“Well, see you around.”
“Nice seeing you, Clint.”
Kane continued on his way. Being in the old neighborhood brought back memories about his time when he had been discovering who he was as a man. Like Heath, he’d had to keep his attraction for men to himself. It wasn’t until his second teaching job in another part of London when he’d met another teacher who had shown him the secrets which awaited.
The first time he’d gone to one of the private clubs, it had been exhilarating, so refreshing to throw off the constraints put on him by society and just be himself. He’d promised himself then and there that he would try to live as full a life as possible. Which brought his thoughts back to Heath and their quarrel. What type of life would he have without Heath in it? It would be empty and dull, that was for sure.
Eventually, Kane returned home and waited his father’s return. When they sat down for dinner, after a few comments about the day, Kane decided it was time.
“Mother, father, there is a reason I came to see you.”
His parents paused, giving him their full attention.
“Is something wrong?” His mom asked with a concerned expression.
“Nothing is wrong. In fact, I’m in love.” Saying the words made him feel lighter. He let out a loud breath, as if he’d been holding the words in for ages.
“That’s wonderful, dear. Do we know him?”
Kane blinked a few times, not sure he’d heard his mother correctly. He stuttered a few times before getting the words out. “I beg your pardon?”
“Your mother asked if we know the man you’re in love with.”
He glanced between his parents, not sure what to make of this revelation. “How long have you...”
Mrs. Badgely grasped his hand. “Oh, sweetheart. There isn’t much that your father and I miss. There were subtle signs over the years. We had our suspicions. You never once mentioned any girls you were keen on.”
“Not like your brother, who crowed every time he had a new girl.”
“There was that one time when you brought a friend for dinner, Tom, I think his name was. I noticed the way you were looking at him.” His mother patted his hand. “You always wore your emotions on your sleeve.”
Kane had forgotten about Tom. His first love, or at least he had thought. The bastard had left as soon as he’d found someone with more money lining his pockets.
“Why didn’t you tell me you knew?” Kane was dumbfounded that his parents were taking the news so easily.
His father sat back in his chair. “When you’re young, you’re trying to find your way in life. We knew you needed to decide for yourself, so we kept quiet. But we love you, son, no matter what.”
A lump formed in his throat. Kane couldn’t recall the last time he’d cried, but in that moment, he wanted to shed tears of joy.
“So, tell us who the lucky man is.” Mrs. Badgely refilled their teacups.
“It’s my employer, Sir Heath Foster.”
“What’s the problem? Doesn’t he care for you?”
“It’s complicated.”
“Well,” said his mother, “then it’s a good thing you came here. Now, tell us what’s going on.”
Kane told them how he and Heath had gradually found their way to each other. He left out the graphic details but told his parents about the conversation they’d had yesterday, including Heath’s offer to make him the estate manager to keep him nearby.
“I felt like I was being bought, like a courtesan being paid for my services. I got angry and left.”
“Where is Heath?” Mr. Badgely asked.
“He’s probably back in Dover by now. I said I would return, but I don’t know what to do.”
“What does your heart tell you?” his mother asked.