“The purple is stunning but it says “Infanta”. You want someone to see you for you. The green is it. Oh! I almost forgot, I found these miniatures of boys when they were younger.”

He nodded. “I’ve had them around five years, not much more.”

He laughed softly. “My darling, they’ve seen miniatures of you and Chico from since I’ve know you.”

He laughed, “and yet they still want to meet you.”

He cringed a little. “About that…”

“They will be here sooner than expected.”

“By the end of the week.”

“I can’t help if they had good traveling weather!”

He put his hands gently on her shoulders. “My darling, you are more than ready. This isn’t a marriage or anything set in stone. You are meeting some old dear friends of mine who are excited about meeting you.”

“What could you possibly change? Just be yourself.”

He looked around. “What is out of place? Issy, please stop worrying.”

He smiled. “Ok Issy, stress all you want. It will be ok.”

What a beautiful crisp morning!

He laughed and took both of Luis’ hands in his own. “Now you’re just being dramatic.”

Wrapping him in his arms, he laughed softly. “It’s barely autumn, my dear.”

He lightly stroked his lover’s hair, careful not to disturb the beautiful waves. “Perhaps it will be warmer in Virginia.”

Ahem…you really should be getting to bed.

“I was in Virginia in the fall and it was quite pleasant. Pack your winter clothes just in case.”

It’s dawn, my dear. Here, let me help you.

“It’s funny, it happens every morning.” He helped her up from the chair before bending to pick up the sleeping Teddy from under the library table.