“It was nice of you to ask him to do an uncle-niece dance.”
I look back at my uncle, then back to Harrison. “In a way, it’s to honor my dad. I’m so lucky to have met my uncle. I feel like Dad’s here with us through him.” I pause, wondering if I should bring this up again. “And you’re sure it won’t cause problems that your parents aren’t here?”
“My parents are right there.” He points to Rosa and Javier. “The other two are inconsequential.”
I nod and sip my drink. He’s right.
“So, what’s the plan for this place? You haven’t done anything to it,” I ask.
We both look around the usually unfinished space, which is, for today, beautifully decorated for our reception. It is filled with candelabras and all-white peonies.
It’s where we spent a beautiful evening getting to know one another at the masquerade gala. When Harrison suggested we use it for the wedding, I immediately said yes due to the place’s deep meaning.
“Do you want to live here?” He looks at me over his negroni as he takes a sip.
“Do you?”
“When our family grows, yes,” he says.
I bite my lip but can’t hold back my smile as I nod.Family.
Speaking of family.
I notice Sebastian standing in the door leading to the terrace, looking lost in his thoughts.
I know this is my chance.
I go up on my tippy-toes and kiss Harrison. “Can you wait here? I’ll only be a moment.”
I walk out onto the terrace and close the door behind me. “Do you mind if we talk?”
Seb nods, then turns back to look over Central Park.
I take a breath to steady my nerves.
“I know that we had a rocky start, to put it lightly. But I wanted to tell you that I love Harrison and Claudina very much and will always treat Claudina like my own. However, I will never forget the woman who brought her into this world. We will always celebrate Camila’s life in our home. We will speak of her daily, and Claudina will always know how much her mother loves her.”
He nods and, with a clenched jaw, answers, “Thank you.”
I pause, wondering if I should say the next part. I think he’d appreciate it.
“I visit her…alone.” He looks down, and I know I have his attention now. “Harrison and Claud don’t know, but I do often. I wanted to feel closer to Camila. I go there, and I talk. I tell her about Claud and myself, too, so she’ll get to know and trust me, too.”
I think I shocked him.
“Juliette…it’s not you, it’s me.”
I smirk. “Did you just give me the break-up line?”
He laughs, and it’s beautiful. I’m already seeing a different side of him. “I realized it the second they were out of my mouth. But?—”
“You don’t have to say anything now, Sebastian. I only wanted to tell you so I can join this family with you, knowing I have the best intentions.” I turn and walk out, but I stop when I hear my name being called.
“My sister would have loved you.”
I scrunch my eyes and continue walking, not wanting to make a big deal of his words.
Because they are huge…monumental even, and I know it’s mine and Seb’s turning point.
