I am definately backing off and letting them spend time together. The only time I would get authorative is if I saw her doing something that could harm something I own.. but she is older now and I don't see her, for example, playing with knick-knacks, etc. or opening snake tubs of mine.. that sort of thing.
She is Very into horses, and loves snakes. I have to spend time alone with her tonight (Mark has to go to traffic court.. heh; doing 65 in a 55..) and I think that I'll get her into seeing the snakes; maybe feeding a few.. and I will bring in the horses so she can groom them, etc. She knows how to be around them after spending 2 months at a riding camp.. and she is Very into art and drawing also. I will let her use my desk and a few paints/pencils if she wants to.. I am eager to see what she can put out. There are a few things (like riding the 4-wheeler, target shooting,etc) that I am not touching though; Mark can do that, and set limits on that, etc.
I am definately Not going to get all mushy and try to press into her as a mommy figure; if she sees me as she would an aunt, or even a family friend, that is fine.