Satisfied her infant was asleep, Willow slipped outside and closed the round door quietly. She leaned against the porch railing with a yawn and a stretch.
The evening had grown dark, a full moon lighting the sky, and a warm breeze causing a light shower of leaves to fall. The female squirrel’s gaze followed one down to where Twig sitting on the forest floor below.

With a grin the squirrel scurried down the length of the tree, landing neatly before her mate with a sultry flurish of her tail.
Twig’s eyes opened, and a lazy smile crossed his muzzle. “Even’n, Pretty Stick.”
Willow rolled her eyes and flopped herself down beside Twig. “I hate that name.”
“Aye, I ken.” he planted a thick kiss on her cheek. “But I like it.”
The pretty squirrelwife gave him a sideways glance, her chin resting on the back of her paw. She couldn’t help but smile.
Twig hefted himself up, drawing Willow up with him. He led her to an opening in the trees, where a small circle of night sky could be seen above. The start sparkled and shone brightly.
Willow lowered her gaze from the stars to Twig who still held her paws in his own. “What’s this?” she asked. “Are you proposing again?”
“Does it have to be anything?” Twig squeezed her paws, “Can’t a squirrel just stand here and look into the twin pools of goodness that are his wife’s eyes?”
Willow turned her face away and stifled a laugh. “Oh you!” She finally composed herself and looked up into his eyes again. “How do they look?”
“Perfect.” Was Twig’s response. “And mine?”
“Two jasmine gems, reflecting a true and good spirit.”
“Gwah!” It was Twig’s turn to flush.
“I’m serious, dear,” Willow stretched up to plant a kiss on her mate’s nose.” “You are a good man.”
Twig said nothing, but pulled her in for another kiss.
They finally pulled slowly apart, and with willow’s paw still in his, began to dance with her. they swayed back and forth in one-another's arms, sometimes twirling and dipping.
Leaves continued to slowly fall around them, the breeze including them in the dance.

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February's Illustration of the month! And what do you think of Willow's mate's name? Its a bit of a place holder name for now.
Usually I have folks vote on the illustration of the month, But as this illustration came along for Valentine's Day I felt this was perfect for the Month's Illustration.