Chapter Text
To: Sebastian Sallow
From: Bex Russell
Subject: London?
Hi stranger!
I hope you’re doing well. I wanted to see if you and Rory have any plans to be in London this summer. Some good news—I’ve been reassigned to an office in London, and will be living in the city starting in June. It’s been a while since I’ve seen him in person, and I’d love to catch up. There are a few matters I wanted to run past you. Have emailed a bit with Rory, he’s been telling me all about his grades. He also told me you’ve got a girlfriend now?
Good for you, Sebastian. You deserve to be happy.
Bex
To: Bex Russell
From: Sebastian Sallow
Subject: RE: London?
I’s great to hear from you, Bex. Yes, we’ll be in London in July for some weddings. I’m sure Rory will be very happy to see you. Let me know when you’re free, and where you’re living. Anything specific you want to discuss?
Her name is Theo, and she’s great. I can’t wait for you meet her.
SS
Spring melts into summer, and Sebastian isn’t quite sure how the time has passed.
He no longer lays in bed at the end of the day, eager to shut his eyes and get on to the next. Instead, he finds himself fighting to stay awake, head bobbing up and down. He wants more. More time spent with Rory, who seems to be getting older and smarter by the minute. More time with Theo, who always remembers to mark the place in his book and set it on his nightstand after he falls asleep.
More, more, more.
The new car comes in June, after much debate. It’s shiny and drives too well, a comment that earns him a raised brow from his co-pilot. Theo had made fun of his complaint on their weekly phone call with Anne and Ominis, earning her a genuine Anne Sallow giggle. Sebastian knows they’re on good terms, because the group chat with Ominis, Anne, and Sebastian slowly trickles off. In fact, Sebastian starts to suspect they have a chat without him.
“Stop texting my sister,” Sebastian rolls his eyes at the breakfast table.
Theo sets her phone down. “I thought you wanted me to become friends with Anne.”
“Not so the two of you can make fun of me all the time,” he scowls.
“You’re just mad you’re not in the group chat.” Rory says absentmindedly, his spoon clanking against the cereal bowl.
Sebastian lets out an indignant squawk as Theo laughs, getting up from the table to pour herself more coffee. She’s wearing one of Sebastian’s sweaters—specifically, one of the sweaters she’d gifted him for his birthday. His present had been a complete overhaul of his wardrobe, including finely tailored suits, pants, even cashmere sweaters. A habit picked up from her mother, who’d done all her father’s clothes shopping. The baby blue sweater she’s wearing today has initials stitched into the wrist—TC, a visible claim of the garment’s ownership. Sebastian doesn’t mind. For as much as he likes having up to date clothing, he likes the way they look on her better.
“What are we doing today?” Rory asks.
“Just doing Rose’s yard work today,” Sebastian explains. “Theo, you coming with?”
Theo nods eagerly. “I have a few things left to pack and ship, and then I’ll be fully out.”
“About time,” Rory mumbles.
Sebastian shushes him, but he knows his son has a point. It’s magic how Theo’s belongings somehow fit in the tiny garage flat, but can’t squeeze into their cottage. Their closets are stuffed to the brim, and clothes line the floor in their bedroom. She’d only started getting rid of shoes after Rory threw a fit, demanding clear walking space.
“One last shipment,” Theo promises, her eyes twinkling as she lifts her coffee mug to her lips.
Sebastian has taken on fewer clients this spring. He wants to have flexibility to travel, really enjoy the summer holidays for once. It also doesn’t hurt that there’s a second income in the house now. He’d refused to let Theo pay for anything the first two months of living with them, but she’d insisted on covering groceries and the occasional dinner out. With five consistent clients, summer football league, and Theo’s help, Sebastian won’t have to do any tutoring over the break.
Rose greets them with lemonade, and Rory starts whacking at the weeds. Theo comes down with three large packages stacked in her arms.
“We have to drop these off at the post before we go home,” Theo reminds him.
“That’s the last of it?” Sebastian pants, wiping sweat from his brow. “Shipping it back to your dad’s house for storage?”
“No, I shipped those out a few weeks ago.” Theo blushes. “Uh, this is some wedding stuff I sold online. The shoes. The dress.”
“Oh,” Sebastian echoes. It feels like a lifetime ago, the two of them packing away her things the first time around. The sight of an ivory silk dress in a plastic dry cleaning bag, which had lingered in his mind all night.
“That’s all, folks.” Theo jokes. “Just me now.”
Sebastian tilts her chin up to look at him. Her eyes are sparkling, the corner of her lips turned up in a playful smile. Nine months—it has only been nine months, yet everything is different and new.
“You’re all I want.” Sebastian murmurs, pressing a quick peck to her nose. “Now hurry up and put on your boots, you said you’d help us with the garden beds.”
