These moments are precious to me, watching the way Nan fusses over Zac and how Grandad has accepted him like another grandson. It makes me wonder how things might’ve been different if I had come out to them sooner. Would I have still found Zac? It feels strange to think there was a time in my life before him. Waking up wrapped in his arms every morning still causes my heart to race.
One night, I find myself alone with Grandad in his study, struggling to beat him at chess.
“You look happy,” he remarks, moving his knight and collecting one of my pawns.
“I am,” I say, unable to hide my grin despite him having the upper hand in our game.
He rests his chin in his hands, pride warming his eyes as I survey the board, trying to figure out my next move.
“Zac’s a great guy,” Grandad adds.
My grin widens as I move my rook to protect my king. “He is.”
“Hmm.” Amusement dances on his face as he makes his next move. “You don’t give much away, do you?”
I laugh. “What do you want to know, Grandad? It’s not like you to beat around the bush.”
He leans back in his chair, appraising me. “Your nan and I aren’t getting any younger. She wants to know if you think we might get to see our eldest grandchild settle down before we expire.”
I arch a brow. “Zac and I are very settled.”
Grandad scowls. “You know what I’m asking, Noah. When are you going to, what is it you young ones say these days? Lock him down?”
This time I laugh so hard, I almost fall off my chair. Wheezing, I try to catch my breath. “Sorry, Grandad, you’re just so easy to rile up.”
“I’ll give you that.” His lip twitches with the hint of a smile. “Do you think you might take the next step with young Zac? The man seems very smitten with you.”
I hadn’t planned on telling my family about the ring hidden in my luggage because I was scared they might try to talk me out of it. But since Grandad brought it up…
Releasing a steady breath, I look him in the eye. “I’m going to ask him to marry me on New Year’s Eve.”
Tears of joy shine in his eyes as he lifts his glass of scotch. “I’m so proud of you, Noah.”
I clear my throat, fighting back my own tears. If only my dad would utter those words.
As if reading my mind, Grandad gives me a sad smile.
“He is, too. He just shows it in his own way.”
I nod, my thoughts drifting to the generous cheque he handed me the other night.
Dad has joined us for dinner most nights, but he never pushed for anything more from me. He’s been quieter, more reserved, like he’s scared of saying the wrong thing and losing me again. It’s a stark contrast to the dictator I grew up with. But he asked questions about our plans for the drop-in centre, and he actually listened to what we had to say. There was no ulterior motive behind it.
Watching my dad try to accept Zac in my life won’t fix what happened, but it helps to heal the fractured relationship we have. Seeing the way Zac met Dad’s efforts with patience and kindness only makes me fall in love with him even more.
Grandad’s right, though. In his own way, Carl Bentley’s trying to show he’s changing, and that’s enough for now.
We flyout to Sydney on the morning of New Year’s Eve. Dane, Jasper, and Kate fly in from Beckford, and meet us at the airport. Ritter and his girlfriend, Rose, pick us up and drive us out to Hannah and Tom’s impressive property in Bellevue Heights. Tom and Ritter work at the same architecture firm, and Hannah did some marketing work for them straight after graduation. What started as a short-term contract turned into something bigger for her—now she’s carved out a solid career for herself in property and lifestyle marketing, with a reputable client list.
We catch up with them a couple of times a year, and we have plans to go to Hawaii in March for Hannah’s birthday. It’s funny to think that what started as a half-baked idea to fake date turned into one of the most important relationships in my life.
Hannah was the one who gave me the courage to be myself, and she was the first person who accepted me without hesitation. Her selflessness during one of the toughest times of my life allowed me to explore my feelings for Zac. If it hadn’t been for her coming into my life at that specific point in time, I don’t know if I would have ever made it out of the shadows.
Her smile is contagious as she flies into my arms. “I’m so excited,” she whispers.
“Shh,” I warn, squeezing her waist.
She’s the only person outside of Zac’s family and my grandad who knows about my plans for tonight. Isabelle cried when I sat her and Adam down to ask them permission.
