Worries and fear

"And I will be right with you every step of the way." I brought her hand up to my lips. "Promise."

"How do you know about green-olive?" She actually smiled a little.

"I put Bump dot com in my favorites and check it religiously, just like you suggested. We have a green-olive this week, and next week we get a prune." I winked.

"I love you," she whispered very softly, and ran her hand through her hair.

"I love you too, my beauty. So very, very much."

The attendant arrived with the hot towels and drink service. I got the wine, and Brynne got cranberry juice on ice. I waited until she took a sip. I didn't want to have to force-feed her, but would resort to persuasion tactics if I had to.

To my surprise and relief she seemned to enjoy the cranberry juice.

"This tastes really, really nice." Another sip. "I'm picking up your words."

"I can assure you that you still sound like my American girl, baby." "I know that, I mean I'm picking up the words you say, like saying 'this

tastes nice' instead