Theo rolls her eyes—he loves it when she does it at him—but puts the boots on anyways.
To: Theodora Caulfield
From: Matilda Weasley
Subject: Contract Extension
Dear Ms. Caulfield,
It has been a pleasure to have you as part of our staff this past school year. St. Margaret’s would like to formally offer your contract extension through the next school year. Please either return the signed contract or send your regrets by the first of August.
Best Regards,
Matilda Weasley
Deputy Headmistress, St. Margaret’s School
To: Theodora Caulfield
From: Poppy Sweeting
Subject: Wedding Schedule
Hi! Sending you all the details since Mel probably forgot to do it!! The rehearsal dinner will be Friday at 7pm, followed by drinks and dancing. But don’t stay out too long—you have to come up to our hotel suite by 10am the next day for hair and makeup. We got Rory and Sebastian ties to match your bridesmaid dress.
I know you mentioned staying with Ominis and Anne (congrats to them by the way!) but we got you and Seb a hotel room just in case ;)
xx Poppy
“Are you nervous?” Theo asks.
“Why do you ask?”
“Because you’re gripping my hand so hard, you’re cutting off circulation.” Theo points out.
“Oh,” Sebastian blurts. He loosens his grip, giving Theo a sheepish smile. “Maybe a little. I’m just nervous for Rory—he never gets to see her.”
They’re standing at the front of the market hall, Rory bouncing back and forth on his heels. He’s eagerly looking around the crowd, scanning for a familiar face. When he spots her, he eagerly waves his arms.
“Bex!” Rory yells. “Over here!”
Sebastian’s hand tightens around Theo’s again.
Bex Russell slips through the crowd, a bright smile on her face. It’s hard for him to see anything but the Bex he’d known in uni. Her once platinum hair is now glossy honey blonde, a few more lines around her dove gray eyes. Still statuesque and beautiful, and still not the right woman for him. They’d tried after she’d gotten pregnant, but it’d been like fitting a round peg into a square hole.
“Rory,” Bex gasps, hugging him. “God, you’ve gotten so tall. Must’ve got that from me.” She jokes. Theo laughs and the women exchange a knowing glance, while Sebastian scowls.
“Bex, I want you to meet Theo.” Rory says cheerfully. “She’s Dad’s girlfriend.”
Bex beams at Theo, going in for a hug. Theo leans in without missing a beat. “It’s such a pleasure to meet you,” Bex exclaims. “I’ve heard so much about you from Rory’s emails.”
“I have too,” Theo says kindly.
“Have you?” Sebastian raises a brow.
“It was in the emails,” Rory rolls his eyes, tugging at Bex’s hand. “Come on—let’s go, I saw a video of these amazing crepes we should try—“
Rory pulls Bex into the throng of market goers, the sounds of outdoor food stalls sizzling around them. Sebastian and Theo follow close behind them, watching the two as they hodge podge a meal together.
“You’re stressed.” Theo murmurs. “Tell me why?”
Sebastian realizes how long he’s been clenching his jaw. “It’s always hard for me when they’re together.” He admits. “She can give him so much—but that’s because she’s not with him all the time. Bex gets to be the fun parent.”
“You are a fun parent,” Theo reminds him. “You are his entire world. And for what it’s worth, I think it’s very generous of you to share him with her, considering how it all started.”
Sebastian watches his son and the woman who birthed him laugh over a slice of pizza. “How could I keep him from her? He’s amazing. And it wasn’t her fault—she wasn’t ready then.” He croaks.
Theo tugs him closer, a palm pressed to his cheek. “I love you.” She says, a fierceness in her eyes.
Sebastian kisses her forehead. “I love you.” He murmurs against her skin.
The trip through the market is filled with giggles and shouts, Sebastian eventually trailing the three of them with the bags in his hands. Theo and Rory break off to watch the man shucking giant oysters, and Bex catches up with him.
“He’s so smart.” She says fondly. “God, I can’t believe how old he is already.”
Sebastian snorts. “He’s too smart for his own good. Did he tell you he supposedly has a girlfriend?”
“Ella? He’s been emailing me about her all year.”
Sebastian huffs, rolling his eyes. “That boy. I swear, he knows exactly who he needs to suck up to. Get a load of this—he’s got a group chat with my sister and Theo already.”
Bex laughs, her hands folded behind her back. “How is school going for him?”
“Great, actually. Top of his class last year. Struggled a bit with the sciences, but he’s a whiz at maths. Never was my strong suit.”
“And Theo—Rory mentioned you’d met her at work. She’s the school nurse?” Bex tilts her head.
