Morgan came home It was the last week of February, the snow was comming down still. He looked about the City that hadn't change at all in the ten years he had been away. He was now twently seven and hoped that he could make it threw a week with his dear mother. The only thing that was diffrent now was his fathers death and his sister age. As he got off the bus a young girl that had to be five nine, with bright red hair came and hugged him. He put his arms around her and couldn't help but smile. She was the only one there out of the three that still remained. "Oh Lilly how are you?" he asked. His sister was ten years younger then he was. She smiled "I'm great big brother. It finally good to hug you once more. I'm glad your home big brother." she said.

Moran nodded and gently patted her head. He could help but smile. He was home, for a moment he forgot why he left. "so whats new baby sis?" he asked. He grabbed his bag and followed Lilly to her car. She had a new Miata. "Is stick?" he asked. she nodded. "Is there any other way?" he let out a small laugh. Lilly poped the trunk so Morgan could put his things in. "Oh before I forget your Ex is engaged." She said. Morgans smile diapered for a moment. He didn't really want to hear that the only woman he had ever loved was engaged to a different man. He got into the car and took his sunglasses off. "When did this happen?" he asked. When he asked all his sister did was shrugged. "I'm not sure I think it was about a month or so ago. They haven't been together long. At least that's what me and Logan thing." she said They where both in the car now heading towards there mothers house. They were quite most of the way there. It was two days before his birthday, and this was not the way he wanted to spend his birthday. As they drew closer to his mothers house he put the sunglasses back on.

Lilly parked the car and gave her big brother a smile. "Good luck!" she said. He nodded. "Is Logan still living here?" he asked. Logan was the favorite of the three kids. Lilly smiled "Yep he's still here. He's not going to leave here till she's settled with out dad." She said softly. Logan was four years younger then Morgan. Lilly pull the key out. "Well here we are." she said. Lilly walked up to the door and unlocked it. She then opened in "Mom where here." she yelled out. Logan came out to meet Morgan he hugged his older brother. "Hey Mo." he said. Morgan smiled as he embraced his brother. "Hey Lo." he said. They had always gotten along, even though his mother stood between them. Morgan walked into the house followed by Logan. His mother just started to walk down the stairs. "Hey mom." he said as he looked up at her. He still had his bags in his hands. Tears came to his mothers eyes. "How dear you come back." she said with anger. "How dare you show your face her." she said as she stomped back up to her room.

Morgan shrugged. "See Lil... I told you it was a bad Idea." he said as he put his bags down. She shook her head. "Logan go talk to ma." she said. Logan nodded and ran up the stairs. "We need you here. This isn't about her. This is about dad Morgan." she said. Morgan took his sunglasses off and looked at her. "Your right, but if she makes a big deal of this I'm leaving." he said. Lilly hugged her brother once more. "Deal." she said.

((I hope this sounds ok. If not I can rewrite it))

Alana waited in her car for her fiancé, Duncan. They had decided to go out for a bite to eat before she headed over to Morgan’s mom’s house. She had been close to Morgan’s family and wanted to help his mom out as much as she could during this hard time. The news of Morgan’s father’s death had shocked her. She wondered if this tragedy would finally bring Morgan home at first, but then decided it probably wouldn’t. He had left without giving a reason. Then he never even called or wrote. In some ways she figured it would be better if he didn’t come back now. She wasn’t sure she could deal with seeing him again.

Duncan opened the car door and got in. “Sorry hun. I didn’t think it would take so long,” he said before kissing Alana’s cheek. “It’s alright Duncan. We’re not on a time schedule or anything.” She gave him a smile as she started the car. “What do you think about having some Chinese? There’s a place on the way over to Lily’s mother’s house.” She had never really talked to Duncan about Morgan and usually referred to Morgan’s mom using one of his sibling’s names instead. It was better this way, because then she wouldn’t have to think about the man that left her even though she loved him more than anything. Duncan nodded, “Sounds great.”


((*does a little dance* Woot for having 20k in posts. This was post 20k, btw.))

Logan came back down the stairs, and into the living room. "She said you can stay, but you have to leave as soon as its over." He said as he sat in between his older brother and younger sister. He looked at both of them and hugged them. "Where glad your home bro." he said to Morgan. Morgan smiled. "Its good to be here with you two as well." he said. Morgan hugged his siblings as he stood up afterward. "I'm going to make dinner. I've picked up a few new skills along the way." he said.

