"If so, that's a shame. He ought to get proper kisses. Lots of 'em. Preferably from me. Bein' honest with you - and I don't guess you'll let me be anything else--that is what I want. A whole lot. But sometimes, y'know, if you figure there's no chance in hell you'll get what you want, sometimes it hurts less to just try an' talk yourself out of it."

"As to what he can handle, well," and here Brian's look got just a little bit sly. "Little bit of the weight shiftin' around is good for 'im. Just isn't natural to sit up that straight all the time."