When we left our little family, life was moving on at a rapid pace. Aurora was aging and soon to depart this mortal coil. Everyone was on tenterhooks just waiting for the horrible day. Justin spent most of his time avoiding the issue at his easel, but Aurora took things very calmly. She had accepted her fate with grace and aplomb, as we expected she would. After all, she has been the most self-sacrificing and loving of all the family. Her great joy and dearest wish had been granted. She held her only grandchild in her arms. She was ready.
Justin was not. He was full of regrets for the things he never did for Aurora or with Aurora. She was the other half of his soul and he knew he would never be whole again once she was gone. Finally, he couldn't stand the waiting anymore. He decided instead of regrets he would build memories, so off to France he went on a romantic honeymoon for two. Something they had never had. He had a great surprise in store for Aurora, (and the rest of the family too, eventually).
The first day there was uneventful, but completely romantic. They toured the nectary and bought some supplies, they fished for frogs and did the maze under the frog pond. It was so much more fun doing it together, not to mention a lot easier! Late one night, by the fire pit, romance took over.
"Have I told you lately what a hottie you are, my love? You still are the most handsome man in the world."
"You're the hottie! You have the most beautiful smile, especially when you're smiling at me."
"Me? I'm just an old ......"
"Not another word! In my eyes you have never looked more beautiful!"
"I have a surprise for you coming up."
"Oh, Justin! You spoil me so! What is it?"
"Uh, uh. You just have to wait. I think you're going to love this!"
"Thank you dearest! Even if don't know what it is I know I'll love it if you prepared the surprise for me." (gives him a loving kiss)
"Mmmmm. I love the way you say thank you! How's about a bit more?"
"Any thyme, my love. Any thyme and every thyme for you."
"I have a great idea!"
"JUSTIN! And here I thought you were too tired! Let's go before you change your mind."
And with that, the loving couple departed. Later on that same night we find them cozy together and madly in love once more.
Aurora looks so contented. It's a good thing she can't see what Justin is dreaming about. Books! Really? How unromantic can you get? Ok, you could be dreaming about video games.
The next day they decided to get a little physical training in martial arts in. Not sure the kitchen was a good place to do this but Justin needed to kill some thyme before his surprise was ready.
"Come on, big boy, show me whatcha got! hehehe"
"I thought I already did. Last night."
"Naughty! HIIIIII YA!"
"Hang on. Phone. Hello? Yes? It is! Great! We'll be there in a flash!"
"Thyme for your surprise, honey. It's a long drive in the country to get to where the surprise is but I think you'll be pleased. "
Justin's surprise gift for Aurora:
"JUSTIN! OMG! OMG! OMG! I can't believe! OMG! How did you know I loved the place? Oh, I can do so much with it! It's kind of old and creepy right now but give me a few days and it will be amazing!"
"Sooooo, you like it? (grinning from ear to ear)"
"Like it? LIKE IT?! I love it! Oh, I've wanted this place from the very first time we came here to catch crawfish and snails. Oh, I love this chateau! Chateau de L'amour! That's what it is. House of love. Thank you so much! You've made me so very happy."
And just like that, one memory was built and one regret dissolved into nothingness. Aurora spent the remaining holiday days fixing up the place. Here is what she accomplished in that short time.
Saying thank you in the remodeled kitchen:
It's getting better:
"Justin......when it's time. You know.....when I have to leave for good.....please, place my remains here. I want to stay in our beautiful Chateau forever."
"Yes, my own. Whatever you wish."
And another regret dissolves.
