Thank you very much, merlynnez! I'm so happy you've been enjoying the story so far. I hope the remaining parts will be worth the wait.

It's very kind of you to be so understanding about my, uh, tardy posting. I don't often come across readers who are patient enough to think better late than never. *g* Well, I'm going to try to get the next installment out faster. I've got some vacation time coming up, so that should help. :-)