<em>- Bo at dining room table with others -</em><br/><br/>Having had his heart tugged by the other two ladies' comments, Bo listened intently as Nicci spoke.  Though her words gave insight into what had brought her to this place at this time in her life, it was the subtle nuance of her mannerisms that spoke more clearly about who she was and who she believed herself to be.  What was inside all of them, the deep desire to make this work, came through clearly in her expressions.  A smile curled Bo's lips at her last comment, just as Cathy entered.  For a moment it seemed that Nicci would be mortified, but then she straightened with a proud expression that almost made Bo laugh with delight.<br/><br/>Both of the men had words that struck a chord in Bo.  At Marcus's mention of college football, he could appreciate that the man had a similar understanding of teamwork.  The way he carried himself, Bo speculated that he likely had a leadership position on his team, and with his build perhaps he had been a quarterback.  He made a mental note to ask him about it later.  Vince's desire to build enough love to last a lifetime resonated, and the manner in which he seemed a little embarrassed at having opened himself up, even to that little bit, showed that he had meant it sincerely.<br/><br/>As it became clear that the attention had turned to him, Bo cleared his throat.  Uncertainty was not a common emotion for Bo, but he wasn't quite sure what he should tell these people sitting around this table.  A setting of hope and desire was laid out before them, a dream unfulfilled becoming more clear.  He felt an urge to be completely open, and he knew that whatever he told them that he would not lie.  It wasn't in his nature to do so, ever.  But for some things understanding was best developed over time, so omission was probably for the best.  Besides, they had all been brief in their comments and his was a long story.  As perhaps all of their's were.<br/><br/>"Well, it's back to me, then," he said with a light smile.  Then his expression grew more serious.  "You've each touched me with a glimpse of who you are.  I know," he continued with a quick glance at Nicci, "that we all are looking forward to learning more about each other."  He shrugged, "I was born an Army brat, youngest of two boys.  My brother followed my dad into the Army, and I was the black sheep, letting the Navy pay my way through college then serving until just a little over a year ago.  I traveled a lot with the Navy."  His eyes took on a somewhat distant look for a moment before he snapped back to the present and continued, "but I always wanted to see the world with a camera in my hand.  So I spent the last half year or so traveling."  He paused, drawing a deep breath as he got to the meat of why they all were here.   He glanced at Marcus, "I too have had many opportunities, but have been very selective in who I allowed to get close to me.  But that never seemed to matter in the end.  Like each of you, I needed more.  Or maybe just different.  I found that difference several years ago while working with a group of men from a small mountain village who shared the lifestyle that we are seeking.  They seemed so content.  Despite our differences, I felt like a lost son come home."  Realizing that he had gone on a bit longer than the others, he finished quickly, "and then I saw the ad for this experiment and things just seemed to fit into place."<br/><br/>He reached for his glass and took a sip, while taking a moment to consider all that had been said.<br/><br/><br/>