Aramis reaches across the table for the glass, and though he'd rather be standing for the toast, he finds he must pull out one of the kitchen chairs and sink into it. Their days have been tumultuous of late, and though today's stress is a happy one, it's still enjoy to make his knees uncharacteristically weak.

But he smiles, glad at least that Athos has accepted the news graciously. He still longs so much for family, and stubbornly believes that Athos will come round to it once exposed - Aramis doesn't have room in his belly now for the fear that he might not. "Yes," he says. "Near Christmas, they say." Aramis gives them both a watery smile. "It truly will be a new year."