how many subs

[Miner]

you all make excellent points, I could have posted a thank you on each response
I have put myself in a dilemma, I have come to know 2 subs very closely
if I were put in a situation of selecting one over the other I am not sure I could do it
yet I would hate to lose either of them

Presumably you have told the two subs about each other as well? You're on a hiding for grief if you aren't up-front with both of them.