A/N: HAPPY NEW YEAR! Just wanted to wish all you dear readers a very happy and blessed New Year. All the best, Lady Dragonsblood

Adam spent his days in his room. He worked on the painting of his mother and Mark. He was glad he'd drawn it out first, because it had taken several attempts to get it just right. He had drawn his mother sitting as Mark stood behind her, hands on her shoulders. Adam had the hardest time getting Mark's hands to look correct.

Now he'd begun applying the paint. Adam loved the way the colors brought life to the painting. The only problem was he had to finish. It was Wednesday, and their wedding was going to be on Sunday.

Mark had arranged for a Vicar to come to the house. The McMahon's graciously offered the formal drawing room for the ceremony. It made Beth, Paige and Becky happy because they would be there. Judy had said they were family so it was right for them to attend. Cody was going to be on duty, just in case the family needed anything. Chris would be there at Adam's invitation. Judy invited the rest of the McMahon family, but Eric said it was their special day and to enjoy it. Judy understood and was secretly glad, it would be more relaxed.

Adam sat on his little balcony to paint. The light was bright and it kept the smell of the oily turpentine from making his room dank. He never heard when Chris came out on the balcony.

Chris didn't want to make Adam jump, so he waited for the blond to clean his brush. He watched his love paint Judy's left eye. Chris couldn't believe how talented of an artist his fiance was.

Adam lifted his brush. "I know you're there. But thank you for not talking. Does the eye look right?" He turned to look at Chris.

"Love, it is amazing. Remember, I will have it framed after you give it to them." Chris smiled and gave Adam a gentle kiss.

Adam shook his head. "No, love. I forgot to tell you. Jason is making a frame. He said it would be part of his gift. He is making it out of old stable wood. It will compliment the painting. You off?" Adam swished his brush in the turpentine to clean the paint out of the brush, to change colors.

"That will look nice. I didn't know Jason knew how to do woodwork. Yes, I'm off. Dean wants to talk to me about something over luncheon. I said I'd meet him at the restaurant. I will be back in a couple of hours. I love you." Chris gave Adam another kiss before he left.

Adam smiled. "I love you. Say hello to Dean for me. I am going down for luncheon before Mark comes in." He stood and left his art materials on the balcony, but brought the painting in and laid it on his bed to keep it safe.

Chris waited to walk downstairs with Adam. When they got to the foyer, Chris put on his hat. He laughed when Adam opened the front door for him with a sweeping bow.

"Have a good day, Milord." Adam gave Chris a wink.

Chris grinned. "I will, Copeland. Thank you." He gave Adam a cheeky kiss and headed out.

Adam closed the door with a laugh. He turned and went downstairs to eat with his family.

On Saturday, Chris took the painting to the mews. It was easier for him, as no one would question him about the package he carried. Adam was already in the stables when Chris arrived.

"Did you smudge it?" Adam was worried. He knew oils took time to dry completely. It was dry to the touch, but rough handling could smear it.

Chris turned the painting around. "Safe as houses, love. No one even heard me leave." He showed Adam the perfect painting.

"Oh, Adam!" Maxwell Friedman called out as he came down the ladder that led to the rooms above the mews where he and Jason lived, along with Matthew Riddle, the stable boy.

When Maxwell got off the ladder, he stammered. "Sorry, Milord. I did not know you were here." He apologized with a nod.

Chris smiled. "It is alright, Maxwell. I am just Chris, at the moment. I smuggled the painting out." He let the Hart's servant know all was well.

"Thank you, sir. Adam, that is not a painting. You just colored a photograph… didn't you?" Maxwell was stunned. It did look like a photograph.

Adam blushed. "No, it is a real painting. Where is my brother?" He looked around for Jason.

"Adam, that is truly amazing. You could hang that in an art gallery. Jason is up in his room. He is going to frame it up there, in case Mister Calaway comes to the mews.

"Alright. You go up first, please. I will hand it up to you. Just hold it by the edges." Adam warned as Max went back to the ladder.

