SCOTT WAS IMPRESSED. Lacey's huge, two-story house with vaulted rooflines stood at the end of a driveway lined with tall, graceful pines. A gigantic oak tree grew on one side of the house, overhanging the roof. To the left, he could see the lake.

As he pulled in, Jana opened the front door and walked toward him. He was amused to realize that she must have been watching for him. Barney was running in circles around her feet.

He opened his arms wide to receive her. They kissed. She wrapped her arms around his waist and together they walked to the house.

"This is so nice," she said.

Scott was getting used to being so loved, so admired; he liked it, and realized he did not want it to end.

"Welcome," said Lacey who greeted him at the door. "I'll let Jana give you the grand tour, and then, if you like, we can sit down by the water. It is such a magnificent day."

"Yes, thank you," he replied.

Jana took his hand and led him from room to room, giving him a quick kiss on the cheek, or his hand, in each new location.

The house was filled with memorabilia of trips taken and awards won. Expensive works of art hung on walls. Every room had big windows revealing the spectacular scenery outside.

When he saw the small corner room that jutted out on the upper level, with glass from floor to ceiling, he stood stockstill.