A/N: I am still in the hospital...but I MIGHT get to go home soon. Sadly this is the last chapter I have typed in. I have 15 more to type in when I get home...so PLEASE the story WILL continue... just be a bit patient. I will never leave you hanging with an unfinished story. I wish now I had typed more... but I was hurting too much from the wound to concentrate. THANK YOU for the continued support and love. All the best, Lady Dragonsblood.
At one thirty in the morning, the door to Prudence Mayfield's chateaux opened. "Welcome to Chateaux Mayfield, My Lords. My name is Michael Mizanin." The Butler opened the door wide for the newlyweds.
Chris smiled "Hello, Mizanin. Good to see you again. Please meet my husband, Lord Adam McMahon." He spoke as they removed their hats, gloves and light travel cloaks. Another young man hung the cloaks by the door.
"Pleased to meet you, Lord Adam. This is our Valet, Curt Hawkins. He will look after you and see your luggage up to your room. You must be exhausted. We'll have you tucked up in bed as quickly as possible. Hawkins, have Cardona help you. Their Lordships need rest immediately." Mizanin spoke quickly. Lady Pru had said to take excellent care of the newly married couple.
"Right away, sir. The bath is reads, the bed turned down. Won't take a tick." Hawkins gave a nod. He hurried out to help the Groom, Matthew Cardona unload the baggage cart that had been driven by one of the stable boys. All three carried the baggage up to the main suite of the chateaux.
Mizanin led Chris and Adam to the equal of the morning room back in London. "Would you like anything to eat or drink, your Lordships?"
"No, thank you. By now we are just ready to get some sleep. Please, do not disturb us until we ring for you. I wouldn't plan on breakfast." Chris spoke politely, but in his Lord's tone. He wanted Adam to have plenty of rest. Truth be told, so did Christopher.
"As you wish, your Lordship. Lady Mayfield left instructions to make sure your every wish and comfort were met." Mizanin replied with a happy smile. The staff of the chateaux knew that the two Lords worked hard for their fellow orphans back in England.
Adam grinned. "Thank you. We appreciate that. Oh, Cody Rhodes asked me to tell you hello. He works in our house now… or did…" Adam went on to explain about Cody. "… so when John can work again, Cody will come back to us."
Mike beamed. "Thank you, Milord. Cody and I were best friends when we were little. I hated to leave, but I was proud to be chosen to be responsible for this glorious chateaux. Please, do give my regards to Cody. I must do better with my letter writing to him."
Before more could be said, a pretty blond girl opened the door. "Mister Mizanin, the room is ready. I drew a hot bath just in case." She spoke with a heavy French accent. She gave a curtsy, then left as quietly as she entered.
"That was Maryse Ouellet, our Housekeeper. If you will follow me, your Lordships." Mike went to the door and opened it.
"I want that bath." Adam spoke with a muffled yawn.
Chris held out his hand and helped Adam up. When the blond stood, they followed Mizanin up to the third floor of the chateaux.
When they were shown the room, Adam nearly gasped, the room was stunning. The room was almost circular as it was in the rounded tower of the western side, another rounded tower was on the east.
The room had a massive fireplace with a sitting area. There was a long, leather sofa and four overstuffed chairs covered in Damask silk of navy blue.
The bed was a huge four-poster of dark walnut, polished to a glassy finish. The bed had a canopy of four curtains that could be drawn, closing the occupants of the bed away from the world. The curtains were of the same navy Damask. There was a step to make it easier to get into the huge bed.
The windows on the west had wide window sets with thick cushions of the same material. There was a door that opened out on to a lovely balcony. Small tables and gas lamps added to the décor, along with beautiful pieces of artwork. Tasteful knick-knacks added to the homey feeling of the grand room.
Adam took it all in, in a matter of seconds. Mike opened another door. "The bath is here. You will find everything unpacked and laid out for you. The wardrobe is here. He opened the doors of the large walnut wardrobe in the corner. Next to it was a walnut chest of drawers.
"Thank you, Mizanin. You have been most gracious. No, we can do all this tomorrow. We are too exhausted." Chris just wanted the Butler to leave, not out of rudeness, but he was more than ready to be alone with his new husband.
