervous around him.

He invited Michael to make himself at home and turned to greet Lou's mother. Instantly enveloped in a warm hug, he smiled. Celia was always warm and loving towards him. When he'd visited their home to ask their blessing before asking Lou to marry him, Celia had squealed with delight and hugged him so tightly his back had cracked.

"Where's Louise?" she asked. Her voice still held traces of her Yorkshire upbringing, another reason Stu loved her. She reminded him of home.

"Upstairs. Makeup," Stu explained.

"That's my girl. Hello, Stephen. You've put on some weight. That new girlfriend of yours spoiling you with her cakes, is she?" Celia gave Stephen a quick hug and turned to the stairs.

"Good to see yeh, Mrs. Gordon."

"Sheamy, Mommy says I can't have no cupcakes and that I'll have one later but I really want one now so can you get one for me p'ease? I ain't had one in forever and my tummy is rumbling. Where my stuff? Need to put my clothes up and tuck Gibbs in bed 'cause it's time for him to go night-night and I get to stay up late 'cause of the party but I really want a cupcake now! Way, you get one for me? Mommy like you. I like you too 'cause you no hurt my Sheamy no more. And whoa, you pretty!"

Stu didn't fight the laughter as Stephen gathered Sophie in his arms and gently shushed her. At the base of the stairs, Celia looked at the girl, eyes wide. Surely she'd heard of Sophie and her irrepressible mouth?

"You must be little Miss Sophie." Lou's mother smiled warmly.

"That's me. Who you? You look like Miss Lou. But you not old enough to be her mommy." Sophie tilted her head to one side. "How old are you?"

"You're supposed to say 'it's nice to meet you' or 'how do you do,'" Stu informed her.

"Why?"

"Because that's polite, yeh little imp." Stephen set her down.

"Oh." Sophie drew in a deep breath and released it in a heavy sigh. "How do you do? It's ever so nice to meet you, ma'am. You kinda talk like Way. You from the place with the queen too? Do you drink tea? Miss Lou made some for me and I liked it when she put sugar in it. I like your dress. It makes your boobies look big like Mommy's. D'ey soft and squishy like hers too?" She turned to face a stunned Stephen and Stu. "Like that?"

Celia laughed as she headed upstairs. "Oh, I hope my grandchildren are just like her!"

Groaning, Stu moved to the door with Stephen. "Now she'll be on us to start having kids immediately. Thanks a lot, Sophie."

"You're welcome." Her smile was serene as she hurried to follow them.

Having slipped away from the party for a few moments, Lou now perched on the edge of the bed in the guest bedroom. Christina had come up with her and was unpacking Sophie's bright pink suitcase. Lou took a sip of her champagne, looking on as her new friend placed clothes in the bottom drawer of the dresser.

"Alright, what are the rules?" she asked, pulling Scarlett's purple suitcase close and unzipping it. She set her glass down on the nightstand and began taking out the neatly folded items.

"Rules?" Christina repeated, shaking out a fleece blanket. A multitude of penguins wearing scarves danced across the white background.

"For the girls. You know, no X-rated movies, no soda after nine, that sort of thing." Standing, Lou opened the dresser drawer she knew Scarlett would be able to reach and began placing the clothes inside. Noticing they had been stacked in the suitcase by outfit she laid them out the same way, smiling when she spotted a Barrett Barrage shirt that had been hemmed up to fit the girl.

"Oh." Christina shrugged, tossing socks into Sophie's drawer. "Make sure Sophie brushes her teeth. She likes to just dab toothpaste on her tongue and get the brush wet so you'll have to supervise her. Don't let either of them have too much caffeine tomorrow or you'll never get them to sleep."

"Right."

Christina dropped a large stack of underwear into the drawer then closed it. "If they get to be too much feel free to call me—"

"Please," Lou snorted. "At times Stu has the mentality of a five year-old. I think I can handle these two for forty-eight hours."

"Ever since…" Christina sighed. "Sophie likes to sneak into my bed. She told me she would be a big girl and stay in here with Scarlett, but just in case…"

"Our door will be open all night, and I'm going to leave the bathroom light on." Lou transferred the rest of Scarlett's things then opened the top drawer. "I bought this, do you think they'll need it?" she asked, pulling out the small plug-in nightlight.

