Beautiful chapter. I love seeing how everyone ties together in a sense. What I'm really looking forward to is what will happen to Ophelia emotionally if (more probably when) she gives into Ripp. If she chooses Johnny after she's intimate with Ripp, then Ripp could really undergo some emotional trauma. Never the father's first choice and never his love's. Major ouch!! Not to mention the fact that Johnny may never be able to be with Ophelia after she's with Ripp. Pain seems to be on the horizon for damned near everyone.

I hope that Frances can get over his Tank issues to find satisfaction with Beau. I'm also wondering about Lucy's impending relationship (friendship or otherwise) with Buck. Oooh, so many possibilities when you come back in September. It'll make a great birthday present for me!!