"Yes, Milord. Just ring if you need anything. You will not be disturbed. Goodnight, your Lordships. Mike understood and with a nod, quickly left the room.
Chris went to the door and locked it. "You go bathe, love. I'm sure you will find everything laid out for you." He began to unbutton his shirt and sat on the huge bed.
"Thank you, my Lion. I won't take too long. I just want to wash off the travel dust." Adam hurried off to the grand water closet.
Adam was again amazed at the grandeur of the room. A huge claw foot bathtub was filled with steaming hot water. Two Italian marble sinks stood side by side with mirrored cabinets above them. The floor was black and white tiles. A thick, long white rug lay in front of the tub. It kept bathers from slipping and falling on wet tiles. The walls were white, broken by a band of black tile, a little below halfway to the floor. Fluffy towels hung on the wall, ready to be used, along with matching cloths for washing. It was stunning and spotlessly clean.
Adam found the toilet behind a three quarter high wall. He also saw both his and Chris' night shirts and robes hung on hooks on the back of the door. Their grooming items had been neatly arranged on the tile counter between the two sinks.
Adam would admire later, now he wanted to bathe. He quickly stripped out of his suit and was soon in the perfect temperature bath and sighed deeply.
In the bedroom, Chris wished he had his robe and night shirt. He should have thought to grab them from the WC. Oh well, it would wait.
Chris gave a chuckle as he thought out loud. "Pru is not a large lady, this bed must swallow her." He laid back agains the pile of feather pillows.
Chris began to ponder on what to do. He and Adam had almost gone too far on the ferry. Only the blast of the steam whistle stopped them. Now, did he pick up where they left off, or would it be better to wait till Adam was rested. He didn't want to hurt Adam in any way.
He got up and went to his carpet bag, and dug down to the bottom. He smiled when his fingers found what he looked for. He pulled out the small glass pot of Vaseline Roman had gotten for him. Roman had told him it would help when making love. He'd explained to Chris to rub it not only on his cock, but to rub it around and in Adam's hole. Roman said once he learned the trick of using the jelly, it changed their sex life. Seth said it made it nearly painless and Roman said it made it so much easier to get in. Chris had been very grateful to his brother.
Chris sat back down on the bed. He put the small glass pot in the drawer of the bedside table on his side of the bed… just in case.
A few minutes later, the door to the bathroom cracked open. "Do you want fresh bath water?" Adam asked in a soft voice.
Chris smiled. "No thank you, love. I will wash up though." He did want to freshen up, but didn't want a full bath. Chris was a morning bather.
"Alright, my Lion. I will be out soon." Adam closed the door and took a deep breath.
The former footman was a nervous wreck. While in the bath, he remembered how close they had come together on the ferry. While it was a wonderful feeling, the actual act scared him. He know Chris would be careful, but, Seth had told him how painful it was. The only things that gave him any comfort were the fact that Chris loved him. Also, if they wanted children, it was the way they were created. Adam smiled and rubbed his flat belly. He want to feel it rounded, with a baby. Well, there was only one way, and that was to do… it.
Chris smiled when Adam came out of the water closet. His husband had his robe wrapped tightly around him. "That bathtub is wonderful. I needed that. I feel so much better." Adam stood at the foot of the bed and spoke.
"Good. Alright, my turn. You just get in bed and relax. We don't have to do anything. We'll talk." Chris got and gave Adam a kiss.
Adam ducked his head. "Alright, Lion." He waited for Chris to close the door to the WC.
Adam slipped out of his robe and laid it on the trunk at the foot of the bed. He stepped up into the bed. Chris had already pulled back the covers. He let out a deep sigh. The bed was the most comfortable bed he'd ever been in. He pulled the covers up to his neck. Even thought it was early in the morning, the bath had refreshed him.
Chris came out of the water closet twenty minutes later. He laid his robe with Adam's and stepped up into the bed. He moved carefully, Adam was refining his sketches in the small book
Adam put the book down on his bedside table. "You smell nice, my Lion." He tried not to sound as nervous as he felt.
"So do you, my sweet Kitten. Come here." Chris smiled softly. He held his arms out to Adam.
