“In our name,” Arthur repeated, his voice heavy with reverence.  In their name.  It was the only one that mattered to him anymore.  For years, he had scoffed at the idea of baptism, but this time around he was excited for it.  After all, it wouldn’t be for God, but for them.

He faced forward when Malachi did, but his eyes lingered on his own hands.  “Teeth…”  Yes, it would be wise to avoid those.  If Miriam’s teeth cut his knuckles, the wound would become infected no matter what he did.  “I’ll be careful.”

It was so quiet outside, so bright and beautiful.  Arthur so wanted to take Malachis face in his hands and kiss him under the warm light of the sun, surrounded by the greenery.  How unfair, that their love was called unsightly, indecent.  How could it be labeled as such when it was so all encompassing, so pure?

“We should hurry to dinner,” he said, glancing at Malachi from the corner of his eye.  “I’m getting a bit hungry, I’ll admit.  Do you know when your brother is arriving?”