Since Morgan was young he loved to cook, he was pretty sure that it was the only reason his mother let him stay in the house. He knew for a fact that it was the only reason she tolerated him. It bothered his mom that he was most favored by there father, even though he worked most days and almost every night. What Logan figured out was that he wasn't at all his mothers child. He was his father secretary child. It was hard on him when he found out, he found out by his birth certificate that he got from his dad a few years ago. He never understood why he looked so different from his brother and sister. The only thing that they had in common was the blue eyes. Morgan had dark brown almost black hair, and the other two had red hair. His completion was a bit darker then theirs. When his father handed him the paper he knew he wouldn't be able to come back.


He smiled as he got off the Sofa, he walked into the small Kitchen and looked about. He found some of the spices he was looking for. Lilly came into the Kitchen. "Can I help?" she asked. She loved being around her big brother even if it didn't please her mother. Morgan shrugged. "Yeah." he said as he took the chicken out of the fridge. He took it out of the pacage and looked at his baby sister. "Do you have any bread crumbs, or old bread?" he asked. She nodded and handded his a stail bag of bread. "Perfect" he said. He Showed his sis how to do it. Lilly finished the rest of it up. "How is she doing?" Morgan asked Lilly. Lilly looked at him and knew he was talking about Alana. "She's good. She's been helping mom with the funeral." she said as she handed him the the breaded chicken. He then put them in a frying pan. He added a few spices to the mix as he drizzled it over the hot frying pan. "I didn't know that." he said as he looked at his sister and forced a smile on his face.

Lilly could tell that he was hurting. "You had your chance." she said softly. Though she knew as well as he did she never would have left. At least that what they assumed with her family being well off. "She's happy with him you know." she also added. Morgan nodded. "Thats good." he said as he finished the chicken. "Dose mom have any green beans?" he asked Lilly. Lilly looked in the freezer and took them out. She handed them to Morgan. He made them in the left over Oil form the chicken. He then put them in a bowel. He grabbed some bread and set the table. Lilly went and turned off the Tv. "Logan go tell mom its time to eat."

Logan ran up the stairs, and talked to his mother, while Logan did that Morgan finished prepping the table. Logan came down disappointed. "She's not coming down." he said, as he sat down at the table. Lilly and Morgan both looked at Morgan to make sure he would be okay. Morgan smiled "stop it you two. I'm fine. " he said as he knew that this was going to happen. "Besides I'm not here for her. I'm here for dad." he said as he set the dinner plates on the table. "Dig in." he said with a smile. "now lets enjoy this meal and you to can take some to mom when were finished." He said as he started dishing up some of the mac and cheese he made. He then added the chicken and the green beans. "So Logan anything new?" he asked. Logan shrugged. "Well my girlfriend broke up with me because I'm gay." He said with a smile. Morgan smiled. "Why did you have a girlfriend doesn't mom know already?" Morgan asked. Logan shook his head. "I figured I would save her the trouble. I haven't found the right man yet anyway." he said as he dished up the plate. Logan and Lilly took a bite almost at the same time. "This is good." Logan said. Lilly was eating quietly. witch meant that she was enjoying it herself. "well I'm glad you guys like it." Morgan said with a satisfied smile.

The car ride to the restaurant was pretty quiet. Duncan hadn’t really tried to pry too much into why Alana was helping with her friend’s dad’s funeral. He just assumed that it was because she was close to the family. He had no idea how close she truly was it Morgan’s family. “You don’t mind me tagging along do you?” Duncan was curious since she normally went over there alone. “No I don’t mind. Besides they sometime ask why you don’t come too.” Alana replied with a smile as she parked the car. They both got out and headed into the restaurant.

It wasn’t long before they were seated and given menus to look at. “Alana I know that you said that Lily has two brothers, but I’ve only met the one. What is her other brother like and do you know if he’ll be in for the funeral?” Alana froze for a moment, staring at the menu in her hands. After a moment she replied. “Well her eldest brother is around our age. He’s nice and kind. Though he is somewhat selfish. He left without telling anyone why he was leaving. As for if he’s coming back for the funeral. I have no clue, but I’m sure that his family is hoping that he’ll be there.” It was hard for her not to sound too hurt when she talked about how Morgan had basically just disappeared to never be seen again. It was a relief when the waitress came to take their order so she could get off this topic. Duncan looked at the waitress when she arrived. “We are ready I think. I would like the General Tso’s Chicken with fried rice and green tea.” He handed her his menu while Alana ordered. “I would like the Sweet and Sour Chicken with Lo Mein and some Oolong tea.” The waitress took her menu then disappeared to wait one someone else.