Adam moved over and relaxed, once his head rested on Chris' shoulder with Chris' arms around him. He shifted so he was even closer to Chris.
"You feel good in my arms." Chris kissed the top of Adam's blond head.
Adam kissed Chris' neck. "It feels good to be in your arms, Lion. While I am a bit… scared, I am ready to be yours, in every way. After all, Melanie must have a brother or sister. There is only one way, that I know of."
Chris let out a cross between a growl and a chuckle. "That is very true." He pulled Adam closer and kissed him with the pent up lust since the ferry.
Adam responded. He ran his fingers through Chris' hair. A soft purr-like sound spilled over his lips as Chris once again kissed and nibbled on the spot just under Adam's left ear.
It wasn't long before Chris had managed to remove both their nightshirts. The couple to a moment to relish in their first skin to skin contact. The two lamps on the bedside tables burned low. It cast a golden glow over the couple.
Chris learned something else from Roman, pleasure Adam first. It would help him relax even more. Adam let out a gasp when Chris' hand went around his hard shaft. The touch was magnificently arousing.
Chris knew he'd done the right thing when Adam's body arched and fell with his up and down movements on Adam's cock. Once in a while, Chris stroked his thumb over the sensitive slit on the tip. Adam moaned low in his throat.
Chris grew more confident in his movements. Sometimes he pumped faster, then would slow down to almost nothing. Adam responded with different sounds, from moans of pleasure to whimpers that begged. Roman had advised him to listen to Adam, that way, he would learn what Adam liked. Chris began to memorize Adam, like an actor learning lines in a play.
Adam turned so his mouth could reach more of his husband's delicious skin. Chris let out his own soft moan when Adam kissed his chest. Seth had given Adam the same advice, to listen to Chris. Roman and Seth would be pleased to know their students were doing so well.
"Lion! Oh, Lion!" Adam cried out when his cock released. He'd never felt anything so wonderful in his life. His hands clawed at the sheets like a wild man.
Chris knew it was time. He is hand found the little glass jar. He kept Adam occupied with kisses. Chris coated the first two fingers of his right hand with the Vaseline.
Chris ran his finger down the strip of skin that would opened when Adam gave birth. It was sensitive for that reason. When he got to the puckered hole, Chris began to rub the tip of his finger around the rim.
Adam gasped when he felt the tip of Chris' finger enter his hole. It didn't exactly hurt, but it wasn't comfortable. She had said I helped when Roman did it, so Adam relaxed. Chris loved him and that made it even better.
Chris continued when he felt Adam relax a bit. He took Adam's lips in a kiss and pushed his finger in deeper. Adam tensed, but relaxed again. Chris went in a bit more. When he felt a little bump, he pressed it with his finger.
Chris knew he'd found the right spot when Adam cried out in absolute pleasure.
Adam had never felt anything so wonderful. "Again, Lion." He managed to gasp out between kisses.
Chris lost track of time as he opened Adam further. He'd even managed two fingers with no sign of terrible pain from Adam. Once again he reached for the jar of jelly. He kissed Adam into oblivion as he slicked his hard, aching shaft.
When he was ready, Chris moved so that Adam was on his back. Chris lay on top of his husband. Adam's legs parted naturally. Blue eyes gazed into hazel.
"Ready, love?" Chris asked with a soft kiss to Adam's lips.
Adam returned the kiss. "Yes, my darling."
Adam cried out as Chris entered him for the first time. Both men knew they would treasure the moment for the rest of their lives. Both men were also glad it was the first time for either of them. They also knew they would only have have sex with each other… ever.
When they finally fell asleep, locked in each others arms, the sun had just started her journey of rising in the east. It had been a wonderful day. The wedding, the journey and the act of consummating their vows. Chris and Adam were more in love than ever.
Don in the servants hall of Chateaux Mayfield, Maryse was a bit worried. "Mike, it is three in the afternoon. I know they said not to disturb, but what if something is wrong?"
Mike took a sip of his tea. "Maryse, think about it. They got married yesterday." He sharply arched his brow at the housekeeper, a sly smirk on his face.
