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***Christian's POV***

Looking outside of my office window, I can see the change of weather. Spring always brings a sense of peace. It is my favorite of the two seasons in which we experience.

As the birds migrate home, they bring with them the sun, warmer days and most importantly the promise of outdoor activities with smiling faces, joy and an air of promise. I enjoy watching families as they build memories. My existence is one of never ending life cycles. I mean, they end but, soon enough another comes along to replace it. I often find myself comparing the familiar milestones.

It's in those times that I wish that I had been given an opportunity to spend more time with my own family. I'm not sad. The nostalgia just stirs up an emotion of longing for me.

Maybe one day I can have a family. I would not hate having a child to experience memories with. Having a photographic memory would be more pleasant with memories that are filled with the smiling face of a child.

I stand from my seat, gathering the charts that I have to tend over today. I have already spent the early hours of the morning familiarizing myself with each patient. It is important that you have a history on your clients before you head in to see them. Knowing their allergies, genetics and and history help to prepare you for whatever you come across in the exam.

I close the door softly behind me as I head down the hall. The nurses wave, greeting me with friendliness along my way. I stop at the first patient's door. Mrs. Cornell is feeling rather fatigued today. She has Lupus, an autoimmune disease that attacks the healthy cells in her body. I steady myself for the waves of empathy as they flood into my system.

Greeting my patient professionally, I immediately notice the pallor of her complexion. She is obviously distressed. It is easy to conclude that she is having an episode with her disease.

"Good morning, Caroline." I softly grip her fingertips as she lethargically lays down on the examination table.

"Hello, again." Her indifference is widely apparent as she returns my formality.

"I see we are having a rough day. Can you explain how you feel? Your appearance does nothing to illuminate your true beauty." I sigh as I take a seat beside her.

I never enjoy the lack luster demeanor of my chronically ill patients. There are times when we get the treatment regimen correct. Those days are easier on the patient as well as the doctor. Other times, we are faced with isolating an issue so that the patient can be relieved of debilitating symptoms. Today is going to be a day for the latter.

"I'm tired. My joints are giving me a fight. I feel as though my entire body has been steam rolled. I just want relief. I never asked for this." I can hear the desperation in my patient's voice.

With a deep sigh, I pat Mrs. Caroline's shoulder. I walk away from her only to go to my computer. Having knowledge of everything that we have administered in order to make this illness as painless as possible, I plead with my memory to give me some type of resolution.

Our medical experts have made great strides to effectively manage Lupus. For the doctors, we are breaking ground on incredible trial drugs. The studies are showing that we could be closer than ever to a cure. For a patient that is waiting on a spot in the trials or for FDA to approve new drugs, we are not working fast enough. For me, I side with my patients. The red tape alone slows us down. These patients are suffering while capitalism stalls major advancements.

My memory decides to go along with my impatience. I recall a very promising drug trial. Luckily, I have one of two slots still available. Mrs. Caroline will take the opening.

"Mrs. Caroline, I would like to propose you a spot in an ongoing treatment study. You will be among 900 patients that will test a new drug that hopefully puts an end to the sudden attacks that leave you in a state of fatigue. I will need you to fill out some paperwork. I will submit an application that will be approved upon receiving. Would you be interested?" I smile while watching the eyes of my patient light up. This is why we do our jobs.

"Here is the paperwork along with a detailed pamphlet. I am going to have one of the nurses escort you to our consultation room. If you have any questions, I am just outside of this hall." I squeeze my patient's hand as she collects her belongings along with the packet that she needs to go through. I already feel much better about her health. I have heard rave reviews over this trial. It could mean freedom for our Lupus patients.

The next few patients leave me exhausted. The physical effort is nothing compared to the mental preparation it takes in order to handle broken bones, hypochondria and illnesses that do not present themselves when my patients feel comfortable lying about symptoms. By the end of the day, I am ready to get back to my home. Leah is a good distraction from days like today.

One step forward with one patient often leads to several steps back with others.

As I am driving back towards our manor, I decide to take a detour. When I stop in front of the florist shop, I already have my purchase in mind. I quickly make my way to the counter with a bouquet of fresh Cala Lilies. These are not native to our side of the country. Though imported, this particular shop keeps them in a beautiful state. I have seen them last nearly a week. I just want something beautiful that will continually bring my beloved a smile.

I thank Mrs. Habersham as I make my exit. With my flowers in tow, I carefully drive the winding roads to get to my family. My mood is substantially brightened by the time I click my car doors locked.