Maxwell laughed. "Yes, Milord. Jason said you were masterful. Seriously, I will be careful. Give me a minute." He climbed up the ladder.

Adam carefully handed the painting up to Max. When the painting was safe, Adam turned to Chris. "Coming up?" He arched his brow.

"Jason won't mind? I don't want him to feel uncomfortable… you know what I mean." Chris looked at Adam with anxious eyes.

Adam put a hand on his fiance's shoulder. "Remember what you told everyone at supper last week? When you're with my family, you're just Chris. No, Jason won't mind. His room is actually quite nice. It is so cozy in the winter. Warmer than my room was. Come on, love." He gave Chris a small kiss.

Chris smiled. "Well then, I will have poppa look into making the rooms upstairs warmer in the winter. Let's go." He led Adam to the ladder.

Chris couldn't help but notice Adam's gorgeous backside as his muscles flexed as he climbed. He could not wait for their wedding night. Lord Christopher had plans for Adam.

When Chris got up the ladder, he was amazed at how homey it was. There were four rooms and a small water closet that had been added. That had been done by the Hart family. Adam led Chris to the last room on the right.

Jason's room had an iron bed, a wash stand, wardrobe and a table under a window, that could also be used as a desk. Adam was right, the room was cozy, and the sweet smell of hay added to that warm, cozy feeling. Jason sat at the desk, Maxwell stood next to him.

Jason beamed when Adam and Chris entered his room. "Addy, it is wonderful. Ma is going to burst out in tears. Mark might too. I am so proud of you, baby brother. Maybe you should let Chris have it framed at the gallery. Jason shrugged. He wasn't as confident about the frame he'd made.

Maxwell scoffed. "Jason, just show him. You did a very good job on the fame." He walked over to the bed. He bent down and pulled the frame Jason had made, out from under the bed.

When Adam saw the frame, he gasped. Jason had made it from scraps of stable wood, but it looked like it was made of rich, dark walnut. At the bottom of the frame, Jason had heated a nail, and in fine script written, Judy and Mark Calaway, and under that, the date their wedding would take place.

"Jay! This is beautiful. The dark wood will compliment the painting so well. The gallery couldn't have done any better. Frame it, Jay. I can't wait to see it." Adam was awed by his brother's talent.

Chris added his thoughts. "Jason that is incredible. You and Adam are so talented, puts my family to shame…" He chuckled, then continued. "I bet Sir Lawler would pay you to make frames for the gallery. I can introduce you, if you want. It is up to you."

Jason actually flushed a bit. "Thank you, Chris. I will think about it. My stable work is my true love. I did this for ma. Thanks for the compliment. Help me, Max?" Jason looked at his boyfriend with a smile.

Adam led Chris to Jason's bed. They sat down to get out of the way so Jason and Maxwell could frame the painting.

"I had no idea the amount of talent you and Jason have." Chris gave a bit of a sigh.

"Love, you have your own talent. Look at how good you are with the children. Not everyone can do that. Dean has a talent for the law, Roman for work at Parliament. Stephanie is a wonder at dress design. Those are all talents, just as much as artwork or woodwork. Don't ever doubt your talents." Adam spoke with love and ended with a kiss to Chris' cheek.

Chris smiled softly. "Thank you, darling. You are right. You are so wonderful. You lifted up not only me, but my brothers and sister. I can't wait for you to meet Shane… Well, I mean as a brother, not a Lord of the house. You are just the best." He gave Adam a soft kiss.

Adam nervously bit his lip. Jason pounded small nails into the canvas as he attached it to the frame. Jason also knew he had to stretch the canvas without damaging the painting. It was exacting and tedious. One slip and the hammer, or a nail could tear Adam's hard work. Maxwell concentrated so hard, he began to sweat a bit.

Chris saw how anxious Adam looked. "It will be alright. They know what they are doing." He spoke in a whisper as not to disturb Jason and Maxwell.

Adam wrapped his hands around Chris' right arm. He'd found it gave him comfort and security. "Yes, I trust them, but I am nervous about the under layers still being a bit wet. It took me so long to draw it. It will be alright… I hope." He tried to sound confident.