"I was going to bring one but it slipped my mind." Christina smiled, obviously relieved.

"I thought we'd go shopping for things they can keep here. You know, so you don't have to pack everything when they stay over." Lou wasn't quite ready to admit she'd already purchased new pajamas for the girls. Or that the fridge and pantry were filled with what she hoped were their favorite foods. "We love spending time with them already. You're practically family. They'll always be welcome here."

"Lou…"

"If you start crying I'll slap you."

"A few months ago I never would have dreamed I'd have friends like you and Stu. Or that I'd have someone like Stephen in my life." Christina picked up the empty suitcases and set them next to the dresser. "Some days I think I should pinch myself to make sure I'm not dreaming. But I don't because what if I am?"

"If you are, it's one hell of a dream." Lou tucked her arm around Christina's shoulders and gave a squeeze. "I'm so glad Ste pestered me to get your number that day."

"I'm glad the girls pestered me to go." The one-armed hug turned into a full-fledged embrace.

"I'm glad I talked him into calling you."

"I'm glad I just walked in on one of my fantasies."

Lou rolled her eyes. "Stu, you're ruining a tender moment."

"No, don't stop on my account," he protested as the women broke apart. "Keep going."

"Is he always this bad?" Christina asked with a laugh, hastily dabbing her eyes with her fingers.

"Only after a couple drinks. You should see him when he has the guys over for a game. He turns into a caveman."

Stu entered the room, grinning, a bottle of beer in one hand. Draping his arm around Lou he pulled her close then did the same to Christina. "Why are you two hiding up here anyway?"

"We were putting away the girls' things," Lou explained, snatching up her glass before she was steered out into the hall.

"Everyone's looking for you. Let me rephrase that." Stu lifted his beer for a sip, managing to keep from knocking Christina in the head with the bottle. "Your parents are looking for you, love. They want to do the toasts. And a horny Irishman is looking for you. He wants to split before you change your mind about leaving Sophie and Scarlett with us."

"No more drink for you after the toasts," Lou suggested. She would be damned if she let him pass out and leave her to handle the girls on her own. "And how do you know Ste is horny?"

"Because he's a man that hasn't had sex in… Well, a while."

"Where are the girls?"

"Scarlett's braiding Drew's hair. They're watching Despicable Me in the living room with Nattie and some other people. When I came upstairs Sophie was telling Heath that she hasn't had a cupcake yet."

"I better get her before she gets a sugar rush—"

"Don't worry, Ste was going to break up her plan." Stu kissed Lou's cheek and let his arms fall when they reached the top of the stairs. "Finish up your girly talk and hurry along."

"We'll be down in a minute." Lou grabbed Christina's hand and pulled her into the master bedroom, turning to face her. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine."

"I mean about the plans for tonight. I know you told the girls you have a lot of baking to do but we both know Ste's taking you to his house and locking you in his bedroom for the next two days."

"God you make him sound like a serial killer." Christina drew in a deep breath. "I'm a little nervous, but I know I'll be okay. I trust him."

"Good. You've got everything you need?"

"I packed a bag with a change of clothes and my shampoo, toothpaste—"

"No sexy lingerie?" Lou made a face. "At least tell me the bra and panties you have on right now match?"

"I'm not wearing a bra." Christina glanced down at her dress. Despite Lou's attempts to push her into something brighter, she'd settled on black. It clung to her curves, its sequined bodice glinting in the light. Lou knew that it was shorter than she was used to. A rhinestone bangle complemented it nicely, as did the simple gold hoops in her ears.

"You're wearing the heels," Lou blurted, finally noticing. She'd been in such a rush she hadn't really taken notice of her friend's shoes until now. She smiled proudly at the sight of the black Louboutin Daffodile pumps, which added several inches to the woman's height. "They look gorgeous. You look gorgeous."

"Thank you."

"Have you got condoms?" she asked, mind already on the main topic.

"I—" Flustered, the other woman motioned with her hands. "Doesn't he?"

