"I did spend more time on arrival watching romantic films," says Aramis with a faint smile. "In those early months, I think courtship is the only modernity I embraced. And you are right, I did think you would say yes. My fear was that I had no idea what I would do if you said no. But that is pointless now, is it not?" Aramis asks, lifting his free hand to card through Porthos' curls.

"We are together, and everything is as it should be."