A deep flush appeared on the blond girls face. "Oh yes, of course. I didn't think of that. Well, I'd better go check on Alexa." Maryse got up from the table and went to find the parlor maid.
Mike shook his head with a chuckle. Maryse worried too much, but, that was why he loved her.
Chris startled in to consciousness when he heard Adam let out a painful moan. Chris sat up when Adam moaned again.
"Kitten? Migraine? " Chris asked softly as he pulled his naked husband into his arms.
Adam curled into Chris. "No, but it hurts… down there. Seth told me it would happen, but I didn't think it would be this bad. I will have a hot soak in the bath and be as good as new. Oh… it was one of the most wonderful things I've ever felt. Chris… was… I…" Adam tried to stop the flush on his cheeks but failed.
Chris kissed the top of Adam's head with a smile. "Truth be told, my muscles are bit achy as well. We could both use a hot bath. You do draw a bath and I will call for Mizanin. We will rest and recover in here for the rest of the day. Then tomorrow, we will go to Paris. How does that sound?" He gave the blond head another kiss.
"Supper on the balcony? It's a good plan. Alright, on the count of three, we move." Adam spoke with a grunt.
With a great effort, both men managed to get out of the bed. They put on their robes. Chris gave Adam a kiss then sent him to the water closet. When Adam closed the door, he went and ran the bell to summon the Butler.
Adam took a moment to gaze at his reflection in the mirror over the twin sinks. He didn't look different...or did he? Adam thought his eyes had a different look; the look of a happy man, not a frightened boy. He shook himself, he needed to run a hot bath.
Adam knew how to draw a perfect bath. He added some liquid that created softly scented bubbles. As he waited for the tub to fill, he brushed his teeth with the minty tooth powder. Adam then brushed his hair and tied it in a high ponytail to keep it dry. As he brushed he could hear Chris and Mizanin speak. He couldn't make out what was said, but it really didn't matter.
Just as Adam turned off the water, Chris entered the water closet. "Early supper on the balcony in two hours, then later we will have a lighter tea. I also arranged for the groom to drive us to Paris in the morning. I want you to have fresh croissants and coffee at a sidewalk cafe. Now, let's get into that hot bath." Chris wiggled his brows at Adam.
Adam stared at his husband. "Um… both of us… at the same time?" He'd never even thought of such an idea.
Chris chuckled. "Love, we've just… well… why turn shy now? I happen to know Roman and Seth do it, I walked in on them once." He laughed again at the memory of the looks on Seth and Roman's faces.
Adam too laughed. "I suppose you are right. I would also save water." He swallowed his shyness and let his robe slide off his body. Adam laid his robe on the tile counter.
"You are so damn handsome, my Kitten." Chris' voice had turned low and husky as he removed his own robe.
Chris stepped into the tub, the held Adam's hand to to help him in. Adam gave a bit of a groan. It hurt when he lifted his leg to step in, then the other.
"You will feel better after a hot soak." Chris spoke as he sank down into the tub. He gently pulled his husband down with him.
Adam soon found himself nestled between Chris' strong thighs, wrapped in his husband's arms. The hot water burned his hole, then after a few moments helped him relax.
"Ah, that feels so good." Adam spoke through a sigh of contentment. He leaned back against Chris, his head fit perfectly in the crook of his husband's neck.
Chris rested his chin on top of Adam's head. "Yes it does, love. By the way, you were the best. Now I understand the looks between Roman and Seth a lot better now." He chuckled at the thought.
Adam too laughed. "I know what you mean about Seth and Roman. I was so glad was willing to talk so openly about… things… um… Christopher where is your hand going?" Adam's laugh turned to a gasp when Chris' hand wrapped around his shaft.
Chris' lips twitched against Adam's neck as he spoke. "I… um… just wanted to make sure… things still work." He began to slowly stroke Adam's now hard shaft.
Adam was too far gone to speak words, all he could do was moan. He melted against Chris. He bent his neck so Chris could continue to feast on his flesh.
It didn't take long for Adam to reach his release. He cried out as it happened. He fell back against his husband, he needed to catch his breath.
Chris spoke softly in Adam's ear. "So handsome, my kitten. Are you relaxed now, my love?"
