Alexei smiled, seeing his friend enter the dining hall. He nodded when Nikolai informed him that Pavel and Liz would join them shortly. When the older man sat down at the nearby table, he joined him. He shook his head with a grin when Nikolai asked him the big question right off.<br/><br/>"You never have pulled your punches with me, old man," he laughed softly, not angry about the question in the slightest. He knew Nikolai only had his best interest at heart. Considering the question fairly, he stared across into the empty room, his memory recalling the conversation in Ingrid's room.<br/><br/>"She's gorgeous, without a doubt." He sighed, thank god Pavel had guaranteed that at least. "She's very shy, nervous about the physical aspects of our relationship....but she surprised me. Under that shyness, there's a sense of humor. First blush, she's as smart as she is beautiful....but I suppose we'll have to get to know each other better. It's hard to know someone from just one conversation." He admitted ruefully, shrugging his shoulders. "I still say I'm not fit to be a husband...." he trailed off, knowing that his own father was an abysmal example of what a husband should be.