"Lucas, you're a fine young man and I see you as a son. Mia, remember to be careful because when things become broken you may not find something that can replace them."
I watched Xavier carefully and I could see a sheen of tears in his eyes.
"Luc, all great decisions are the result of discussion and respect for the common good. I wish you both happiness through the years. All that's left to say is... to Lucas and Mia." He raised his glass and the rest of the table followed.
I couldn't take my eyes off Xavier. I couldn't figure him out and the conversation followed by the toast had left me feeling a little uncomfortable. He was Luc's godfather and I understood that he cared, but he hadn't made much effort with Luc since Charlie had passed. Everyone had put it down to Luc pulling away but there were always two sides to a story.
"You okay, sweetheart?" Luc asked. He looked at me, eyes filled with concern. I reached up and placed a hand on his cheek, thumb stroking the skin gently. I could never imagine hurting this man. He had quickly become my everything. I’d put all my faith and trust and love in him, and he'd returned it all tenfold.
"I'm doing perfectly fine," I told him.
He leaned over and kissed me. "I'm glad to hear it, soon to be Mrs Foster," Luc murmured against my lips.
The smile grew on my face. "Mia Foster. I like the sound of that."
He pulled back and laughed. "I hope you like the sound of it because it's going to be your name soon enough."
"Luc," I said.
"Yes, love?"
I bit my lip for a moment before continuing. "I was thinking about that."
"What?"
"About when we would get married."
Luc nodded. "Mia, I know I joked about eloping but there's no rush. As long as I get to have you as my wife, I don't care how long you want to wait."
It had been an ongoing joke ever since we came back that Luc would rather elope than deal with the stress and fuss of planning a wedding. There were times I wanted to agree with him, but I also wanted to see him suited and waiting for me at the end of an aisle.
"Well, actually," I said and took a deep breath. "I was thinking that maybe we could set the date for summer. How does July sound?"
Luc blinked. "As in 5 months from now?"
"Your Mom really wants to see us get married, Luc. She's not getting any better..." His eyes started to well with tears and I panicked. Luc rarely cried and I had just put my foot in it. "Luc, I'm sorry. It was a stupid idea."
He pulled me into the hug and whispered into my hair, "It's not a stupid idea. It's perfect, Mia." Luc placed a kiss on my forehead, and I wiped away a stray tear from his face before anyone else could see.
"When in July?" I asked him.
Luc thought for a moment and smiled. "July 13th."
"July 13th it is. We'll let your Mom know tomorrow when we visit her."
"She'll be thrilled."
Desserts were placed in front of guests and Dom and I picked off each other's plates while Dante sat trying to convince Luc to make him best man.
"D," I said, leaning forward to look at him directly. "I don't know why you're worrying. It's not like he has any other friends."
"Oi!" Luc said, looking offended. "You're my wife. You should be taking my side."
"Not quite yet, love," I grinned.
"Excuse me, everyone," Luc said, raising his voice and getting to his feet.
My eyes widened. "What are you doing?"
