I can’t stop thinking about the way Teddy looked up at me and called meMummy,so casually, like it wasn’t the most earth-shattering thing I’ve ever heard.
Now, I’m standing inside his school hall, clutching my phone like a lifeline as rows of tiny, wriggling children get shuffled into their places for their early Christmas concert. Sebastian had tohead out on a case this morning. Three hours away, apparently. He promised he’d come as soon as he could, but warned he might be late. So, I’m here in his place, but also because Teddy requested I be here.
That part made my heart ache the most. I find a spot near the middle of the hall, wedged between two overly enthusiastic mums wearing Santa earrings and glitter reindeer headbands. The room smells like cheap tinsel and juice boxes. The lights dim slightly, and the sound of nervous chatter fades as the kindergarten class takes the stage.
And there he is—front and centre. Teddy wears a crooked golden halo and a white robe two sizes too big. His little fingers fidget with the sleeve. He’s chewing on his thumb, eyes scanning the crowd, wild and searching. I swear I can feel his anxiety clawing through my chest like it’s my own. He’s not smiling. He’s frozen. Until his gaze lands on me.
He lights up like a Christmas tree.
The smallest, brightest smile curves his mouth, and his eyes lock on mine like I’m the only person in the room. I start swaying my arms gently, singing along as the music starts. He mouths the words, a beat behind the others, but he’s trying. God, he’s trying so hard.
I mouth the words with him, wave when he glances at me again, and record the whole thing, knowing it’s probably going to be shaky and useless footage, from how much I’m moving.
“You’ve got the best seat in the house,” a woman beside me says. Blonde, warm eyes, a cardigan with bells stitched into the sleeves. “Which one’s yours?”
I don’t hesitate, pointing at Teddy. “The angel in the middle. That’s him.”
Her smile softens. “Your son is adorable.”
“Thank you.” I don’t bother correcting her, and I definitely don’t even think twice about it. I just turn back toward thestage and keep watching him. The final song starts, and he’s still watching me, only now, his eyes linger just past my shoulder. He blinks once. Then again, before something shifts in his expression.
I turn around, following his gaze, and realise why.Sebastian.
Leaning against the wall beneath a line of crooked paintings of elves and snowmen. He’s still in work clothes, shirt wrinkled, top button undone, face flushed. Whether it’s from running or just the sight before us, I don’t know, but he’s staring straight at us like we’re the only thing in the room.
How long has he been standing there?
I raise my hand in a small wave, heart stuttering in my chest. He winks. And just like that, everything inside me goes quiet, and it’s suddenly too warm in here. I look back to the stage, then down at my feet, trying to find some kind of chill that clearly doesn’t exist in my body right now. I’m mid- when a hand brushes my arm. Sebastian’s close enough that his presence fills the space around me. Clean soap, faint cologne, something unmistakably him. It settles into my lungs and refuses to leave.
“Hey,” he murmurs, leaning just enough that only I can hear. “Sorry I cut it close.”
I glance up at him, my mouth tipping into a smile. “You made it. That’s what matters.”
His looks back to the stage. “He looked like he was about to bolt earlier.”
“He was like that at rehearsal too, but he’s looking much more comfortable now,” I say quietly. “Now that you’re here.”
Sebastian’s jaw softens. “Because we’re both here.”
I swallow hard, blinking back something that sneaks up behind my eyes. Before I can say anything, the same mum from earlier leans in again.
“He did so well. You can tell he was nervous, but he stuck it out. That takes guts at this age.”
“More than I had at that age,” I admit with a chuckle.
She laughs back. “My daughter’s dressed as the little sheep next to him—the one who won’t stop shaking her tambourine.”
“A future rockstar, clearly.”
She smiles before her eyes flick upwards. Up to where Sebastian stands, casually towering at my side. I don’t blame her for the pause.I know, babe. I know.
Her eyes brighten. “Oh! You must be Daddy.”
Sebastian smirks. “I am.”
“Well, you’ve got a lovely little family,” she says with a beaming smile.
I bite the inside of my cheek, and not for the first time today, I don’t correct her. Not even with Sebastian standing right beside me. I glance up at him, watching the faintest flicker of surprise cross his features before he tips his head politely in thanks, and then she’s off slipping toward another cluster of parents.
