EXTRACT FOR
Ring of Roses
(Giselle Renarde)

"Where are you taking me for dinner?" she asked.



"The Brazilian steakhouse."



Her eyes lit up.  "That place is expensive!"



Everything was expensive, but there was only one perfect response to that statement: "Anything for my girl."



We arrived in Niagara just after noon and took a walk by the Falls.  The weather was mild for January in Canada, cottonball snowflakes melting as they hit the pavement. When the breeze turned cool, I led my girlfriend the amateur photographer to the horticultural centre so she could practice her hobby on bright tropical plants.



This whole trip might have been spur of the moment, but I knew Danielle well enough to plot adventures she would appreciate.  Her happiness was truly my greatest joy, though she'd probably tell you my greatest joy was getting laid.



Maybe we were both right.