Sebastian’s face flushes, and he looks down at his shoes. “Yeah. That all seems so far away now,” he admits. “We tried to just be friends, but it just happened so fast. And now, I’m not really sure I remember what life was like before she got here.”
Bex knocks her shoulders into his. “I’m very happy for you, Sebastian.”
“Thank you,” Sebastian can’t fight his smile. “What about you? Any dashing gentlemen you’ve met since you’ve gotten back to London?”
Bex laughs, and it feels like they’re nineteen again, sharing a bottle of cheap gin and cigarettes before going to the club. But they’re not—they’re both in their thirties, watching their son grimace as he tries his first oyster.
“I’ve dabbled here and there, but nothing serious.” Bex shrugs. “I really just want to settle back in, make things more permanent. Lisbon was nice, but I want to put down roots. And to be quite honest, I’d love to see Rory more. That is, if you’ll allow it.”
“You know that’s not up to me, Bex.” Sebastian says softly, watching Theo put her arm around his son’s shoulder. “If he wants to see you, we’ll make it work.”
Bex fidgets. “Do you think he wants to?”
Sebastian lifts an eyebrow, offering her one of his signature Sallow smirks, as Theo would call it. “He was practically bouncing off the walls when he got your email. He loves getting to see you.”
Her shoulders loosen, a satisfied smile on her mouth. They watch Theo apologize profusely to the severe looking stall manager, who is less than pleased at the sight of Rory spitting his product into a wad of napkins.
“Do you ever think about moving back to London?” Bex asks curiously.
“Think about it? I used to dream about it.” Sebastian snorts. “But right now? Everything is as perfect as it could be. And home has never felt more…well, like home.”
Bex opens her mouth, but snaps it shut when Rory turns around, waving them over.
“Shall we join them?” Sebastian asks, nudging her.
Bex gives him a flat lipped smile. “Let’s do it.”
To: Sebastian Sallow
From: Bex Russell
Subject: One on one
Hi!
It was so great seeing you, Rory, and Theo today. I’m so grateful you made the time to meet with me, and I’m still stuffed from our trip to the market.
I was wondering if you had some time to meet on Saturday morning, just the two of us. I know you have a wedding later in the day, but I really wanted to catch you before I head off to the countryside for the rest of the weekend to see my parents. Just some Rory stuff I didn’t get to bring up.
Thanks,
Bex
To: Bex Russell
From: Sebastian Sallow
Subject: RE: One on one
Of course we made the time. I’m glad the two of you are getting on so well and building a relationship.
Saturday morning will be a bit tight, but can you meet at the Pret by our hotel? Rory is being dropped off around 11am, so let’s say 10?SS
“Weird,” Sebastian says, shutting his laptop.
“What’s weird?” Theo asks, her voice muffled by the bathroom door.
“Bex just asked if we could meet again tomorrow morning, but just the two of us.” He wrinkles his nose, stretching as he pushes away from the hotel desk. Poppy and Imelda had been too generous, reserving a hotel suite for the two of them. Sebastian was quite relieved that Rory had wanted to stay with Anne and Ominis—for the first time since the winter holidays, the two of them have complete privacy.
“Not going to declare her undying love for you, is she? Bit late for that.” Theo jests.
“I can’t say she is,” Sebastian laughs. “Say, what time do we need to be at the restaurant again?” He asks, kicking his shorts into the corner of the bedroom.
“It’s nearly six, and Adanna says dinner starts at seven sharp.” Theo yells from the bathroom. “You need to get in the shower now, Seb.”
“Sebastian pulls his shirt over his head, tossing it to the floor. He skitters to a stop in the large hotel bathroom, blinking at his girlfriend. She’s standing at the mirror, a makeup brush in hand.
“What?” Theo asks, brushing curled tendrils out of her face.
“As much as I love it when you wear silk dresses, that’s a bit risqué for a rehearsal dinner, no?”
Theo rolls her eyes. “It’s my underwear, Seb. Get your cock out of the gutter.”
Sebastian laughs. “You’re wearing a backless silk slip as underwear?”
“The actual dress I’m wearing is hanging next to your suit in the closet,” Theo reminds him. “It’s a bit see through, so I’m wearing this underneath.”
“Hmm.” Sebastian assesses the fabric, waggling his eyebrows.
“Don’t even think about it.” Theo warns, wagging her blush brush in the mirror.
“What?” Sebastian snorts, leaning against the glass shower pane.
“You’re looking at me like that,” Theo raises a brow. “I just finished my hair, which was a pain in the arse and took me forty minute. And I don’t have enough time to redo my makeup.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Sebastian murmurs, pushing up from the glass. He stands behind her, pinching the soft silk of her slip.
“You want to fuck me,” Theo says plainly, swiping peachy pink powder across her cheeks. “But we don’t have time.” She says it, but she still presses her bum tighter against his groin.