Duncan stared into Alana’s eyes. He could tell something was bothering her about their conversation, but he wasn’t sure what exactly. Alana sighed to herself, trying to put the thoughts of Morgan out of her mind. “Duncan I hope that you like Lily’s family they have been like a second family to me since I was young. Yes I’m telling you this because I know that you’ve been trying to figure out why I’m helping with the funeral.” She giggled slightly and winked at him. He just rolled his eyes. He hated it when she seemed to read his mind like that.

Morgan was enjoying his sister and brother's company. He sat there while his sister and brother talked. His mind was on Alana, and how they use to spend everyday together. He ate some more of his food as his smile faded. Morgan knew that he should have asked her to come. They could still be together if he just would have asked. "Morgan." Lilly said again. Morgan snapped out of it. "Sorry Lilly what's wrong?" He asked Lilly. She just smiled. "You where thinking about her huh." Morgan just nodded. "So big bro. What are you doing for a living now?" Lilly asked. "Are there any hot guys there?" Logan chimed in. Morgan smiled at the two of them.
"Well I got a job at a well paying music school. That was after I got my doctorates in music, and as far as hot guys go I couldn't tell you Logan. I don't Pay much attention to that." He said with a smile. Logan let out a small laugh. "Sometimes I forget that your not gay, you know with the way you dress and how you cook." Logan said. "Not to mention you've only had one girlfriend Your whole life." He added. "It doesn't make me gay." Morgan chimed in. "No it just makes you pethetic." Lilly chimed in this time.
"Shouldn't you take some food to mom?" Morgan asked. They both smiled and nodded. Lilly got there mothers food together and headed up stairs. "Oh if Alana comes by just send her up." Logan said. Morgan just about choked on his food. "She's coming tonight?" Logan nodded. "Just let her in." He replayed.

Their meal arrived and they didn’t talk much more about Morgan or his family. Their conversation switched to how their families felt about them being engaged and the like. “My parents couldn’t be happier that we are going to get married. My dad also said he had a surprise for us the next time we visit,” Duncan said. “That’s good. My parents are happy too. It’s kind of funny. My mom and I are actually getting along pretty good instead of being on each other’s nerves.” Alana laughed slightly. She continued to joke and smile, though on the inside she was starting to feel very uneasy about going to Morgan’s mom’s house tonight.

Duncan finished his food before Alana and he watched her. “Oh I have good news. If things work out we’ll be able to go to Japan on our honeymoon.” Alana stopped eating and stared at him, her eyes big. “Are you serious? Please tell me you are not just joking with me.” Duncan grinned. “I’m not telling you. You’ll just have to wait to find out.” Alana growled at him slightly before turning back to her food. “Meanie…” was all that she said.

After Alana finished eating the two of them left for Morgan’s mom’s house. “Well here we go. I’m sorry I’m dragging you along with me.” Duncan laughed, “I’d go anywhere with you as long as you let me.” Even after all this time when Duncan said things like that to her it still made her blush. She started the car and they were on their way. The ride was short and the two of them joked the whole way. The joking helped Alana get her mind off of Morgan and forget that they might run into him sometime in the near future. If only she had known how close in the future that meeting would be then maybe she wouldn’t have invited Duncan to come with her. Getting out of the car Alana felt like something was wrong in the pit of her stomach, but she didn’t know what. Slowly she walked up the steps to the door of the house with Duncan and knocked. “They’ll be happy to see you, I’m sure. Just watch out for Logan. He might try to steal you away from me,” she winked. Duncan just sighed. Only she would think something like that is funny.

