I cuddle into Basil as a gust of refreshing sub-alpine wind blows around us. His arms sling across my body and he rests his chin on my head. Both of us are comfortably quiet. I take in the majesty of Mount Rainier as it is glazed with amber morning light, striking the deep blue glaciers to create a mesmerizing picture.

I swat away a few curious hoverflies, "I'm glad we made it up here to Sunrise. It's only accessible a few months out of the year."

"I thought that Crystal Mountain was amazing. This view is awe-inspiring. I am very happy to have chosen Mount Rainier for the engagement photos."

"Even if that hotel was unbearable?" I muse, referring to last night at Crystal Mountain. The lodge had no air conditioning so we were dying of heat. I understand that Basil, Dad and Isaac had the worst of it, their shared room had no ventilation. Mom and I luckily had windows, but either way nobody slept well.

"Yes," We ignore the camera shutter behind us, signaling the zealous work of Mom and the hired photographer. Basil sighs, "Barely two weeks and they've got us taking pictures."

"Mm. But at least things are calm here."

"Okay, lovebirds, sit down over there." The photographer Adelaide, hired by Octavian, instructs. We reluctantly pull apart from the shared warmth and perch on a rock. Adelaide poses us in a romantic way and snaps a few pictures, then we move along. After thirty minutes she and Mom retire to pick through the portraits with fine toothed combs, leaving us alone for now. Basil grabs my hands and we sit down on a bench facing the peak of Mount Rainier. He cuddles up to me and snuggles his cheek against mine. I tilt my head so it leans on his.

"Zipporah,.. are you ready to go back to Eldstein at the end of the week?"

"Yes. We're both needed there."

"You're undaunted by the fact that it will be high pressure to plan our wedding and work out new lives once we step off that plane?"

"No, I'm just not letting myself get stressed. We'll need level heads and clear minds. Getting anxious over it won't do anything but worsen the situation over there." He presses his cheek against mine.

"True." We're both trying to plan our future life under tough pressure. Every day has been answering and calling relatives and friends, discussing plans, and trying to enjoy vacation. Of course, it's not quite vacation now. It's like working a call center. Nonstop and often dull.

But every night Basil and I have stayed up late, talking and dreaming about the future. Bonding on a deeper level than before. We share everything with each other because we want total honesty and fidelity in our relationship. Sometimes it's awkward and even painful, but we agreed to divulge every secret and scar.

I sigh and kiss him sweetly, nuzzling against his warmth as more alpine wind whips by. He wraps an arm around me in response, taking my left hand in his and stroking it affectionately before lifting it to his lips and kissing my fingers, lingering on the engagement band, "The ruby looks magnificent in the morning light." I lift my hand to where some sunbeams can touch it. True enough the light compliments the rare gem. I smile.

"Yes it does, Basil." I comment. Silence falls between us. I swat away more hoverflies and edge closer to my beau. Just as we get comfortable, the camera shutters are clicking again. We both sigh.

"Hold that position!" Mom pleads as if a fangirl. Basil and I chuckle.

"So much for a romantic moment."

"Yeah."

I'm sorry it's been so long since I last updated! Please vote and comment below! Thanks!!

~Uilosris