Adam nodded. "Yes, oh yes. You are wonderful. I think I am going to enjoy married life. And if you keep it up, we will have an entire house full of children."
Chris wrapped his arms and legs around Adam. "Not the worst thing in the world. We will love and support them no matter what." He relaxed with Adam in his embrace.
"Absolutely. The thing I learned most from ma was, she let Jason and I make mistakes. Instead of getting angry, she taught us how to correct the mistake. I didn't put that very well, my mind is… still spinning." Adam gave a small chuckle. He turned a bit in the tub to curl up to Chris.
"I understand. She let you and Jason trip, but never let you fall. Oh Adam, I love you so damn much. I also can't wait to adopt Melanie. We are going to have a wonderful life, love." Chris sealed his words with a kiss to Adam's lips.
Soon the couple were out of the bath. They brushed their hair. Adam left his long locks down, as Chris loved it that way. They dressed in simple white shirts and black pants. Adam wore the deep navy silk smoking jacket the girls and Cody had given him as a wedding gift. Chris wore his deep maroon silk smoking jacket. They were casual and comfortable, but also looked like the Lords they were.
Adam followed as Chris opened the door to the balcony. The view was breath taking. The sun was lower in the sky, and cast a golden glow. The view was of a valley, sheep grazed peacefully.
There was a large, round table made of iron with a marble top. Walnut wood chairs with thick, navy Damask covered the cushions. Chris held out a chair for Adam.
Adam sat. "This is stunning, simply stunning. I have to draw this at some point. Pru raises sheep?" His eyes never stopped roving.
Chris looked out at the vista. "Yes… well, no.." He laughed. "She lets the locals gaze their sheep on the land. They give her a percentage of the wool and meat sales. It helps to fund the chateaux. The staff here is small for a large place, so Pru pays them well. There is a vineyard as well. Locals tend it and again Pru gets a percentage. Oh, supper is here." Chris went to open the door when he heard a knock.
"Your supper is ready, my Lord. We will serve shortly. Would you like a drink first?" Mizanin asked.
Mike had followed Chris to the balcony. "A small sherry, love?" Chris asked as he sat down.
"Yes, please. Very small though." Adam replied with a smile. He did enjoy a small sherry as a palate cleanser.
"For me as well, please." Chris smiled with a nod to the Butler.
Mike nodded. "Right away, your Lordships."
"He is a pleasant young man. Young for a Butler as well. Then again, Morrison is young. It is a credit to Prudence." Adam mused as he smiled at his husband.
Mizanin soon returned. He carried a small sliver tray with two small glasses of sherry. As he served, a younger blond girl lit some gas lamps that hung on the walls. She gave a curtsy, and left in silence.
"That was Alexa, the parlor maid. She is very shy, but excellent at her job. Now, we will serve your supper, your Lordships." Make gave another nod, and with tray in hand, left the couple.
Chris raised his glass to Adam. "To us, my love."
"To us, my darling." Adam smiled. The couple gently "clinked" their glasses, then drank their sips of sherry.
Mizanin returned with Maryse and Alexa. All three carried large, silver trays with covers to keep the food hot on the long trip up from the kitchen. They placed the trays on the table.
Alexa quickly set out the silverware and linen napkins. Maryse set down a small basket of hot rolls. She also had a plate of butter. Mike set down two plates. It looked and smelled delicious.
"The first course is escargot, in butter garlic sauce. Our cook, Tamina is wonderful, please enjoy." Mike gave his nod. Alexa had filled two glasses with water and added a slice of lemon to each.
"Looks wonderful, thank you." Adam smiled. He'd loved escargot when his mother had made it for a dinner for the French Ambassador. The servants left quietly, they would soon bring the main course.
Just as they finished their escargot, Mike and Maryse returned. Each carried a tray with silver cloche covered plates. When they set the plates down, Maryse removed the two empty plates.
Mike lifted the lids in a steaming hot chorus. "Beef Bourguignon, made with choice beef, carrots, potatoes and mushrooms in a reduced red wine beef stock. You might be pleased to know, every thing was raised or grown on the chateaux property. The wine is from our vineyard. Bon Appétit."