Chris patted Adam's hand that were wrapped around his arm. "That's my good boy. It will be alright. I would still like to show it to Jerry at the gallery."

Jason made a final "tap tap" then the sound of ripping fabric was heard. "Oh no!" Jason gasped.

Maxwell groaned. "Oh Jason."

Adam jumped up. Chris had to duck to avoid getting elbowed in the nose. "Jason? Is it bad? Can we save it?" He walked over to the desk, afraid to look, but knew he had to.

"Jason! It's perfect. I swear I heard the canvas tear." Adam looked at the painting, it was perfect.

Jason smirked as he held up the scrap piece of cloth he'd hidden to trick his brother with.

Jason William Christian Reso Copeland, I should kill you. You scared me half to death. And you, stop laughing or I will call off the wedding. I mean it." Adam yelled at his brother, then at Chris who laughed at the joke Jason had pulled on his brother.

Chris tried not to snicker. "Sorry, love. It's the same thing Dean would have done. It was mean, but well done. It looks beautiful, Jason." He'd moved to look at the now framed portrait painting of Judy and Mark.

Adam rolled his eyes. "Alright, alright. It was a terrible thing to do. But, it does look very nice. Thank you, Jay. You too, Maxwell. Can I leave it here safely?"

Jason nodded. "Yes, Addy. I will hang it up till Sunday. They are going to love it. Yes, Maxwell showed me something called a French polish. It did turn out nicely. I am sorry about the joke. I wanted you to relax and have a laugh." He stood and gave his brother a love filled hug.

Adam returned his brother's hug. "I know, Jay. You would never hurt me. Thank you, hang it were the sun will hit it, help it deep dry."

Jason pounded a nail into the wall, the sun would be on the painting. "Max, we've got to go. Lord Dean and Lord Hart are going out. They want to ride. We have to get Sweepstakes and Lochinvar groomed and saddled. Oh Chris, Highflyer needs new shoes. Farrier will come on Tuesday, please don't ride him till then. No point in risking a thrown shoe and a lame leg." Jason put on his dark green stable coat, as did Maxwell.

The four young men went down the ladder. Adam gave Highflyer a bit of apple as Chris gave his trusty steed a stroke of his long, velvety nose. The stallion relished in the attention. Jason and Maxwell groomed Dean and Kenny's horses.

An hour later, Chris joined Adam's family for tea. "Mm, you made the Earl Gray. Miss Judy, I will be sad when cherry season ends. No one can touch you at making cherry cake." Chris praised as he wolfed down a second slice of said cake.

Judy blushed. "Thank you, Christopher. I wish your wedding cake could be cherry. I can dry them, but cherries loose too much flavor. There was glassé cherries in it though. The girls baked a test cake for us to have tomorrow. They won't let me see it." Judy smiled softly.

Beth spoke. "It is bad luck for the bride to see the cake before the wedding. It was nice of their Graces to offer the drawing room. We will decorate it later."

Chris nodded. "Poppa thought it was better than a stuffy registry offices on a busy work day, at a city building. You sure you don't mind my being there?" He looked from Adam's mother to Mark.

"We don't mind at all. You're family too, or will be. Girls don't forget the flowers on the balcony. If the weather permits, we will open the balcony doors." Mark spoke to Chris, then the three maids.

"Don't worry. Paige will see her Auntie Millie." Beth gave a wink. They had wonderful plans for tomorrow.

"Auntie has beautiful flowers set aside for us, as as favor. She sells flowers in Hyde Park, sir." Paige explained to Chris with shyness. She still wasn't used to treating a Lord like a friend.

Cody listened to Paige speak. He gave her smile of encouragement. There was no need for her to be so shy.

Chris smiled. "I know her. I buy flowers from her for Stephanie's birthday. She always has a dozen roses for me. I did not know she was your Aunt." He spoke softly to the shy maid, to make her feel more comfortable.