"You can't expect the man to remember everything." Lou was already crossing the room. Jerking open the top drawer of her dresser, she reached for the box tucked in the back. "I'm on the pill but we keep them on hand just in case." She didn't add that she was planning on stopping the birth control soon. Once she had a chance to sit with Stu and discuss having children, that was.

"I can't go downstairs toting a box of…" Christina looked at the box and her cheeks flushed.

"Don't turn into a prude now. They're fabulous. And I know Ste really likes this brand."

"How do you know?"

"…He tells Stu everything." Lou smirked. "I expect a good report."

He tried to make things seem casual during the drive to his home, but Stephen was soon aware that Christina was as anxious as he. Covering her bouncing knee with his hand, he gave a gentle squeeze and heard her sigh. "Yeh alright?"

"I will be once we're there."

He glanced at her and saw she was looking out the window. To hide her blush, no doubt. Wetting his lips, he pressed harder on the accelerator. "Why's that?"

"Please don't be coy now," she requested. Her hand slid over his, fingernails raking his skin. "It's not like we're going to your place to go over your tax return."

"Ah don't know… How are yeh wit' numbers?" he asked, feeling the tension break when she laughed. Turning his hand, he twined their fingers and raised her hand to his lips.

Her lips met his as soon as he'd parked in the driveway. It was a kiss of desperation and he refused to let it end, helping her over the center console with no mishap. Managing to climb out, he faltered when her legs slid around his waist. Soft hands clutched the back of his neck as her tongue flickered over his, and he struggled to remember why he was in such a hurry to get inside. Surely they could stay right here all night?

"Stephen," she whispered against his lips.

Groaning he closed the car door and turned in the direction of the house. Her legs dropped suddenly, forcing him to lean down to continue the kiss as he backed up the steps. He reluctantly pulled his hands from her, reaching behind him to fumble with the key and lock. Fingers slid down his chest, popping open the buttons of his waistcoat and the shirt beneath.

She broke the kiss and smiled shyly. Harsh breaths coursed over his chest. "Sorry, I'm getting carried away."

"Don't yeh dare apologize" he muttered, breathing a sigh of relief when he finally unlocked the door. He pushed it open and managed to reset the alarm as her hands worked to remove his shirt and waistcoat. When the door closed he gave in to the pressure of her hands on his arms and turned around, grunting as she pushed him against the solid wood.

"Sorry," she whispered when his head banged against the door.

"S'alright," he grunted, tugging her up for a kiss. He knew she was antsy. So was he. The horrible realization that the phone could ring at any moment set in and he trailed his hand over her back, searching for the zipper of her dress. He'd just located it when he felt his slacks loosen. Then her fingers were on him, teasing his cock. "Christ," he hissed as his cock twitched.

"I never forgot to finish what I started a couple weeks ago," she murmured, placing soft kisses down his chest. Her fingers continued to tease, then she palmed his length.

Licking his dry lips, Stephen watched her head move lower and lower. He thought briefly of the romantic evening he'd planned. The new sheets. The candles. The soft music waiting on his iPod. He even had a bottle of white wine chilling in the refrigerator. When her tongue traced a line down his abdomen, though, all thoughts of romance fled. "Yeh don't have to—"

She paused, lips now mere inches from his cock. "If I do, will you be unable to…" Her mouth quirked. "Rise to the occasion for the rest of the night?"

He felt his brow furrow at the insinuation. "Ah'll be able to."

"Good." Christina dragged his slacks and boxer briefs down past his knees. Now kneeling before him, she grasped the base of his cock firmly.

"Ah, fuck," he groaned as she took him in her mouth. His conscience kicked in, albeit for a split second. Shouldn't he be working to pleasure her? Her tongue rolled against the tip of his cock and he grasped the back of her head. He'd see to her pleasure soon enough. They had all weekend.

She moved slowly, almost reverently, and he had the feeling she was memorizing every inch of him. Her large eyes gazed up at him, hypnotizing him, as though he could have looked away. Utilizing her hands, she pulled back and licked the bottom of his shaft. "Tell me how you like it."

As though he'd tell her she was doing it wrong. Bracing his back against the door, he sank his fingers into her sleek hair. "A bit faster would be nice," he finally said.

"And my hands?"

