Ch 13

Old emotions.

As they sat having a drink Russ decided to address the elephant in the room.

"So Henny I need to discuss something with you."

Henrik tipped his head, "Sounds ominous."

"Nothing bad. I promise. Well two things actually." He twiddled with his wedding ring and looked at it. "Um, does it bother you that I still wear my wedding ring?" Russ didn't look up. "I am ready to look to the future, with you; just not quite ready to let go of Ami's memory." Russ sniffed back his emotions.

Henrik placed his hand on Russ' hand. "I would not expect you to remove your ring. Ami was, is, a big part of your life. But yes, he would want you to move on and be happy without forgetting him." Henrik stood and crouched in front of Russ, as he would not look up. "So the second thing?" Henrik tried to catch Russ' eye. Which he did.

Russ gave a smile. "Why are you so nice eh?" He asked as Henrik was resting his arms on Russ' legs. Henrik just gave an understanding smile.

"So second thing then?"

"Well, you may be unsurprised to learn that Billie has been talking to her Auntie, and my cousins. As you know she approves of our relationship and she's been telling them all about you."

"Ah, all good I hope."

"Well, I'd say so given that you delivered her young Denver and you make her old man very happy."

"Very good. So...?"

"Well, they want to meet you and Billie wants to show you off."

Henrik rolls his eyes. "Really?"

"Not sure who loves you more me or Bilbo?"

Henrik laughed. It was strange the relationship he and Billie had. "I will go with whatever you feel happy with." He smiled, "I can be charming and delightful and obviously I can embellish any stories you need me to."

"Ah, you are fitting into our ways." Russ smiled. "Apparently Billie has organised 'a thing tomorrow.'" He made quotation marks.

Henrik gave an understanding look and held Russ' hand. "Play it by ear. I'm more than happy to meet your family."

"I don't want it to be too much for you Henny."

"We can get through it together." They smiled at each other. "United front. Let Billie know we are OK for tomorrow."

"Oh Henny, I'm not sure. Are they going to think I have forgotten about Ami and I've just moved on so quickly. I do not want them to think bad of me or you."

"Russell, trust me when I say... they want you to be happy. As would Ami. As does Billie and as do I."