Morgan was still in the Kitchen eating his dinner by himself. He didn't mind it so much he was quite use to it. He heard the knock on the door. He ate the last bite and put the plate in the sink telling himself he would do the dishes after he got the door. He wasn't sure if he was looking forward to seeing Alana, now that he knew she was engaged. He slowly walked up to the door and looked in the pep whole. It was her, His heart began to race. She still could make his heart race after ten years. "Okay self stay cool." he said lightly as he fix his jacket. What he really wanted to do was get Lilly to get the door, or maybe grab his sun glasses and put them on. He looked threw the pep whole once more. Lilly was standing at the top of the stairs. "Well are you going to let her in?" she asked. "Well yeah." he said. "Coming." he said as he Opened the door. "Oh Alana... how are you?" he asked.

Morgan saw the man that stood beside her. "This must be the lucky man." he said as he looked the guy up and down. Wonder how in the world she could pick someone like him. Morgan wanted to be the only one for Alana. He had waited for her. He snapped out of it. "The name is Morgan." he said as he reached his hand out for the other man. He didn't want to be civil, but after all he was the one who left. He couldn't hold that against Alana.

Alana stood there wide eyed for a moment when she seen Morgan standing there. She thought her heart would stop as a flurry of emotions washed over her. After a moment she snapped out of it. “Oh hey Morgan. I’m doing alright. How have you been?” Duncan watched the reaction between the two and knew that Alana was keeping something from him. He looked Morgan over as well wondering if there had been something between him and Alana. If there had been he hoped that it hadn’t been too serious and that Morgan’s return wouldn’t interfere with his relationship with Alana. For some reason just seeing this man near Alana made him jealous. He too Morgan’s hand and shook it. “Yes I am. The name’s Duncan.”

Morgan could tell that Duncan was better for Alana. He smiled at the two. "Well I'm good Alana, Mothers upstairs, she refuses to come down to see me." he said. He looked at Duncan " It was very nice to meet you." he said as he looked up at his sister. Lilly sqeelled as she ran down the stairs and hugged Alana. Alana had been her big sister type for as long as she could remember, and was the one that got her threw her brother just leaving them. "Is this him?" she asked. "Oh my god you guys are so cute." Lilly said as she took Alana by the hand and walked her up the stairs. "Mother is going to be so happy to finally meet him." Lilly said.

Morgan was heart broken at the sight of Alan with anyone else. He walked over to the couch in the living room and sat on it. He then turned on the Tv on. He wanted to drown out the pain he was feeling. He was even thinking about leaving. Till he reminded himself that he's here for his father. He looked at the clock that was on the mantel. It read eight forty. He then looked back at the tv.

Logan smiled as Lilly lead them into there mothers room. "Okay Duncan... It is Duncan right?" Lilly asked. "This is my mother Anna, and this is my brother Logan." she said with a smile. There mothers face brightened up. "He his so much better for you then Morgan ever was my dear. I can tell just by the way your glowing." She said softly. Logan and Lilly both looked at each other then at Duncan, then at Alana. There look was as if to say sorry for there mothers out burst.

Alana didn’t get much of a chance to answer Lilly before she lead them upstairs. “Yup, this is Duncan.” Before heading up the stairs she glanced back at Morgan. Duncan nodded, “Nice to meet you as well Morgan.” He followed Alana and Lilly with a slight smile on his face.

“Yes it’s Duncan,” Duncan said as Lilly introduced him. Hearing Anna’s words Alana stared at her and her heart sank. Why? She tried hard not to look mortified that the first things out of Anna’s mouth had been something like that. Duncan looked from Anna then to Alana. He leaned down to whisper to her. “Is there something I need to know about that you’re not telling me?” Alana shook her head. “We’ll talk about it later, but it’s nothing,” she whispered back. “I’m glad that you think Duncan and I make a good couple.” She smiled at Anna. The glance she gave to Lilly and Logan said she wasn’t happy about what their mother had said. Moving closer to Lilly, she spoke low, “Has she been like that since Morgan got back?”

“So Anna what else do you need help with other then cleaning and having the place ready for guests after the funeral?” Alana forced a bright smile onto her face even though she was starting to feel uncomfortable. Hopefully she could get this visit over with quickly. She was regretting bringing Duncan with her.

Morgan just laid there. He felt as though his world had been wreaked. He started to think about the time they went to the carnival. Alana got cotton candy, they then spent two hours on the fares wheel. He remembered think that this was it he could spend the rest of his life with this girl. It was a month before he left, that they had this trip. He was so in love, and never found love like that.