Fuck. He drew in a deep breath, only to release it in a rush when her tongue swirled over the tip again. "Only when yeh doin' that," he whispered. Almost instantly she grasped him, continuing to flicker her tongue back and forth as she stroked. "Faster."

She complied. The combined sensation of soft tongue and fast hand caused his eyes to close. The foyer was now sweltering; he could feel perspiration beading on his forehead. Her hand moved to his thigh in a gentle caress and he opened his eyes just in time to see her sink down all the way.

A shiver ran up his spine. The muscles in his thighs tightened. His breath hitched. Forcing as many non-erotic thoughts as possible to the forefront of his mind he avoided an embarrassingly quick orgasm. He watched through heavy-lidded eyes as her fingers grasped his wrist, felt the gentle squeeze. Tightening his grasp on her head he guided her further down, his own head slamming back against the door. Breath catching in his throat again, he groaned her name when her mouth tightened as though she were swallowing.

"Hmm?" The questioning moan vibrated around his cock. When he dug his fingers tighter in her hair she followed his guidance, pulling off him and gasping for breath. Her lips glistened and she licked them slowly. Grasping him firmly, she began a rapid stroke as she suckled the tip.

"Just like that," he gasped, no longer caring how quickly he came. His body screamed for release. Knowing that he should warn her when he was about to, he was rendered speechless when her mouth came down swiftly. "Yes," he hissed, now holding onto her head with both hands. "Ah—"

His body went rigid, several curses tumbling past his lips as his cock throbbed. A hearty cry roared in his ears, his eyes squeezing shut while a blinding light seized his mind. Through it all he was aware of only her mouth, he tongue, her throat. She swallowed, greedily, tongue sliding back and forth along the sensitive underside of his cock.

Stephen loosened his grip on her hair, chest heaving as she raised he head. Opening his eyes, he watched her rise to her feet, his hands falling to her shoulders in a gentle squeeze.

"You taste good," she whispered, tenderly kissing the center of his chest.

"Ah'll take yeh word for it." He leaned down to offer a gentle kiss, chuckling when she turned her head. Letting his lips press against her cheek, he wrapped an arm around her and drew her closer.

"Are you going to offer me a drink?" she asked, her voice laced with humor.

He rose to the bait. "Yeh just had one."

"Something cold this time," she laughed. Backing away, she reached to pull the loosened pins from her hair.

"Comin' right up," he promised with a grin. He leaned over to remove his shoes and socks, kicking off his slacks before pulling up his boxers. Realizing that his shirt and waistcoat had only made it down to his elbows he shook them off, finally pushing away from the door.

"Is that the wardrobe for this weekend?" She was stepping out of her heels, pushing them out of the way.

"That sounds like a plan." He let his gaze rove over her figure. "Yer wearin' too much."

Christina turned her back to him and his eyes landed on the zipper. Stepping forward, he lowered it, then slid the dress down her arms. She wriggled to send it past her hips and it fell to her ankles. When she began to step away he caught her by the waist, drawing her back against him. Warm, bare skin resting against his chest, he smiled and placed a kiss on her shoulder.

"That's better," he murmured, trailing his lips to her neck. She gave a little sigh, tilting her head as her hands rested on the arm around her waist. "Let's go get that drink and go upstairs."

A/N: Gee, I wonder what happens in the next chapter? ;)

A super-duper round of thank-yous goes to: xKimberly12x (no old bats in this chapter!), Dana (no murdering of Helen…yet…), prettybaby69 (I had so much fun writing that conversation!), Amber (there's even more blowing in this chapter haha xD), Nikki (WE'RE GETTING THERE. PROMISE), Jojo (Helen is such a bitch isn't she?), Keeper of Oz (everyone needs friends like those two!), Blackhat (Hmm…we'll see), katiefabe (this fic loves you too!), Xandman216 (in-laws from hell sounds like an idea for a reality show), Lou (omgstahp you make me blush! Loveyoustoo!).

Seriously, you guys are amazing and I am constantly blown away by everyone's support of this fic. When I sat down to write my first wrestling fic last year I never dreamed I would get to know so many amazing people. I love each and every one of you and again, from the bottom of my heart, thank you! :)