The downstairs tea finished. It was going to be a quiet evening for the servants. The McMahon's were going to the Hart's for supper. Adam was going as well. It was a bit of a celebration for their engagement.

Adam drew water for his own bath, he very well know how, and Cody needed to valet Roman and Seth. As Adam soaked in the hot water, he went over his manners in his mind. At least he knew which fork and spoon went with what dish. He just had to remember not to get up and clear. He took a deep breath and slid under the water to rinse the soap out of his long, blond hair.

Later, Adam dried his hair out on the balcony, as the sun beamed down. He called out "Come in." When he heard a knock on the door. He was surprised when Mark came into the room.

Mark went out on the balcony. Will you please remind Glenn to be here at one tomorrow? And to please don't for get the ring."

"I will be glad to, Mark. I am so happy for you and ma. I am sorry for all the times I was terse with you. I didn't understand things then. I am glad we had that talk. You've been the one and only father figure in my life. Mark, will you honor me and give me away at our wedding?" Adam asked with total honesty. He now felt like Mark was his father.

The lips of the near seven foot tall man quivered, his green eyes filled with moisture. "Son, the honor would be mine. Yes, I will give you away. Adam, I understood. You only meant to protect your mother. No son can be faulted for that. I too, am glad we talked. I love your mother, so dearly. Now come, I will help you, you don't want to make the others late.

Twenty minutes later, Mark gave Adam's tie a final adjustment. Adam wore his new navy blue suit for the first time. "You look like a Lord. Remember, let Glenn take your hat. Don't be nervous. Lean on Christopher, he will protect you like a young lion. Adam son, I love you." Mark gave Adam a pat on the shoulder.

"I love you, father Mark. I will be alright, with Chris by my side." Adam spoke from his heart.

Mark opened the door with a wink. A couple of minutes later, he opened the morning room door for Adam. Chris got up and greeted his fiance with a kiss to the cheek.

"The navy looks very nice on you. It brings out more green in your eyes. Poppa, doesn't he look nice?" Chris asked as he led Adam to the long, leather sofa. Eric was the only other family member in the room.

Eric grinned. "Chris is right, Adam. You look very handsome. Navy suits you well." He looked up when Mark opened the door for Roman and Dean to enter.

"Seth is feeding the twins, he will be down shortly. My goodness, you look very handsome, Adam." Roman spoke as he sat in a chair.

"Yes, you do, Adam. Glad you are joining us." Dean added as he sat in the other chair.

Adam ducked his head with a slight flush. "Thank you."

When the door opened again, Stephanie came in. She wore a lovely, but plain, blue silk dress. After all it wasn't a formal dinner and she wanted to be comfortable. The brothers and Adam stood when she entered. Stephanie sat on the sofa next to Adam.

"You love lovely, Stephanie. I love that shade of blue. It's like the dark blue after a sunset." Adam complimented.

Stephanie smiled. "Thank you, Adam. You look very nice too. Glad you took my advice about the navy."

Chris chuckled. "Ah, so you helped him with clothing advice. Thank you." He loved Stephanie's style.

"When you're ready to pick out your wedding tuxedo, I would like to go with you. You must look like an angel on your wedding day. Poppa, you will come too?" Stephanie looked at her poppa with expectation.

Eric nodded. "Of course, if Adam wants me to. I helped Seth as did Stephanie." He pulled out his watch and checked it with the mantel clock. Vince was late as usual.

Adam beamed. "I would love to have you both come along. Ma would appreciate the help and advice. I would too. I want to look my best for Chris."

Vince and Seth entered the room. Vince spoke. "Sorry, dearest. I fed little Bea and got lost in being grandpa." He kissed Eric's cheek.

Seth sat on Roman's lap. "It was so sweet, he and Bea had a lovely chat about butterflies."

Eric stood. "We'd better go. Shawn will be wondering if we got lost walking next door."

Ten minutes later, Adam gave Mark's brother, Glenn his hat and the message from Mark.

"Thank you, Adam. Tell him not to worry. I will be on time and I will have the ring." Glenn smiled.