Lilly pulled Alana aside. "Mother I need to talk to her alone." she said as she took Alana by the hand and took her out of the room. "I am so sorry." she said. "yeah she's been like this since Morgan came home. I don't know why though. Its not like he did anything to her. If anything she was happy that he left. I don't know what's gotten into her." She said as they walked back in. Anna eyed both girls. "Mother I told her what you told me to tell her." Lilly said. Anna smiled "What did you tell her Lilly!" She asked. Lilly looked at her mother. "I told her that yes we would need her help with those thing and I also asked her if she would stay with us for a little while." she said. Anna smiled. "Good girl now everyone leave I want to sleep." she said.


Logan looked at the others. "Well would you guys like to stay for dessert?" he asked as he walked out the door. "Morgan made an amazing Apple tort." he said with a smile hoping that they would stay. He would love to see Morgan reaction to the answer that would be coming next. "I understand if you can't stay." he said light heartily.

After Lilly talked to Alana outside the room she made her decision to talk more to her before leaving. “It was nice to see you Anna. Good night.” She smiled and took Duncan’s hand waiting to get out of the room quickly. “What do you think Duncan? Should we stay for a little while? Morgan is a good cook.” Looking up she could tell that Duncan was getting suspicious. Duncan nodded. “Sounds good and I’d like to get to know you all better since Alana is so close to you.” The two of the left the room first after Duncan answered Logan’s question.

They waited for Lilly and Logan to join them before heading downstairs. “Your mother seems to be doing well considering what happened.” Alana said lightly. “Oh Lilly after dessert I’d like to talk to you more about helping.” She gave her a signal with her free hand so she’d know that she really meant she wanted to continue from where they left off in the hall. “You won’t mind hanging with Logan and Morgan alone will you?” She asked Duncan, who gave her a slightly pleading look. There was a smirk on her face when she seen his look. Apparently she had Duncan paranoid about Logan.

Logan smiled. "Sorry Duncan your cute and all but not my type." he said as he took the man down the stair. "Morgan were coming down from some of that apple tart." he said Morgan got up off of the couch and went into the kitchen. He had poped the apple tart in right after dinner, it took an hour to back, he cheeked it and it was done. "Perfect." he said as he took it out of the oven. "Okay, but it will take a few min to cool." he said. Logan brought Duncan into the Kitchen, and sat him down at in the dinning room. They sat there. Morgan sat across from Duncan and was quite.

Lilly looked at Alana and took her down the hall to her room. "Whats wrong? Is it about what mother said. I think she going crazy with out dad. He really was her rock." she said softly. She sat on her bed and patted it for Alana to come sit. "Don't worry about Morgan he understand. He won't do anything to make you unhappy. He really wants what's best for you." She said softly. Duncan seem nice enough, but as a kid Lilly always dreamed of having Alana as her big sister. She to was happy that Alana was happy, she just wished it was with her big brother.

Duncan sat quietly. “That’s a relief. Alana has been teasing me all day.” He sighed. He couldn’t really think of anything to say. Even though he wanted to know more about why Anna had said what she did and way Alana was acting strange. “The tart smells good.”

Alana nodded as she sat on the bed. “Yes it is. I just don’t understand why she would say such a thing. Plus I still have a hard time talking about Morgan….so Duncan doesn’t know there was anything between him and me.” She felt a little better, but also felt sad when Lilly said that Morgan understood. I guess what we had wasn’t as strong and special as I thought it was. Maybe he never did really love me like I did him. “I hope your mom doesn’t have any more outbursts until I can talk to Duncan about this. I also hope that Morgan and him will get along.” She lowered her eyes, she wasn’t as ready to face Morgan as she thought she was. No she had to stay strong and put her old feelings for him away. He had left her without saying goodbye or anything. She had Duncan now and he made her happy.

Morgan smiled. "I spent three years in France. I was lucky to have gotten to go." he said thinking back. He was living on the street in the city, and an old rich lady saw him on the side of the road. She took him in as her own son. Her son had died a few years earlier of some sort of caners. She would always tell him 'You look just like my son' He still lived with her, and he took good care of her as if she was his mother. He loved her like a mother as well. "Morgan." Logan said. Logan could always tell when Morgan was thinking about something. He always spaced out when he thought about something. "Tell Duncan about the fight." he said with a smile. Morgan shook his head. "I would rather not." he said. Logan pouted. "Why not." Morgan rolled his eyes, "because I told him I wouldn't tell anyone." he said. Logan rolled his eyes.

