“There you are. How was it?” Wearing a long-sleeve polo and black jeans, he looked as handsome as ever.
“It was great. Thanks so much. Sheridan was extremely grateful and sends you her thanks.”
“Any time. The place is yours to enjoy.” He smiled brightly.
“How was Cian?” I asked.
“He’s great.” The look of wonder in his eyes was the same as when he’d first seen his son. He crooked his finger. “Come.”
I followed him into a yellow room filled with large vases of flowers, a burgundy velvet Chesterfield couch, a wall covered in art, and bay windows looking out to sea.
My son slept in a different crib.
“That’s new,” I said, stroking the woven cane.
“It’s one I slept in, apparently. We’ve got a nursery with all kinds of kiddies’ things.” He chuckled, sounding like a kid himself. Adorably so. “Rocking horses and all those bits and pieces.”
“A bit creepy, I reckon,” Savanah said, entering the room.
Ethan laughed. “She says it reminds her of one of those haunted stories. You know, where the horse rocks on its own.”
“Ew.” Savanah crossed her arms and shivered. “Scary.” She looked at me and smiled. “I hear you had a session at the Pond.”
I nodded. “It was fantastic. A gorgeous place. You’ve done it well,” I said, giving Ethan a timid smile.
He grinned. “See, no farmers were harmed in the process.”
I went to poke my tongue at him when Caroline Lovechilde entered.
For a moment, we remained in silence by the crib, gazing lovingly at Cian. If anything, that child would be well and truly loved.
“He’s a very calm child,” Caroline said. “He’s hardly stirred.”
“We fed him. He was so cute,” Savanah said.
“Speaking of which, he’s probably due for a feed,” I said.
They all looked at each other and nodded. “Right. Best leave you to it.”
They walked out, but Ethan remained, looking a little uncertain for a moment. I went to unbutton my shirt, and he turned away.
Bizarre.
“It’s okay. I don’t mind. You’ve seen it all before.”
He chuckled nervously. “I’ll go and get us some tea. Yes?”
I nodded. “Sure.”
“You’re going to stay for dinner, aren’t you?” His gaze lingered.
It took me a moment to respond. “That’s if it’s okay with your mother.”
“She’s fine. I mean, there’s some drama going on. But it’s got nothing to do with you.”
I wiped my brow. “Phew.” I chuckled. “Nothing too intense, I hope.”
“Oh, it’s intense, all right. I’ll fill you in later.”