My smile becomes a beacon of light when I see my beloved close the curtains. She has been waiting for me. Although the flowers will not be as much of a surprise, they will be plenty to give her an indication of how she dances along in my head and heart throughout my day.

Leah opens the door with open arms. I immediately slide my hand to the small of her back, pulling her into me with a breath of relief. I draw in her scent before releasing her. My beloved takes the flowers with a a giggle that makes my insides feel warm.

"Thank you Christian. They are beautiful." I find myself excited that Leah had not said I shouldn't have. I hate when girls say that. We do not have to do the small things. However, I am well aware that it is the small gestures that create the biggest impact.

After a brief kiss of appreciation, Leah pulls away from me. I am saddened by the loss of contact momentarily. Leah immediately grips my hand as she pulls me behind her with a bit more enthusiasm than I would expect.

"I made you dinner. Tony and Josie helped. But, I came up with the menu. I hope you enjoy it Christian." Leah's anxiety quickly seeps into the air. Now that I am aware of food, I can smell the sweet peppers, wine sauce and braised chicken. My stomach says that it will be perfect. I am a bit on the hungry side.

I take a seat as Leah pushes away from me. I chuckle when she spends a few frantic moments setting my plate in front of me. The looks of the dinner are aesthetically pleasing.

After Leah, Josie and Tony join me, I take the first bite. It's delicious. I am in awe that my beloved went so far out of her way for me.

"Leah, love, this is amazing. Thank you much. I am in absolutely in heaven." I smile at my beloved as she shyly tucks her hair behind her ear. I love when she does that. Something about her being bashful take my breath away.

"You are so welcome. Like I said, I had help." Leah tries to share the praise. I see Josie and Tony waving it away. Since I know those two so well, they would never do anything to make my beloved feel less responsible for making me smile.

"Thank you all. I appreciate the effort. It is divine." I take a moment to put the tender pasta in my mouth, swiping it through the sauce that pools around the chicken. It is five star. Leah is correct, Tony has definitely had his hand in it. That in no way reduces the gratitude I feel for my beloved. Leah has made exceptional progress as my mate. I am happy to flood her with admiration.

As dinner winds down, my belly is full. Honestly, I overindulged. I should have eaten a little less. That is neither here nor there. The fact is, I wanted to finish my food.

I help Leah clean the kitchen with Josie and Tony tidying up around us. Leah stares often, pressing her lips to my clothed shoulder as she passes by. The small gesture is more than enough. When we are finished, I grab her waist, turning her towards my chest.

Leah wraps her arms around me, sinking her cheek to my breast. I lay my chin on her head as we spend a moment in one another's presence. My heart feels like it may explode at the kindness that Leah has given me today.

"I was hoping to talk a bit before we end the evening." Leah looks at me with eyes that scream need. I have no issue in giving her my undivided attention. We have been separated all day. I would love nothing more than to spend the late hours in conversation.

"Would you prefer a walk, a bath or just the living area?" I give Leah the choice to pick her atmosphere. I can't imagine what she will say. Either way, I will be here to listen to it all.

"The living area is fine. I just missed you." Her admission gives me those familiar feelings of love. I know how deeply I feel for her. It intensifies relentlessly. Everything my beloved does helps to create our bond.

"Was there anything in particular you would like to start with? I am all yours." I put Leah beside me on the couch as I settle in to partake in our interaction.

"Not particularly. I just wanted to hear about your day." With the go ahead from my mate, I start a conversation. Hours move passed as we discuss inconsequentials. Nothing of immense value is brought up or even breached. The more I sit with Leah, the more I realize that this is her way of making an effort in strengthening our bond.

Leah tells me about Josie painting her nails. Leah painted his as well. She asks me if we could get her a vehicle. She can and will run, however it is practical to have a vehicle. We look more human when we utilize human faculties. I agree without question.

By the end of the night, both Tony and I agree that our mates would benefit from having their own cars. The excitement on both of mate's faces is more than enough appreciation for the money that we will spend. It is not as if we are struggling. We do have plenty.

We decide to car shop this weekend. Leah makes plans to have Josie take her to the mall. I know that Tony will go as well as myself if so am not otherwise occupied. We are a bit protective over our other halves. It is to be expected. I find no guilt for the way we love.

I close my eyes with Leah laying against me on the couch. We could move to the bed. Honestly, sometimes cuddling in the living area is just as fulfilling as our bodies joining in the privacy of our room. I find that I am happy no matter what activity I am doing as long as Leah is beside me.