Different. Balthazar was swiftly beginning to see just how it was different, and was not certain he cared for that at all.

"Well then," he offered after clearing his throat. Daily he missed the children's mother, but in moments such as this, it became less yearning for his partner and more yearning for someone who would know what to say in these situations. "I am pleased, Ruby," he settled on, "that you have found something in life for which you are passionate."