“No!” Meredith says quickly, shrieking as Albert goes to nab her about the waist, laughing.
“Liar!” Albert says, tickling her.
“I just had a hunch!” Meredith squeaks. “I swear I didn’t know!”
James watches them bicker, then turns to find that Beth and Bobby are already in a frantic discussion of venues and dates and decor. Everyone’s happy, and eager, and elated,for him.
His eyes start to sting and he goes to pull away from Gwen, overwhelmed in the best way. But she doesn’t let him, wrapping her arm around his shoulders.
“I promise, you get used to us,” she says.
He laughs a little wetly, feeling sheepish but... excited. “I’m looking forward to it.”
She squeezes him and they stand there, watching the rest of their motley group absolutely lose it. It gives James just enough time for his brain to catch up through all the chaos. Gives him enough time to summon what little courage he still possesses after last night.
“Gwen, would you? Like to marry me, that is?” he asks, turning to meet her eyes.
Gwen’s smile stretches impossibly wider. “Absolutely. Provided we’re agreed we’re not really marrying... each other,” she says, glancing toward Beth and Bobby.
“A marriage in name only, agreed,” he says, laughing as she extends her hand.
He takes her smaller palm in his with a decisive shake and they beam at each other.
“I guess we’ll have to figure out the line of succession,” Gwensays as they drop hands, Beth and Bobby and Albert and Meredith still chattering around them.
“Yes,” he says, the elation of the moment fading just a hair.
“I wish...” Gwen says softly, glancing again at Beth.
The image of Gwen at the Foundling Hospital gate, hugging the little girl, springs into his mind. He finds he wishes too. But he couldn’t lie with Gwen, and he knows Bobby would never lie with Beth. Maybe Wristead and his wife truly are happy with a third person somewhere in their marriage, but James knows he never could be. And the way Gwen’s looking at Beth? She could never either.
“I think I’d be a pretty piss-poor father, anyway,” James says, pushing the words out. They’re true, but it doesn’t make the wistful feeling lift at all.
“Same here. Not mother material, I mean. But Beth would be an excellent mother,” Gwen says quietly. “And I don’t know, we turned out all right, didn’t we?”
James can’t prevent the snort that escapes him. “Touché.”
Meredith finally gathers herself enough to begin herding them toward the stairs so they don’t miss the first ferry.
Bobby’s hand briefly finds his, their eyes locking. They’re really doing this—stepping into the future, together. It’s more than enough to chase any lingering doubts from James’ mind. He squeezes Bobby’s hand, and then lets him go, offering Gwen his arm.
“My dear?” he says.
Gwen smirks and takes his elbow. “Lead the way, sir.”
***
His room has a lovely view out over the Solent. Were he interested, he could sit at the picture window and watch the ships pass, or squint across the water to Lepe Country Park andwatch staff set up tents along the grounds. But all he wants is to cuddle up for a nap and sleep the afternoon away.
He pokes his head out of his door. Their rooms are all in a cluster, but it’s hardly as private as having had the full floor at the inn last night. Still, it wouldn’t be that suspicious for him to linger in Bobby’s room for an hour or two.
Of course, the moment he actually steps into the hall, Albert’s door opens and he leans out, beckoning for James to join him in their suite. It’s a sunny, spacious room, equipped with a fainting couch, small table, and separate bathing area. Next year he and Gwen could have a room like this, and simply swap at night. They’ll get to live like married couples do, with all the benefits. How glorious.
“James.”
James blinks and realizes he’s just been standing in the threshold to the room, while Gwen, Beth, and Meredith sit at the table, and Bobby lies sprawled on the fainting couch. James can just see his shoes from the doorway.
Albert pats him on the back and closes the door, unconcerned. “Meredith has some thoughts.”
