Dearest Journal,

I wrote to all my cousins to inform them that I shall not be changing my mind. I gently rebuked their notions and wished them the best. It appears, at least with Julius, that I have been able to sway him to my views. His letter came as a double edged sword, kindly accepting my actions as I was bared from seeing him. Of course, I understand and expected this, but it still keenly stings.

On the bright side Ace’s family’s letters have been much more accepting of our union. I had not expected such kindness from them, but as they raised my Ace I suppose I should have expected this. Ace’s kindness is one of the things I love most about him.

Just yesterday we went to a small lake near here and he and I spent the afternoon on the shore with a picnic lunch. He was the most gentle and attentive that I can not see how I might have survived this life without him in it before now.

Lucille.