“What? But I thought—”
“I know, I know.” He tucked his hands in his pockets. “Truth be told, Gaia finally convinced me it was in everyone’s best interests to leave it alone. All the pharmacological rigmarole, that is.”
Mother Nature slid her arm around his waist. “The plant is perfect in its original form. If he alters it, the advertising people will have to come with all those warnings you see on TV when they ask people to buy their medication.”
“You’ve been watching TV?” Gabriella gasped. “I thought you didn’t like TV.”
“Well, occasionally I tune in to something, just to learn more about blending in with modern society. But there’s no avoiding those commercials. To be honest, the medication warnings frighten me. The side effects are much worse than whatever condition the pills are supposed to treat.”
Aaron mocked the voice-over actor. “Stop taking Banishtheboogie and call your doctor if you notice symptoms of anal vomiting, spontaneous tap dancing, or if your penis falls off.”
Gabriella burst out laughing.
Mother Nature just smiled lovingly at him. “Isn’t he fun? I never get bored when he combines his irreverent sense of humor with his intelligent mind.” They gave each other a peck on the lips.
When Gabriella had stopped giggling, she asked, “Then why are you bothering to cultivate the plants? It sounds like you’re not going to do anything with them.”
“Ah, that’s not true. We’re just not going to alter them,” Aaron said. “They can be added to flower arrangements, and the scent will help alleviate the sadness of a broken heart. People will simply attribute the lifted mood to the thoughtful gesture and the fact that somebody cares.”
“Or,” Mother Nature added, “if someone buys the flowers for themselves, they’ll attribute the happy effect to bringing the beauty of nature into their homes.”
“That’s wonderful,” Gabriella said. “I love the idea of treating heartbreak in the most natural way possible. A quick fix doesn’t allow for learning and growth.”
“Of course,” Gaia said quietly, “if you know someone whose heart is breaking and desperately needs a full dose, you can give them a cup of tea made with a couple of the plant’s raw leaves.”
“I can? You’re going to allow me to use it?”
“As you see fit,” Gaia said. “I trust you and will share the offer with all my modern muses.”
Gabriella covered her heart with her hands. “I—I don’t know what to say. I’m honored by your trust.”
Mother Nature and Aaron gazed at each other. “We’re learning a lot about trust these days.”
“That’s wonderful. I knew you two could make an unconventional relationship work! So I guess my explanation about like, love, and respect helped?”
“Oh no,” Gaia said. “Your explanation was shit.”
Gabriella’s tinkling laugh filled the greenhouse.
Aaron stroked his lover’s arm. “Gaia learns what she needs to know about relationships from watching successful couples like you and Antonio,” Aaron said. “Every day, you show each other what no one can put into words.”
“You’re both so happy,” Gaia added. “I notice you enjoy spending time together, but you also spend time with friends or doing other things you enjoy individually. That type of freedom to be yourselves—to be your best selves—is rooted in trust and love.”
“Thank you, Goddess. I’d never thought about it that way, but you couldn’t be more right. What about you, Aaron? Do you watch other couples to pick up relationship tips?”
He smiled. “I’m afraid that even though I can use my power of invisibility to lean over people and eavesdrop, I’d feel like a voyeur, but there’s plenty of good inspiration around. Your sons, for instance.”
“Oh my, yes!” Gabriella agreed. “That was my entire goal as a mother. I wanted to see my boys grow up to be healthy and happy. To me, that includes finding and keeping alive a loving relationship.”
“Well, you’ve accomplished your goal,” Aaron said.
“I knew as soon as Luca, our youngest, started dating Dawn that every son had found lasting love. Antonio wanted to retire down here in the Caribbean long ago, but I wouldn’t leave our sons until I knew each one of them had found their mates.”
“And now all but your two oldest have come with you!” Gaia said. “What does that mean?”
“I think it just means we’re a close-knit family—even as large, boisterous, and wildly different as we all are. We can completely rely on one another, and the boys do enjoy one another’s company. Even the two eldest, who live far away, wouldn’t miss Sunday dinner for the world.”
“That’s because I made their mates modern muses, and the minor goddesses can travel through the ether in the blink of an eye. Ah! That reminds me… I always grant my muses some kind of retention bonus. Basically, it’s your chance to ask for anything you want.”
