You're smart, successful, beautiful, sexy.You're smart, successful, beautiful, sexy." She grinned. "You're also the shyest child I've ever raised. Does it bother you when I tell your life story to strangers?" "No..." Molly said. "Yes, it does." "No, it doesn't. Look, the moment I was born I was put into your arms... well, actually I was put into P'nyssa's arms. You raised me, you fed me and held me and- gave me your speech patterns." She wheeled around and splashed water at him. "Sure, sometimes I wonder what my bioparents look like, but it's not a big deal." There was a silence, then Shardik said "Molly, is there anyone you want to spend time with, I mean, a lot of time?" "Not really," Molly said. "I mean... maybe I haven't met the person." "Well, maybe you haven't, but I don't think that's the issue. I mean... Oh, hell, sweetheart, I love you. I heard what you said earlier about my being the only person you'd make a promise too." "Not just you. Mom and Daddy Aaden, too. But... I don't know." Shardik leaned over and whispered something into Molly's ear. The fox looked up at him and smiled, nodding. "Sorry to discuss family like that... So, you guys have a good nap?" "Yes, we did," Nickolai replied after a moments thought. It still stunned him to be on a first name basis with these people, he realized. He hadn't yet gotten used to it, and he doubted he ever would. "Good. Oh, by the way... Molly, you may get a chance to keep your promise to them anyway." "How so?" "Kitty called, and she said she'll be here for the picnic tonight." "So?" "So how does Kitty usually get here?" Molly looked up at him, her eyes getting wider by the second. "We're going to need another cow," she said gently. |