“You’re not exactly saying you don’t want to either,” Sebastian presses a kiss to the crook of her neck. “And I can be good.”
Theo snorts. “You? Being good? Fat chance.”
“I could make it worth your while then.” Sebastian murmurs, his nose trailing the top of her spine. Theo stiffens, and Sebastian has to hide his grin against the soft curve of her back.
“How would messing up my hard work be worth it?” Theo breathes.
Sebastian leaves a long, lingering kiss to her shoulder blade. “I’d make you feel good.”
“Is that so?” Theo exhales.
“And I promise I won’t mess up your very diligent work.” Sebastian sinks his teeth into her shoulder. “No marks, even though I know you love them.”
Sebastian pulls the slip over the curve of her arse, mumbling praise against the soft skin. “Fuck,” he mutters, realizing she’s completely bare beneath the lavender silk. “Hold on.”
“To what?” Theo laughs.
“To the counter.” Sebastian rolls his eyes. “If you complain, you’re wasting time—“
“Fine,” Theo grunts, her hands planted flat against the marble sink edge. “Do what you—oh.”
Sebastian does not want to waste time. Therefore, the minute he feels her steady herself, he nudges her legs apart, his mouth fixing itself to her cunt. Her knees shake as he licks her with broad strokes, and he grips one of her legs to steady her. It only seems to make her shake even more.
“Fuck, Sebastian.” Theo breathes. “Oh, oh—right there.”
“Right here,” Sebastian mumbles against her skin. The towel around his waist has already dropped, his length hardening as he eats her clean. The hand that isn’t curled around her thigh drops to his cock, swiping his thumb over the head. The coil inside of him is wrapped so tightly he feels he may burst at the seams, cum beading at the tip.
“We’re—Seb—going—to be fucking late,” Theo wheezes.
Sebastian shakes his head against her, nose bumping her clit as he says no.
“Fuck me,” Theo mutters, her palms slapping against the marble sink top. “Don’t stop. Please, don’t stop.”
“I can’t,” Sebastian confesses. She whines when he removes his lips from her cunt, but shudders again when his fingers sink inside of her. She’s soaking wet, arousal dripping on his fingers as she squirms.
“I can’t stop,” Sebastian grits his teeth. “All day, I want this. Fuck, Theo, I think I’m going insane.”
“Are you?” She chokes out. Her head tilts back, curls falling from her French twist.
“Careful,” he reminds her, curling his fingers against that soft little spot that drives her insane. Again, her palms slam against the counter and his chest swells with pride. “Look at you—I haven’t even put my cock inside of you yet and you’re about to come.”
“Five minutes,” she warns him breathlessly. “You’ve got five minutes before you’ve got to jump in that shower—ah, ah, shit.”
“I’ll make you come twice in five minutes then,” he brags. “You’ve always come so hard for me.”
“Please,” Theo whines, rolling her hips back. “Fuck me.”
It doesn’t take much more to get Sebastian scrambling up from his knees, hand furiously working his cock. “Yeah?” He grunts, lining the tip against her core. They are a sight to behold in the fogging mirror, her cheeks a much redder shade than the blush she’d just put on. Those painted lips of hers have fallen open, and Sebastian wishes they’d had enough time for her to wrap them around his length.
“Fuck me,” Theo breathes, eyes fluttering at his gaze in the mirror. “Fuck me please.”
Sebastian sinks into her without a second thought, both of them groaning at the stretch. He can feel it, the way she’s fluttering around him—his hand reaches up towards one of her breasts, which has fallen out of the flimsy slip. With every thrust she pushes her hips back to meet him just as hard.
“You’re going to come already?” He murmurs against her ear, careful not to mess up her hair. She shuts her mouth tightly, nodding with bleary eyes. “That good?”
“So good,” Theo chokes out, hands balling into fists. She swears loudly, her hands flying back to grasp whatever she can—she grips his forearm with one hand, the other steadying her against the sink edge.
“I want to do this forever,” Sebastian confesses. He grinds his hips against hers, never parting for long. She’s on the tips of her toes, legs shaking with every thrust. God he wants to kiss her so bad, but he knows he’s only in for trouble if he does.
Tempting though, he thinks, watching her head loll to the side.
“Fuck me forever?” Theo laughs, a singular moment of levity amidst their passion.
“For the rest of my life,” Sebastian’s forehead falls against hers shoulder. “Theo, I want this forever. How—fuck—how can it get any better than this?”
Theo smiles, and Sebastian might burst at the seams. “I’m yours.”
“He kisses the nape of her neck. “Mine?”
“Yours,” She assures him. Theo’s eyes meet his in the mirror again, and it makes the words fall out of his mouth without hesitation.
