I press a kiss to the top of his head and whisper into his hair, “Mine.”
Sebastian lifts his sparkling eyes to mine, then leans in close, brushing his lips against my ear.
“Of course I’m yours,” he murmurs, voice low and teasing. “But don’t forget, you’re mine too now.”
“You don’t need to convince me, baby.”
I take his hand and glance at the others. “I think we’ve missed our chance to walk to the village, Mum, do you mind if we take your car?”
She nods at once, but there’s a flicker of something in her eyes, thoughtfulness, maybe. Suspicion.
“Of course, darling. No trouble at all. But while we’re at it… would you care to explain where exactly the car you two arrived in came from?”
Seb and I exchange a guilty glance.
“Erm… I borrowed it from Ian,” I admit, scratching the back of my neck. “In a bit of a rush, I’ll admit. He’s, well, he’s an admirer of Seb’s. I mean, a friend. An old friend of his and Anne’s. Things were still... complicated at the time. But it’s all sorted now. We’re planning to talk to Maddie and the rest of the group as soon as we’re back.”
Seb nods at my side, clearly touched that I’ve brought it up so openly.
Mum throws her hands up with a long-suffering sigh, but there’s no real annoyance behind it.
“Alright, alright, you don’t need to explain yourselves any further. I know you’re good boys, and you’ll do what’s right. Maddie might be upset, sure, but you’ve been apart for a while, and you’re still young. You have not only the right, but the duty, not to settle. Go out there and find the great love of your lives.”
She gives us that radiant, steady smile of hers, so full of warmth and certainty, like she truly believes everything will work out in the end.
And God, I hope she’s right.
CHAPTER 26
SEBASTIAN
The evening with Remi’s family is so warm and easy going, it’s almost surreal to think I’ve only known them for two days. What unsettles me most, though, is that even though I can’t wait to be alone with Remi again, the thought of leaving these people already tugs at something deep inside me, something I didn’t even realize was there.
As furious as I am with my own parents, I’m also clear-headed enough to see that their reaction to my coming out was just the final straw. The real issue runs much deeper. The truth is, I’ve never known what it feels like to be loved simply, openly, and unconditionally, the way Emma offers her affection, not just to her children, but to anyone lucky enough to fall within her orbit.
That realization stings. But strangely, it also comforts me.
Because even though Remi lost his father far too soon, he still grew up in a home where love wasn’t withheld or rationed. Where warmth wasn’t something you had to earn. And knowing that, knowing he was nurtured by that kind of love, makes me feel hopeful. Safe, even. Like I’m not doomed to repeat the coldness I grew up with. Like maybe, being with Remi, I can finally learn what real love is supposed to feel like.
I suppose my parentsthinkthey love me. And until recently, I believed it too, at least in part. But now... I’m not so sure. When it comes to my mother, I’m beginning to wonder if she’s evencapable of sincere, selfless affection. Maybe there’s still hope for my father, if only he weren’t so hopelessly entangled in Isabel’s grip.
No. Enough of that. I’ll deal with it later. Tonight, I just want to be here, fully present, and savour every second of this evening.
The restaurant Remi has chosen is a typical coastal pub with a nautical theme, charming and relaxed like the Blackbird, but with the added bonus of a terrace overlooking the entire bay. It’s the kind of place that invites laughter and unhurried conversation, where you can hear the sea in the background and feel the breeze on your skin.
The food looks incredible.
Trusting Remi’s recommendation, I start with a crab cake and follow it with the seafood platter. Every bite is divine, fresh, delicately seasoned, and beautifully plated. It’s made even better by the bottle of Pinot Meunier that Ben selects with quiet confidence after a thoughtful perusal of the wine list.
It’s all so effortless, so different from the stiff, orchestrated dinners I grew up with.
Thanks to the wine and the relaxed atmosphere, Emma’s partner starts to open up, revealing a much more outgoing side than I’d expected. He and Remi’s mum trade stories about funny mishaps at the clinic, teasing each other with a kind of warmth and familiarity that makes me wonder why they still live in separate houses after all these years together. They fit so effortlessly.
Even Maude, now that the ice has thawed between us, seems completely at ease. She’s no longer wary or withdrawn, at least not with me. She still avoids direct eye contact, but when she speaks about her work, with such precision and quiet passion, I realize it’s the truest, most natural way to connect with her.
Everything about the way she expresses herself, her thought process, her focus, and her command of detail speaks of someone deeply intelligent and observant. The more I listen, the more my respect for her grows.
Under the table, Remi runs his fingers lightly along my leg. It’s not flirtatious or suggestive, just a gentle, grounding touch. A way of saying:I’m here. I see you. I’m happy.And I know exactly how he feels, because I feel it too. If there’s a glow between us tonight, I couldn’t tell you who’s shining brighter.