Glenn opened the door to the Hart's morning room. The Hart house was a mirror of the McMahon house, but Shawn had his own style. His colors were more earth tones, and outdoorsy feeling. The leather couch had a leopard skin draped over the back.

Greetings were exchanged in a bit of chaos. Natalya and Stephanie chatted and giggled. Kenny and Dean went to a corner and briefly kissed. Roman, Seth, Shawn and Eric fell into a conversation, as did Bret and Vince. Adam felt a bit out of place as he and Chris sat on the sofa.

Glenn poured small glasses of port. It was meant to whet the appetite. Finn, the footman helped Glenn serve the port.

Shawn cleared his throat and rapped his knuckles on his writing desk. "Quiet please." He waited till all the children settled in quietly. "I would like to propose a toast. To Chris and Adam, may your marriage be filled with joy and happiness. May God bless you both. To Chris and Adam." Shawn raised his glass.

"To Chris and Adam." Everyone chanted with glasses raised high. They all sipped in toast.

Chris and Adam smiled. Adam found his hubris and spoke. "Thank you all so much. It has been hard for me to adjust to my new world. Everyone of you have been so kind, patient and helpful. I know, with Chris by my side, I will be alright. I will make mistakes, but I know, instead of being angry, you will help me. I will do my best to never shame any of you."

Chris beamed proudly and kissed Adam's cheek. "I add my love and thank you as well. I finally feel like my heart and soul are at peace. I love Adam with all my heart." He ended with another kiss to Adam's cheek.

The couple were engulfed in hugs, kisses and handshakes. Adam felt like he was truly welcomed. He also felt safe and loved because Chris held him close around the waist. It wasn't long before Glenn announced that dinner was served.

Adam found he was more relaxed at the table. Maybe it was because he wasn't being served by his family. Finn and Glenn served at the table, April Jeanette, the Head Parlor Maid was behind the screen. He knew because over the din of the conversations, Adam heard the distinct sound of the dumbwaiter being raised and lowered. Adam put it down to his own training.

Bret Hart smiled. "Now this is delicious. Jacobs, tell Cook it's perfect…" He spoke to Glenn, then looked over at Adam. "Adam, tell your dear mother I said thank you. She had a talk with our cook about no spicy food. Miss Guerrero listened." He gave Adam a nod of respect.

Chris quickly spoke. "It was actually Adam, Uncle Bret. Miss Judy tried, but when Adam spoke to Miss Vickie in Spanish, she finally understood. I was there, and heard it all. Adam was brilliant."

Adam flushed. "Miss Guerrero thought you wanted more spice. She felt awful that she misunderstood. Some Spanish words are similar to English, but they have a different or opposite meaning. German is another difficult one, the verbs come at the end of the sentences. For example we say, open the door and go out. In German it is more like, go out the door open. It can be confusing." Adam returned Bret's nod.

"Then thank you, Adam. My stomach has been much happier as well. I had no idea you spoke Spanish and German. Well done, son. Christopher, you have a top notch one here." Bret smiled even brighter at Adam.

"He also speaks French and some Italian. Father, Adam would be a big help to us at Parliament. Our own private translator. Chris also said Adam has started to work on learning Russian." Roman spoke with authority to his father. He was serious.

Vincent looked at his future son-in-law. "Adam, son. Would that be of interest to you? We are dealing with a lot of our German friends, but sometimes, we have to wait a long time for the translators. They are very buys and we don't have that many on staff. If we had our own translator, it would make things better. I could respond much quicker. You would, of course, be paid. If children come along, the work could be easily done at home." Vincent was also serious. So much so all the conversation around the table stopped.

Adam looked at Chris. Chris gave his fiance a nod with a wink. Adam turned to look across the table at his future father-in-law. "Yes, sir. I would love to do what I can to help you and Roman. I'm not a linguist, but I do have a very good grasp of German. I also have someone I can go to for help; Mister Schulz, the butcher. Of course, I would say nothing about what is being said. I meant, if I get stuck with the grammar or spelling of words. So again, yes I would love to be of help to you, If I can." Adam gave Vince a firm look. He would do anything to stave the talk of a pending war.

