“Sort of,” Harry said with a shrug. “It’s hard with the age gap—they’re fifteen and sixteen—and I lived with Mum growing up, but we always spent holidays and regular weekends together. Sometimes I felt more like their babysitter than their brother, but we still managed to have a lot of fun. Now they’re older, they’re keener to hang out.”
“And be spoiled by their big brother?”
“What makes you say that?”
“You’re taking the time to choose them each the perfect gift, not just grabbing the nearest thing.”
Harry smiled as he passed the fabric to the lady manning the stall. “They’re good kids. I’m sure you’d do the same. Tell me about your sister.”
“Oh, you’d love Monique. She’s a lot like Amber—”
“So double trouble then?”
“You bet.” Evan grinned. “It was like having two sisters growing up. Monique and I are only a year apart, so we’ve always been close. She would have kicked my butt if I hadn’t done the brotherly thing and accompanied Amber on this cruise.”
Harry paid the vendor and accepted the bag with the pareu, shoving it in his backpack as they walked away. “If you don’t mind me asking, why didn’t Monique step in?”
Evan barked out a laugh. “Firstly, Amber and Martin—that’s her ex—had been accepted on the show as a straight couple—but also, Monique’s husband probably wouldn’t have been too happy.”
“The possessive type, is he?” Harry asked.
“Not at all, although I’m sure he wouldn’t have wanted to spend nearly three weeks away from his wife, but Monique is pregnant with their first child. Nearly seven months, so a big overseas trip wasn’t a good idea.”
“That’s awesome. So you’re going to be Uncle Evan then.”
“I am.” Evan beamed. He couldn’t wait to spoil his little niece or nephew.
“It’s a lot of work when they’re young—sleeping, feeding, nappies, and tantrums—but amazing watching them grow into little people. I’m sure you’ll be a fabulous uncle.”
They stopped at a display of shell necklaces.
“Do you want to have kids of your own one day?” Evan held his breath as he waited for Harry’s response. He didn’t know how he’d feel if Harry didn’t want kids, not sure if that would be a deal breaker.Look at me, planning a future when we haven’t even had a date!
Harry browsed through the necklaces for a moment before answering. “I’d like to have a family some day, but I haven’t given too much thought to how it would happen.” He moved to a tray with dainty shell bracelets, picking one up. “It’d be nice to share my life with someone, to build a home together, to share what we have with kids.” He looked up and met Evan’s gaze. “Life should be about others, and the simple things, you know?”
Evan nodded. “Yeah. I get you. Sometimes we get so caught up in the pace of life, we forget to relax and just enjoy being in the moment.”God, how did things get to be so serious?“I’m looking forward to sharing some experiences with the kidlet when he or she gets old enough.”
Harry had a soft smile on his face as he held Evan’s gaze. “They’re a lucky kid.”
“Who’s a lucky kid?”
Evan turned at John’s question. He forced himself not to scowl at the interruption. “Sorry,” Amber mouthed from behind John.
“Evan’s sister is going to have a baby in a couple of months. He was just saying how excited he is to be an uncle.”
“Right. Not my cup of tea, but each to their own.” John shrugged as he waved a brochure in front of his face. “Let’s get moving. It’s hot and crowded in here.”
“Hold on. I think I’ll get this bracelet for Alex. She’ll love it.”
Evan looked at the delicate strand of tiny shells resting in Harry’s palm. From what Harry had said, it sounded the perfect gift for his youngest sister.
“Just hurry up, will you.” John didn’t even give the gift a passing glance.
Harry completed his purchase, and they continued on their way further through the markets. Not even John’s efforts to hurry them along could dampens his spirits—he had fun checking out the local arts and crafts with Harry, and that made the morning ideal.
13
“You’re all probably wonderingwhat we have in store for you next!”
