Old Growth & Ivy (The Spook Hills Trilogy Book 1) (33 page)

The
Cotswolds, December 24th, 2013

To
Ivy & Steve, In Celebration of Your First Christmas Together

I am so thankful that you wanted me to
join you in celebrating your first Christmas as a married couple!  Here we
are at this wonderful manor house that is both relaxed and formal in that
distinctive style the English have.  I could be a character in the
Downton
Abbey series, having dressed for dinner and
enjoying a glass of bubbly in the lounge.  

Ivy and Steve, you remain my
inspiration.  Today we give you this tribute -- a collection of
photographs from your wedding day.  Moll, Brian, Fred and I took them as
the day progressed.  We worked last week to assemble an electronic photo
album to mark your wondrous occasion.  Intertwined in this volume, you
will find shots of Spook Hills, the vineyard in its first year, your house
under construction, and more Christmas lights than the North Pole.  We
hope that this compendium will give you lasting joy and that it will be but the
first recorded chapter of your lives together.  Perhaps one day, Brian,
Moll and I may each have reasons to start our own volumes.

As for me, I must rely on your
friendship while I venture out, take risks and hope that I can find a love as
strong and shimmering as yours.  During my search, may your lives at Spook
Hills and on your travels be joyous and fulfilling.  I look forward to
finding a woman to make those parties up in the little walnut grove a foursome,
as we launch our own great love.

Until that time, I remain your
"star boarder" and honorary son.  You will always be my
inspiration and my life guides.

Eis
quos
amo
,
 
"For those that I love"

Mathew
E. Heylen

The End