Vince smiled. "Very good. I have no objections to you getting help from Mister Schulz, but you must never reveal anything to anyone, and I mean anyone. If you like, you can start any time. You can work at home. I know you have a lot to do before the wedding." He arched his brow at Adam.

Adam nodded. "If it will help you and Roman, I would be glad to start now. You have my solemn vow. I will never say a word to anyone, my hand on my heart." Adam placed his hand on his heart to prove his point.

Vince grinned. "Christopher, you certainly picked a real winner. Now, enough business. Let us enjoy this fine meal." He took a bite of his perfectly roasted pheasant.

The dinner continued happily. Adam observed the people he dined with. He noticed something he hadn't before. Stephanie and Natalya seemed to be extremely close, like the closeness of lovers. He began to wonder, were they in love? If it was what they wanted, he would be all for it.

The next couple Adam observed were Roman and Seth. They fed each other tastes from each other's plates. The love they had for one another simply radiated around them.

Adam also saw the looks Bret and Shawn Hart gave each other. It didn't matter that Bret sat at the head of the table, and Shawn sat at the foot. Their love for each other was something only a blind man could miss.

The same could be said for Vince and Eric. It was clear they loved each other. It just proved that you can find love for a second time. Adam also knew they still carried love for their deceased spouses.

The blonds gaze lastly turned to Chris. He spoke with Bret about the horse racing season. They both enjoyed it, and sometimes went to Ascot, when they had time.

Chris felt Adam's gaze, as he spoke to Bret. He reached over and put his hand on Adam's thigh under the table. It was his way of telling Adam he was there. Chris heard Seth draw Adam in to talk about children. He was proud at how well Adam fit in.

After the dinner was finished, dessert was served. Vickie had made a good chocolate cake. To Adam it was alright, but his mother's was the best. He also enjoyed a cup of coffee, it was different from the usual cup of tea. Adam liked it, but decided it was not something for every day. It was however, a nice change.

After dessert, Shawn spoke. "Shall we go up to the drawing room? We can have cigars and brandy. I also have game tables set up." He stood first, as the host.

Everyone agreed. The Hart's and McMahon's were avid game players. Adam looked forward to it as well. He loved playing games, and always wanted to try new ones. Chess with Mark was fun, but a bit boring evening after evening.

Glenn passed around the box of expensive cigars as Finn served small glasses of brandy. Chris told Adam brandy brought out the flavor of a cigar, and the cigar brought out hidden notes in brandy.

Adam, Chris, Dean and Kenny played a game from India called Pachisi. Adam found it easy to learn, but like chess, took a bit of thinking and strategy.

Stephanie and Natalya concentrated over a game of chess. Bret, Shawn, Vince and Eric played Bridge. Seth and Roman were lost in a card game.

Glenn and Finn made sure cigars and cigarettes were kept lit and ashtrays emptied. For those that wanted, light beverages were provided. The Butler and Footman worked in absolute silence and did it with great pride.

Not just any servant could work in a Ducal household. Adam was well aware of how much more difficult it was, but the amount of pride was immense. Adam went out of his way with smiles and looks to Glenn and Finn, to show his support. They appreciated it.

"Adam, Dean said there would be some excitement while we are all at the Sunday concert in Hyde Park." Kenny spoke to Adam as they waited for Dean to return from the WC.

Adam smiled. "Yes, my mother and Mark Calaway are getting married. My brother and I are very happy about it." He spoke with a bright sparkle in his eyes.

"That's wonderful, Adam. Give your mother my best wishes. She is a fantastic cook." Kenny returned Adam's smile.

Chris spoke up. "You should see the portrait painting Adam did for their wedding present."

"Could we see it?" Shawn asked with hope. He loved good artwork. Their home was nearly a gallery itself.

"I'll run over and get it." Chris stood.

"Milord, I will go. I do not mind." Finn spoke up.