"Oh my. This looks and smells incredible. Please, give the cook our compliments." Chris spoke happily.
Mike smiled. "I will, do enjoy." He and Maryse quickly left.
"As the man said, Bon Appétit, my Lion." Adam spoke, then took a bite of the wonderful food.
It was so good, the couple ate half their plates before they spoke. "Don't tell momma Judy, but this is fantastic. I forgot how hungry I was." Chris chuckled, and wiped his mouth with his napkin.
Adam sipped his water, then laughed. "It won't tell if you don't. It is so delicious. If all the food is this good, I will weigh a ton by the time we get back home." He took another bite, he too was hungry.
Both men did a very impolite thing. They swiped a piece of bread over their plates to get every last drop of the incredible sauce. They looked at each other and broke out in a fit of laughter.
"Mark would have had a fit if he'd seen what we just did." Adam wiped his mouth and fingers with his napkin.
"Yes, he would. Poppa too. I can not eat another bite." Chris sat back and rubbed his fully belly.
Mike returned with a tray for clearing the table. "Would you like dessert now? Or perhaps later with tea?"
Adam responded. "With tea later, please. Again, our compliments to the cook. It was outstandingly delicious." He admired Mike's skills, from a former footman's point of view.
"I will. Tamina studied with Chefs from Le Cordon Bleu. Lady Mayfield knew she had the talent for cooking. Tea at eight, your Lordships?"
Adam gave Chris a nod. "Yes, please. Just a light dessert. Oh, don't forget, we will go to the city tomorrow. I will hire a cab there for the day, so your groom won't be tied up all day. Also, we will not be in for any meals tomorrow." Chris assumed his more Lordly tone of voice.
"Yes, Milord. Cardona, the groom will have the carriage ready first thing in the morning. I will be back later with your tea. Ring if you need anything before that." Mike picked up the tray and left the room.
Chris stood. "I need the WC. Do you want me to bring back one of your sketchbooks, love?"
Adam grinned. "The large one, please. You don't mind? I don't want you to feel like I am ignoring you if I draw." He gave his husband a worry filled look.
Chris shook his head with a laugh. "I do not mind, love. We are together, that is what matters. I will read the La Vie Illustrée. Maybe the newspaper will tell about something exciting we can see. If I minded you spending time drawing, I wouldn't have brought them now, would I?" He gave Adam a sweet kiss, then went to the WC.
Downstairs in the servant's hall, the staff of Chateaux Mayfield, had their own dinner. Tamina had made a meat and gravy pie with the left over ingredients she hadn't used for the upstairs dinner.
Mike sat at the head of the table. Tamina sat on his left, Maryse, his right. Next to Tamina was Carmella, the scullery maid. Next to Maryse was Alexa, the parlor maid. The footman/valet, Curt Hawkins sat next to Alexa and lastly, Matt Cardona, the groom, sat next to Carmella. They were a tight knit family. They had all been raised by Lady Prudence, and they had all grown up in the orphanage back in England.
Maryse spoke. "Michael, do you think it is true? That Monsieur Lord Adam was a servant? Maybe Lady Prudence got it wrong." She didn't think that servants were allowed to marry the gentry, especially in England.
"I have never known Lady Prudence to be wrong. From what she said in her letter, they had the support and blessings from all the family. If they love each other, that is all that matters. It is not up to us to judge or say anything. It is up to us to see to their happiness. I won't do anything to bring harm to Lady Prudence. Now, Tamina, they were extremely pleased with their supper…" Mike paused, took a bite of his food and continued.
"Matt, you will take them into town in the morning. After that, you can return, unless their Lordships changed their minds. Oh, and no meals for their Lordships tomorrow. I might suggest having a light tea when they return." Mike relayed all the instructions to the others.
"That's good. Carmella that gives us time to do a stock take of the pantry." Tamina spoke with a smile.
"Yes, madame. We are getting a bit low on sugar and other things." Carmella spoke softly, eyes down.
"Sir, do you think I should exercise the riding horses?" Matt asked brow arched.