Lilly could tell something was wrong. "He still loves you... you know that right." she said softly. "Your engaged. He know that. He wants you to be happy." She said as she hugged Alana. "I think we should go eat that tart. I think it should be ready by now. I don't think Morgan will bring it up, and as for mother. Just tell Duncan she's a crazy old lady." She said with a smile as she pulled away from her dearest friend, and smiled. "It will be okay." she said as she took Alana's hand and got up off the bed. "Come on dear one let enjoy the group down stairs." she said with a smile. "Its not every day your long lost love comes home." she said jokingly.

“I see.” Duncan nodded as he listened. Not really interested until Logan had brought up something about a fight. He shifted slightly in his seat. “A fight? With who?” Duncan was curious, though he couldn’t really see Morgan getting into anything more than an argument with someone.

Alana sighed. She didn’t really want to hear the truth about Morgan still loving her. Even though it was something she was curious about. She had waited for him, giving up two years of her life, but he didn’t come back…he didn’t even call or write one time. I gave him a chance and he blew it, she said to herself. She giggled when Lilly said to tell Duncan that Anna was a crazy old lady. She gave her friend a slight smile as she got off the bed and followed her. “That is true…or your long lost brother. I guess we should celebrate instead of being gloomy and dwell on the past or the what ifs.”

Morgan rolled his eyes as he sliced the apple tart. "It was along time ago. I was working in the city when I first got there, it was mostly like three or four months. I went to one of the foot ball games. I was pissed because I just lost my job. I ran into a big man, when I say big I mean big. Well He told me to get the hell out of the way. I told him no. He pushed me and I fractured two of his ribs and busted his nose. He told me if I never told anyone about it he wouldn't press charges." Morgan said as he sat down at the table. "Are the girls coming down?" He asked Logan. Logan nodded. "They should be down any min." he said with a smile. "Now tell he who the guy was." Logan laughed. Morgan glared at his brother. "I knew I shouldn't have told you that story when you came to visit me." he said as he rolled his eyes. "for being gay and twenty four you sure act like a kid sometimes." Morgan said with a smile. Logan just laughed it off. "Duncan go ahead and try it. I found this recipe in the hill of France." He said softly.

Lilly smiled at her sister, as she called Lana. She gently took Lana by the hand. "I do agree lets just have some fun." she said as she lead Lana down the stairs and into the kitchen. When they got in to the kitchen for the first time Morgan eyes meet her's. He was in awe of her beauty, she was even prettier then he remembered, he quickly looked away know that she was engaged to be married. When all he really wanted to was hold her in his arms and kiss her like she's never been kissed before. He forced a smile on his face. "Come on you two, let enjoy this time. I'll get the red wine out of the fridge." he said as he walked over to the fridge and got it out. He grabbed a few of the wine glasses. "who all wants some?" he asked. Logan and Lilly both raised there hand. "Lilly your to young. Mom already wants to kill me as it is." he said with a smile.[COLOR="Silver"]

Duncan listened, but wasn’t sure if he believed the story. Looking Morgan over again he still couldn’t picture him beating up a bigger guy. “Don’t mind if I do.” He took a slice of the tart and bit into it. Surprisingly it was good. Shifting in his seat he felt like he needed to say something or try to get information out of these too. The longer he stayed here, the more Anna’s words bothered him. “So Morgan I take it that you and your mom don’t get along very well.” Just about that time the girl’s showed up. He fell silent and watched a slight frown on his face. “I’ll take a glass Morgan.”

Alana was smiling when she entered the room with Lilly, their arms still linked. When her eyes met Morgan’s she couldn’t believe how handsome he had gotten while he was gone. She shoved the thoughts about him away when she noticed the frown on Duncan’s face. “I’ll take a glass too.” Unlinking her arm from Lilly’s she walked over to Duncan, grinning as she eyed the tart that was still in his hand. She quickly took a bite before taking a seat beside him. “Mmmm, this is good.” “Hey! That was mine,” Duncan said when he noticed what she did. “Oh well,” Alana shrugged. “Well then I’ll just take this as payment for it,” Duncan grinned and gave her a deep kiss. Alana’s cheeks turned red and she shifted a little uncomfortably in her chair. It was amazing how even now Duncan could find ways to make her blush.