“You feel so good around me—so tight,” he grits his teeth. “You want me to come inside you, don’t you?”
Theo nods frantically, eyes shut tightly.
“Squeezing me like you want me to fill you,” Sebastian grazes the shell of her ear with his lips. “Fill you so you feel me dripping down your thighs tonight.” It’s a bold departure from his usual dirty talk, but the words have been on the tip of his tongue for too long. It feels like the final brick of the dam falling down, any filter he might’ve had lost in their lovemaking.
“Seb,” Theo’s voice comes out broken, shuddering as he slips a hand against her stomach, pressing down to feel himself inside her.
“Eyes open, Theo.” Sebastian murmurs in her ear. “Look at me. Shit, look at how well you take me.”
When she opens her eyes, she blinks back at him in the mirror. The strap of her slip has fallen from her shoulder, her collar bone glistening with sweat. It’s a face he wants to commit to memory.
“You want me to fill you?” Sebastian croaks, his strokes starting to stutter.
“Please,” she blurts. “Please, Seb.”
“Please what?” He’s daring her to say it, begging almost. It’s an intrusive thought he’s had ever since she’d let him finish inside her all those months ago, one he pushes down whenever he sees her shut her legs tight after their lovemaking. A thought he was once terrified of, only quelled by the idea of her. Spilling into her with only one goal in mind.
“I want you to come inside me.” She says, breaking him out of his thoughts. “I want you to fill me so bad.”
Sebastian shudders, wondering if she’s able to read his mind. His grip around her tightens, relentlessly thrusting into her.
“It feels so good,” she confesses. “To feel you—Seb, right there—“
“Yeah?” Sebastian grits his teeth. “Fuck, you’re so good to me—makes me—Theo, it makes me want to—“
Her eyes meet his in the mirror, a pin falling from her hair. “Yes?”
“Makes me want to give you everything, fill you with my seed.” The words tumble from his mouth. “Fill you over and over again until you’re pregnant with my baby.”
She gasps, but it’s not the type of sound that would make him nervous. He can feel the way she’s fluttering around him, squeezing his length and pushing her hips back against his, the wet sound of their union reverberating off the fancy tiled bathroom of their hotel room.
She wants this too, he knows it. It’s why she sinks her fingers into herself after they’ve made love, thighs rubbing together until Sebastian pries them apart to clean her. It’s a loose thread she’s been plucking at ever since he realized he’d thrown out the condom box all those months ago.
“Sebastian,” she whines. “Please.”
“Ask me nicely, Theo.” He purrs into her ear. For all his bravado, he’s been teetering onto the edge of blowing his load for the last five minutes, and he’s losing resolve.
“I want you to come inside me,” she whimpers. “Breed me, whatever you want. I want it too.”
Sebastian groans loudly, his forehead falling against her shoulder as he grinds his hips, never unsheathing himself from her warm, wet core. He wants to kiss her so badly, but he’s promised to be good—besides, whatever filth he’s just spewed from his lips may have him bursting into flames the moment he walks into the church tomorrow. He can hear her, the dirty words she’s babbling back to him.
To come inside her, to claim her. He shuts his eyes, picturing her turning back to him, a hand cradling a swollen belly—
Sebastian comes, moaning against her salt tinged skin. Theo comes seconds after, pulsing around him tighter than sin. They both slump against the marble counter, Theo’s cheek pressed to the cool stone as Sebastian cages her in.
“Holy shit,” Theo mumbles.
Sebastian groans when he slips out of her, spend still leaking from his cock onto the floor. She’s still bent over the sink, and he can’t stop staring—his seed is dripping out of her, mixed with the glistening slick from her arousal.
“Can you get my underwear?” Theo pants. “On the bed.”
Sebastian stumbles into the bedroom, groaning again when he sees a flimsy thong made in the same fabric as her slip. It’s taking every atom of willpower in his body to not throw her down onto the bed and ravish her until dawn. A quick glance at the clock on the bedside table tells him that they should probably text Poppy and Imelda to let them know they’re running late, so he decides to be sensible.
Well, as responsible as one can be after a shag against the bathroom sink.
When Sebastian goes back into the bathroom, Theo is standing with her legs pressed tight. She has a damp towel in her hand, dabbing the sweat from her skin. Miraculously, her makeup is still intact; she might be glowing even more from the sex.
“You can put it—oh,” Theo blushes, biting her lip when Sebastian falls to his knees behind her. She obediently lifts her leg, letting him slide the thong up her legs. He leaves kisses on the backs of her thighs as he pulls the scrap of underwear up, eyes fluttering at the sight of his cum leaking out of her. He stands, cupping his length in case she sees how much the view has turned him on.
“You need to jump in the shower,” The says gently. “You stink.”
