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mysterious circumstances. I just found that out
yesterday, Bear said.  Marc s going to prison, but if
I were him, I d watch my back. Let s change the
subject. Has anyone seen Dick Densmore?
 He s decided to spend winters with his kids in
Seattle, Chuck said.  Said he was too old for this
fifty-below foolishness.
 At least he s safe, Bear said.  I ve been
worried about him ever since he disappeared.
 Hey, shall we have a toast? John said.  To
good friends, old and new. He smiled at Emily,
Tom, and Jennifer.
 Hear, hear, Chuck said as everyone touched
glasses and then drank.
 I ll help you get the food on the table, Emily
said to Chuck, not unhappy about a chance to stand
rather than sit. But Bear put a hand on her forearm.
 Just a minute. I have something I want to say.
She gazed into his eyes, waiting. Everyone was
quiet.
 I have one more present for you, Emily. Here it
is. He handed her a small wrapped box, and her
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heart leaped inside her. Mary said,  Oh, boy, I bet I
know what that is.
 You know, John said to her,  sometimes I
think you need regular spankings, too.
Mary shook her head vigorously.  Too? said
Tom and Jennifer, while Emily blushed deeply.
 Inside joke, she said as she opened the box. A
small but gorgeous emerald, flanked by two rubies
and set in gold, sparkled inside.
 Bear? Is this ? Her mouth had turned dry as
sandpaper.
He took the ring and slipped it on her left hand.
 It was my mother s. She loved Christmas that s
why the stones are rubies and emerald, red and
green. My father over-nighted it to me last week.
He wants to meet you, Em. Bear cleared his throat.
 I kind of got the cart before the horse, putting the
ring on your finger. Hell, Em, will you marry this
bonehead who s mucking up your proposal?
Mary and Jennifer squealed. Everyone applauded
as Emily clutched Bear s shoulders and kissed him
hard.  Yes, Bear, yes.
He moved his lips to her ear, whispering so that
only she could hear him.  No imported furniture.
Deal?
In answer, she whispered back,  I don t promise
to obey. Her eyes glinted with mischief. Bear
grinned.
 Excuse us. Please start eating without us, he
said, pulling Emily after him, heading for the stairs.
As they climbed together, he cupped her bottom,
saying,  You re going to obey, even if I have to
spank you till my hand falls off.
He slapped her bottom hard. Emily said,  I love
you, Bear.
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