Henry smiled as he kissed her. Once Claire let them go, Henry pulled the ring out of the box and slipped it onto her finger. Claire smiled shakily and looked down at the ring. It was a gorgeous ring. Henry did good. Claire gave Ethan a kiss before turning back to Henry for another kiss. After they got to their feet, everyone gathered around to congratulate the couple. Sebastian was last.
Sebastian pulled Claire into his arms, " Congrats sister", He murmured, kissing her cheek.
Claire laughed and sniffed, wiping tears from her cheeks as she pulled away, " Thanks Sebastian".
Sebastian then pulled Henry into a hug, " I'm glad you're happy, Henry", he said quietly, kissing his brother's temple before pulling away.
Henry smiled and thanked him.
After popping open a bottle of champagne and toasting the newly engaged couple, Sebastian went to the bathroom. He finished drying his hands and opened the door to find his mother pacing nervously in the hallway in front of the door. When she heard the door open, her head shot up, her eyes meeting his as she twisted her hands together.
Sebastian watched her struggle to say something, so he waited.
" Sebastian...can we...can we talk?", she asked hesitantly.
The hope and desperation in her eyes broke apart his resolve. He sighed heavily, " Yeah"
His mother blinked rapidly and gave his a watery smile. Sebastian went into Henry's office. Anne followed. Sebastian closed the door and went over to sit on the brown leather couch. He leaned back into the corner, resting one arm across the back and the other on the arm of the couch. He knew he looked relaxed and nonchalant. But on the inside he was in turmoil. His stomach rolled uneasily and his heart raced.
His mom sat at the other end of the couch, perched on the edge of the cushion. Her hands clasp together tightly. Sebastian watched her, his chest constricting with the need to comfort her. It was easy to not care when he didn't see her. But she was his mother and he did love her. And seeing her so nervous and tense was bothering him more then he wanted it to.
" Sebastian", She started, looking over at him, a tear streaming down her face, " I don't even know where to begin to apologize for everything I put you through. I hate myself for the way I acted and treated you and your brothers. I never ever wanted to push you away. I only did what I thought would keep you close, not realizing that I was doing just the opposite. I'm so sorry and I can only hope that you can find it in your heart to forgive me", she said, her voice trembling and cracking the whole time.
Sebastian stared at her, trying to keep his face schooled. He didn't want her to know how torn up he was inside. Part of him wanted to forgive her but the other part wanted to remain pissed at her. He didn't know what to do, he didn't know what to say.
" You don't have to say anything", Anne said, as if hearing his thoughts, " I just wanted the chance to apologize to you", she murmured and stood, leaving the room quickly.
Sebastian closed his eyes and dropped his head back. Well didn't he feel like the biggest dickhead in the world now. Why was she getting to him like this? Because she was acting like a completely different person, that's why. She hadn't been a bitch once. She was acting like a normal loving mother and grandmother. It was throwing Sebastian for a loop. He groaned and stood up, leaving the office to join the rest of his family.
Claire glanced at Henry through the mirror as she pulled her hair up into a ponytail on top of her head. Henry was brushing his teeth before bed. Her fiancé. She smiled softly to herself. She never expected Henry to propose so soon. But she couldn't be happier. She loved him and wanted to be with him forever. Even though they've only been together for four months, they've known each other almost a year now.
Claire was already thinking about the kind of wedding she wanted. Just something small and simple. She didn't have a lot of friends or family. So having some big event would be silly. She also wanted to get married soon. There was no need for a long engagement.
" So I was thinking...", Henry started, spitting toothpaste into the sink and rinsing his toothbrush.
" Okay"
Henry put his toothbrush in the hold and leaned his hands on the counter, his intense green gaze watching her through the mirror. " I was thinking that since we're getting married, I should adopt Ethan, that way he doesn't ever have to question who his father is"