Sebastian laughs, rubbing the back of his neck. “I bet,” he confesses. “Of you, though. So it can’t be that bad.”
Theo opens her mouth as if she wants to say something, but blushes instead. “Shower, now. And wear the navy suit in the closet, with the blue shirt.”
Sebastian turns the shower on, cold water turned up high. His whole body shudders when he steps in, scrubbing the sweat and musk off his skin. It’s a sobering feeling—his mind replays the last ten minutes over and over again, lingering on the words that spilled from his mouth.
Until you’re pregnant with my baby.
“What the fuck,” Sebastian mutters, his cheeks turning red. He scratches the shampoo through his scalp just thinking about how insane he must have sounded. They’ve known each other for ten months, and he’s just asked her to have his kid? It was one thing to fall in love with her, another to have her move in—but to brazenly admit he’s been thinking about knocking her up in his wildest fantasies?
“Sebastian, hurry up!” Theo yells.
“Just a minute,” he coughs, shaking the suds from his hair. The cold water drenches him, dragging him back to common sense.
He’s lucky the rest of his routine is rather easy—his curls always air dry nicely, so he slicks them back with a touch of pomade. The bespoke suit fits him well, Theo’s initials sewn in the pocket over his heart. Theo sits quietly on the edge of the bed, her heels tapping the floor as she calls an uber. She’s wearing her actual dress, the sinful slip he’d just defiled hidden underneath the lilac chiffon. She’s fixed the strands that have fallen out of her French twist, looking perfect despite having been bent over the counter not thirty minutes ago. He thinks about her sitting with her legs crossed, how she let him slide her underwear on, keeping his spend from dripping down her legs.
Sebastian watches her as he brushes his teeth.
Breed me. Whatever you want.
He chokes on the toothpaste.
“Oi! Where have you two been?” Garreth barks. “Shagging?”
“Shut up,” Sebastian snaps. He knows his hot red cheeks have given them away—they’re twenty minutes late to the restaurant, the other out of town guests to the wedding milling about the cocktail lounge.
“Sebastian was drying his hair.” Theo says easily, pecking Garreth’s cheeks. “How’d you score an invite to the night before?”
Garreth grins broadly, a blush now spreading across his freckled face. “Adanna is catering tonight, and I thought I’d be her sous chef.”
Theo cocks a brow. “Oh, is that so?”
“It is,” Garreth straightens. “And don’t make it weird, please.”
“Make what weird?”
Garreth’s eyes go wide when Adanna breezes into the bar, curls pinned in a pretty bun atop her head. She unbuttons her chef’s coat, folding it over her arm as she smoothes her crimson dress. “You two are glowing. Been shagging in the uber?”
Garreth bursts into laughter, leaning into Adanna. She smiles brightly, winking at the couple.
“You two are ridiculous,” Theo snorts. She saunters past them as she walks into the dining room, Sebastian’s eyes glued to the low, low back of her dress.
“It’s like a puppy, isn’t it?” Adanna murmurs.
Garreth shakes his head. “Pathetic, isn’t it?”
“One more word out of you, and I’ll tell Adanna about the time you blew up a—“
“Fine, fine.” Garreth says hastily, rubbing his hands together. “We should go in for dinner.”
“And miss a story about you blowing up something? Pity.” Adanna pouts.
There are a flurry of strangers in the dining room. Sebastian scans the room, finding Theo in her lavender dress, chatting animatedly with a group of strangers. Well, strangers to him—this had been her life, friends she’s likely shared with Poppy and Imelda through their university years.
An unfamiliar feeling twists in Sebastian’s stomach—coiling, and not the good kind. It’s not like him to be this nervous, but the idea of being the only stranger in the room has him fumbling in his jacket pocket for his phone. As expected, a photo from Anne; they’d gone out to the movies, Rory practically buried in a puddle of popcorn and sweets.
“Sebastian!” He hears Theo call out. “Seb, come over here.”
Shoving his phone back in, he scampers over to Theo’s side. He stops mid-stride, adjusting his walk; Adanna’s puppy comparison is at the forefront of his mind.
“This is Sebastian,” Theo says cheerfully. “My boyfriend. Seb, this is Darah and Michael, they used to live on our floor during uni.”
Sebastian shakes their hands, smiling a bit too broadly. “Pleasure.”
“We were so glad to hear you’d settled in nicely in the highlands,” Michael says, waving his wine glass. “Sounds like a true adventure.”
“Poppy’s gran has been great to me.” Theo admits. “And it helps to have met such great people along the way.” Sebastian is soothed by the way she slides her palm into his.
“What do you do, Sebastian?” Darah asks politely.
“I’m a teacher.” Sebastian blurts. “I teach year five.”
