Arranged.

I watched Elsie playing with his puppy, a smile on my face. “We’re leaving the day after tomorrow.” I reminded him, seeing how comfortable he was on the plush carpet, playing tug-a-war with Lottie.

I smiled, tilting my head lazily towards the side, resting it on my arm.

“You’re beautiful…” I murmured, looking at the darling creature giggling and laughing with his pet.

Elsie blushed at me, looking down shyly at the pup.

“And you…you’re handsome.” He stuttered out, causing my smile to widen.

“Come here.” I murmured and sat up, holding my arms open, smiling as Elsie sat down in my lap, nuzzling close to me.

“Our wedding’s only a short while away…” He mused as his puppy jumped up onto the couch beside us. I swear, he was getting bigger and bigger by the day, that pup, which made me think of something…

“Elsie, sweetie, I want our love to be like Lottie. I want it to keep growing.” I murmured into his hair.

Though I couldn’t see Elsie’s face, I could hear by the sound in his voice that he was blushing. “S-so d-do I.” He whispered and I smiled even brighter.

“What would you like to do our last day not packing or anything?” I asked Elsie and he shrugged.

“Let’s get some ice cream.” He murmured.

I nodded and slid him off of my lap, walking towards the kitchen. Once in the room, I let Elsie find himself a seat at the island bar while I opened up the freezer, reading him the options of ice cream that we had.

“Uh…I think I’ll have moose tracks with chocolate syrup on top.” He giggled, smiling.

I nodded and pulled it out, putting it into the microwave to soften it up just a little bit. I set it on the counter and pulled two fancy little dishes that Elsie favored and placed the ice cream in them.

We’d be bringing them back to England with us. Whatever Elsie had taken a liking to, specific chairs or shelves would be taken back with us. I’d do anything to please my love.

After pouring syrup on the ice cream I handed a bowl to Elsie and set one down in my place as I got us spoons.

“So, the good news is that your parents will be at the wedding and that we are keeping this house here.” I told the boy.

His eye widened. “What else would you do with the house?” He asked and I chuckled.

“Well if we didn’t need it anymore, we’d sell it. There’s no use in piling up on houses. We only keep the houses we need. “ I explained.

Elsie nodded, looking at his hands, giggling as he looked up at me from his ice cream. “Rich people do some funny things.” He murmured and I nodded.

“Remember dear, you’re rich too now.” I told him, chuckling as he realized that he would indeed be rich once we were married. “What will your strange, rich person thing be?” I asked him, still chuckling a little.

Elsie shrugged, taking a bite of his ice cream. “I may buy clothes for Lottie; a set of clothing for each day of the year.” He said dead serious, then looking at me, broke out laughing.

I leaned close and kissed him, tasting the chocolate on his lips. “I would love you all the same if you did.” I said, chuckling and kissing him once more. “You know, this ice cream tastes a lot better when it’s off of you.”

The boy blushed and swatted me away.