Mike nodded as he chewed, swallowed then spoke. "Yes, I would. Lady Prudence said Lord Christopher is a horseman of the highest water. They won't spend every day in town, not being newlyweds. Oh and that also reminds me. Unless there is an urgent situation, do not go to the third floor until called. Also, knock first." He had a bit of a naughty smirk on his lips.
Tamina and Maryse giggled a bit. Alexa looked confused. "What is so funny about Mister Mizanin's instructions? Isn't he following Lady Prudence's orders?"
Maryse looked at Alexa. "You will understand one day, my dear child. Yes, he is doing exactly what Lady Prudence wants…" She softened her tone. "I will explain later, dear." She felt motherly to Alexa and Carmella. She truly only wanted the best for them.
Up on the balcony, Adam stood and leaned on the massive stone railing. The top rail of stone was wide enough for his large sketch book. Adam drew the valley below.
There was a huge boulder in the field. Adam imagined a shepherd and his dog sitting, as they watched the flock. As he drew, he thought of Tommy. He needed to teach Tommy how to know when a drawing needed something, like his shepherd. Also, Tommy needed to know what not to add. Like a group of trees that just didn't fit into Adam's idea of the valley.
Chris noticed Adam had stopped drawing. He got up and stood behind his husband. Adam relaxed when he felt Chris' arms snake around his waist.
"What were you thinking about that made you stop drawing?" Chris was worried something was wrong.
Adam leaned back against his strong husband. "I was thinking about Tommy. Something new to teach him I already miss them and it's only one day."
Chris gave a sigh. "To be honest, me too. Those little mites sure worm their way into your heart. Remember, they are giving us a party when we get back."
"Yes, we have to wear our wedding clothes. I can't wait. I want to get them gifts from Paris, but buying for every child? Well, we can think of something." Adam also sighed. He was happy and content.
Chris nodded. "Yes, we will figure it out, love. Light is too low to draw now, you don't want to damage your eyes. Can I look?" He nodded to the closed sketchbook.
"Of course. Lets go sit down." Adam picked up the book. He and Chris went to the table and sat down.
Adam passed the book to his husband. Chris smiled and opened the book. "Oh love, that is wonderful. I love the shepherd and dog. I am still so amazed at how wonderful of an artist you are. I am so proud of you." He leaned over and gave Adam a sweet kiss.
Adam blushed in the soft golden glow of the nearly set sun. It was enhanced by the candlelight. "Thank you, darling. I want to teach Tommy too.." He went on to explain what he'd thought about. "… so that's what I had on my mind. I just want him to win that scholarship."
"So do I. But don't worry, there is more than one art school. Ah, our tea." Chris turned as he heard a loud knock on the door. "Come in." Chris called out.
Mike entered the room and carried a tea tray, and set it down on the table. "Tea and ginger cake, Milords. Will you require anything else?"
"No, thank you. We will retire soon. Thank you for spoiling us today." Adam spoke with a smile.
Chris nodded. "Yes, thank you, Mizanin. I know it was extra work for us to stay in our room. We do appreciate it." He spoke as himself, not a Lord.
"Thank you, Milords. It was our pleasure. Just leave the tray. We will get it in the morning. Goodnight, your Lordships." Make gave a deep nod and left.
Adam chuckled. "He left too fast. I would had said goodnight…." He paused and took a bite of the ginger cake.
Chris watched his husband. Adam looked like he tasted a fine wine instead of cake. "Well, what do you think? Is it good?"
Adam laughed. "To be honest, it's very good, but ma's is a bit better. It's missing currants, but not everyone uses them."
Chris took a bite of his cake, then spoke. "You're right. However, it is good. I agree though, I like momma Judy's better.
The couple continued to enjoy their tea on the balcony. They talked about everything. They stood together and gazed up at the starts. It was glorious, as no lights from a city blocked them. When the little clock on the fireplace mantel chimed eleven, they went inside.
Adam and Chris stripped out of their clothes. They didn't bother with their nightshirts. They were not about to waste time taking them off again. Adam's shyness had vanished, he wanted Chris as much as Chris wanted him.
After they made love, the newlyweds fell into a deep sleep, in each other's arms.
Tomorrow would be a busy day. Adam was going to see Paris in all her glory.