“At the same school I’m working at,” Theo interjects.
“Is that how you two met?” Michael grins. “Cheeky workplace romance?”
Theo rolls her eyes. “Let’s see…the first day I met Sebastian, he was covered in blood.”
“Not my own, I should add.” Sebastian points out, sipping his wine. “I think the heroics were fairly dashing, though.”
The story flows seamlessly the first time. And the second, third, fourth, and fifth. By the time they’ve gotten to dessert, Garreth obediently dropping plates at each seat while Adanna directs him, Sebastian think he’s told the story of their relationship at least twenty times. It feels weird to condense it all in a five minute tale.
I’m a teacher, he repeats several times as he introduces himself. Year five. A son, eleven years old.
They’d met in the nurse’s office, his nice white shirt bloodied. Her convincing him to pick up Rose’s gardening again, driving her home from the pub. How he’d gone through several bottles of antacid before realizing that it was not heartburn, but the unbearable weight of finding her attractive. A condensed version of their memories from the parent teacher conference, then months of circling each other’s orbits. Classic miscommunication—would it be a romantic story without it—followed by Christmastime confessions. The awkward topic of Isaac is glossed over several times, with most acquaintances choosing to praise Theo’s new glow and doting boyfriend rather than linger on the subject of her broken engagement.
Sebastian’s heart swells as he watches Theo laugh, a blush crawling up her neck. He lets her finish the story—he loves to hear the words come out of her mouth.
I think I’ll be staying, she says every time. I’ve never felt more at home.
In that moment, Sebastian actually misses it. Home, their home. He’s spent almost his entire twenties wishing to be back in London, the hustle and bustle of city life. But as he watches his girlfriend nodding to whatever Imelda’s Uncle Colm has to say, he wishes they were back in their humble cottage. He misses Rory and the way that he whinges over Theo’s movie choices, but still sits between them every time. His mind trails off, thinking about their afternoon and the words she’d gasped under his touch. He wonders if next year, or the year after, she’ll still be sitting next to him on the couch, but with a bump on her stomach.
The air in the room feels stifling. At that thought, he tugs at his tie, loosening it as he excuses himself from a conversation with Poppy’s coworkers. He catches Theo’s eyes as he darts across the room towards the kitchen door.
The kitchen is bright, dirty dishes stacked next to the sink. He stops at the sight ahead of him. Garreth has Adanna pressed against the freezer door, her hands tangled in his crimson hair as they kiss.
“Not very sanitary, is that?” Sebastian asks, clearing his throat.
The two of them leap apart, Garreth jumping away like a scared house cat. Adanna covers her mouth, trying to conceal her laughter, while his friend rubs the back of his neck, a sheepish smile on his face.
“The meal is over—“
“We were just taking a break—“
Sebastian rolls his eyes. “I’m just teasing you two. Don’t mind me, carry on. Oh, Garreth, do you have a—“
Garreth nods, reaching into his back pocket. “Of course,” he stays hastily, handing Sebastian a cigarette and a lighter. “Alley is out that door.”
Sebastian mutters his thanks as he turns towards the door, Garreth and Adanna giggling as they resume their activities. The warm July air smacks him in the face as he steps into the alley. He plops down on a nearby bench, cigarette perched between his lips as he lights it. With a puff of smoke, he tugs his tie even looser. He can feel the cool metal of his necklace dipping out over the collar.
I think I’ll be staying, she says. Two words at the front of that sentence terrify him. Sebastian has said time after time that he’ll have her as long as she lets him, but now he’s not sure he’ll be able to cope if that isn’t forever. Not when he sees visions of her carrying his child, a baby with his freckles and her dark hair. The thought sends a shudder up his spine; given the stress of Rory’s early years, he’s never quite felt the urge to procreate again. But with her? Every single hesitation he has is thrown out the door.
“Why are you out here sulking?”
Sebastian looks up from the bench to see Theo leaning out the doorway. She smiles as she saunters over, heels clicking on the uneven stone. When she sits next to him, he instinctively hands the cigarette to her. It reminds him of their first trivia night, the way she’d bummed a cigarette of him and dropped it after the first drag. Either she’s predictable, or he knows her too well—after a long exhale, Theo lets the cigarette drop to the ground, stamping it out.
“Smoking is bad for you.” She reminds him. “But I’d need a smoke too after giving the same story fifty times in a row.”
Sebastian snorts. “It is a good story.”
“A good story indeed.” Theo leans against him. “So, just taking a break?”
“I wanted some fresh air. And I wanted to give you some time to be hostess without me interrupting.” He knocks his shoulder into hers. “How’s it going in there?”