"You'll need a note. My brother has it in his room over the mews. I will tell him it's alright to give it to you." Adam agreed. He knew Shawn's eye for art. That way he would know if it was really good.

Glenn brought Adam paper, pen and ink. Adam wrote. "Duke Hart would like to see the portrait. Please give it to Finn. Love, Adam (Edge)" He used the old nickname Jason had given him as a child. That way, Jason would know it was really him.

"Love, why did you sign, Edge?" Chris asked as they resumed their game. Finn left as Dean returned.

Adam laughed. "So Jason would know it was me. When we were kids on the old estate, I always walked on the edge of the creek bank. Jason started calling me Walking Edge, then just Edge. He will still call me that on occasion. Just one of those older, younger brother things." Adam took his turn at the game.

"I guess the only nickname I have is Chrissy. This one does it to annoy me." Chris gave Dean a playful nudge.

Dean took his turn. "Well, Chrissy is just so cute."

Chris rolled his eyes as Kenny moved his game pieces. "I'd call him Lion." Adam spoke before he could stop himself.

Chris puffed up with pride. "I like that. You and only you can call me Lion. After all, I am your protector, like a lion. You will be my little Kitten."

Adam flushed darkly. Kenny reached over and hugged Adam. "It's alright. It suits you. We won't tell anyone, will we Deannie?" Kenny gave Dean a wink.

"Um… no." Dean now flushed a bit.

"Are you children behaving over there?" Eric heard a bit of their conversation. He didn't want it to get out of control.

"Yes, poppa. Everything is fine." Dean spoke as he took his next turn at the game.

Eric nodded. "Good. Adam isn't quite used to you boys and your humor. I want him to feel safe."

"Thank you. I am glad you are protecting me." Adam looked over at Eric and winked. He wanted his future father-in-law to know he was alright.

A few minutes later, Finn returned. "Here you are, sir. Jason said he would watch for you and take it back to his room." Finn handed Adam the painting.

Everyone stopped their games as Adam stood and turned the painting around to show everyone. Shawn put his hand over his mouth.

"Adam… oh Adam… you… you painted that?" Shawn could barely speak, he was so amazed.

"Oh my God. They look so real, I wouldn't be surprised if they spoke." Natalya spoke with awe.

Even Glenn was stunned. "That is incredible."

Shawn stepped closer to the painting. "Adam would you paint our portrait? I've wanted one for a while now, but I haven't been able to find an artist I like. I would pay you, of course." He looked from the painting to Adam and back again.

"Um… well… are you sure it's good? You're not just being kind? I know you have studied art, by real artists." Adam wasn't sure what to think.

Shawn took the painting from Adam's hands, and looked at it again. He then gave it to Chris. He put his hands on Adam's shoulders, looked him in the eye and spoke.

"Son, you are an artist. I have seen so called professionals that can't do half as well as this. Will you do our portrait?" He kept his eyes directly on Adam.

Adam could see that Shawn was serious. "You… mean it? I can try. You certainly don't have to pay me. I will do it as your friend. You'd have to sit for me, so I could draw first." He looked at Shawn with his brow arched in question.

"Yes, we will be glad to sit. We can even wait till after your wedding. Absolutely no rush, son. We will talk about it. Trust me, son, I will say this again, you are a true artist." Shawn gave Adam another pat on the shoulder.

After everyone admired the painting even more, they settled back in to finish their games. The evening was getting along.

At nine-thirty, the McMahon's and Hart's bid each other goodnight. They would go to the Sunday concert together in the Hart's large carriage. Chris carried the painting for Adam.

Jason sat on the steps to the servants hall. When he heard the family, he hurried to meet Adam and Chris before Mark opened the door.

"I'll take this back to my room. Talk to you later." Jason hurried, Mark had just opened the front door.

Adam chuckled. "He can hurry when he wants to." He held on to Chris' elbow as they entered the house.

Adam and Chris followed the others upstairs. They exchanged I love yous and kisses. Tomorrow was going to be a big day, the wedding of Judy Copeland and Mark Calaway.