QUOTE : Standing behind Georgie, Luke slipped his arms about her waist and pulled her back against him. She rested her hands on his. “She used my colored ribbon. Do you see it?” They faced her corner window, watching as the mama cardinal nosed the edges of her nest. It had taken her only three days to build it. The compact bowl was a masterpiece of twigs, rootlets, vines, and strips of bark. Interlaced within its siding was a frivolous piece of yellow-and-orange frippery. “I do,” he said. “Definitely gives it the woman’s touch.” She smiled. He had to admit the process was fascinating. The male had kept a close eye on his mate during construction, but didn’t offer any help. He wondered if it contributed at all once copulation had occurred, but wasn’t quite sure how to pose the question. “How long before she lays?” he asked. “Five or six days.” “Then how long before they hatch?” “Another twelve, give or take.” He rested his mouth against her hair and inhaled the flowery-cinnamon shampoo paste she used. “You going to name them?” She angled her head back. “I believe the most romantic couple’s names have already been taken.” Unable to resist, he gave her a soft kiss. “There’s Romeo and Juliet.” Scrunching her nose, she turned back around. “I don’t much care for the ending of that tale.” The female cardinal hopped to the edge of the ligustrum, then darted away in search of food. “Cleopatra and Caesar?” “No, I’m through glamorizing people who don’t deserve it.” He gave her a quick squeeze. “Then what about Queen Victoria and Prince Albert?” Her spine straightened. “Oh, I like that. And with the cardinals’ rich beautiful plumage, they deserve royal names.