“I’m tired.” Theo admits. “And I stopped drinking, because I’d rather not be a hungover mess on their wedding day. I already have a feeling I’ll be shoving Imelda in a cold shower tomorrow morning to sober up.”
Sebastian pulls her hand into his lap. “You’re a good friend, Theo Caulfield.”
“All in a day’s work. As maid of honor, I have to play my part.” Theo sighs.
“Did you see Garreth and Adanna in the kitchen?” Sebastian asks. “It makes sense.”
“I’m thrilled for them, as long as they didn’t slobber all over the pudding.” Theo chuckles. “For what it’s worth, I did always feel bad about leaving Gaz in a lurch—I’m happy that he’s happy.”
“How do you think they’ll make it work?” Sebastian wrinkles his nose. “With her here, and him up at home.”
Theo smiles. “I wouldn’t worry too much. A little birdie told me that the restaurant in Edinburgh reached back out to Ada with a better offer—and I have a feeling she’s got a very good reason to be in Scotland now.”
There is a beat of silence between them, the sound of the party inside muffled by the city sounds. Theo rests her chin on his shoulder, looking up at him with inquisitive eyes.
“Care to share with the class?” She asks.
“I just got to thinking…that I’m sorry about earlier,” Sebastian mutters. “If that…if it was too much.”
“If what was too much?” Theo raises a brow, backing away.
Sebastian winces. “The sex. In the bathroom.”
“Was there an issue?” Theo tilts her head. “With having mind-blowing sex?”
“No,” Sebastian fumbles with his hands. “Er, I just think I got rather carried away with the…verbiage.”
Theo’s lips curve up into a sly smile. “I clearly enjoyed it.” She hums. “And I think we’ve unlocked a new kink for you. Think about knocking me up often?”
Sebastian chokes on air. “I mean I don’t—it’s not like I’m wanting it right this moment, it’s just something I fantasize—oh christ, I mean I just think about it from time to time—“
“Sebastian,” Theo says softly, her hand on his thigh. “I do think about it. And I want it too. Not tomorrow, of course, but someday. And I would be lying if I said it didn’t turn me on.”
Sebastian doesn’t know what to say. So, he does the only thing that comes to mind. He folds his palm into hers, fingers lacing. His head rests on her shoulder, and the warmth of her perfume envelops them both.
“I know it’s only been a little while—and we’ve done everything out of order—“ he stammers. “But when you said you think you’ll be staying, I just got to thinking—well, if you really wanted to stay, if you would consider—“
“Sebastian,” she laughs. “I know.”
I know, she says. She knows. She doesn’t just think she’ll stay. She knows she will.
“I think I’m going to marry you.” Sebastian confesses.
Theo smiles that all-consuming smile, saying those reassuring words one more time.
“I know.”
“I appreciate you coming out here.”
Sebastian plays with the wadded up napkin in his hand, checking the time on his watch. “It’s nothing, we’re close to the hotel.” He waves her off, taking a sip of his iced coffee, the plastic cup sweating from the July heat. “I do have to get back soon—Ominis and Anne are bringing Rory back to the hotel for the wedding in a little bit.”
“I know,” Bex says, shifting uncomfortably in her seat. “And I would’ve brought it up when I saw you guys earlier this week, but I wasn’t sure if I could bring it up in front of your girlfriend.”
Sebastian frowns, raising a brow as he recalls Theo’s jest from the day before. “You’re not about to declare your undying love for me, are you? Bit late for that.”
Bex coughs on her coffee. “Of course not. But I just didn’t know how seriously involved Theo is with Rory.”
“Not entirely at the moment,” Sebastian confesses. “But I hope she is someday.”
“That’s good.” Bex’s lips press into a hard line. “It would be good for him to have a maternal influence.”
“Is that what you wanted to talk about?” Sebastian asks. “To see if Theo was serious about being with me and parenting Rory?”
“It’s not that,” Bex says hastily. “I meant to ask you about your plans for Rory.”
“Plans?” Sebastian asks dumbly.
“For school, and if you were thinking about moving back at all. I only ask because my parents have started asking.” Bex leans forward. “They’re getting older, and now that I’m home—well, it just got me thinking that it might be time to think of an arrangement where we can all see him a little more often.”
Sebastian blinks at her. Bex has seen Rory maybe once a year since he was five, her parents even less. Sebastian harbors no resentment towards their early ambivalence towards him. As a parent, he understands it now more than ever. They’ve smoothed out a cordial relationship over Rory’s childhood, and Rory always sends a thank you note for his Christmas presents. Sebastian’s updates to them are minimal; he’ll email pictures of Rory’s football matches, while they transfer him a lump sum for his good grades at the end of each term.
“I really do want to see him, and I think my parents would too.” Bex shrugs.
“Rory isn’t a pet we share,” Sebastian blurts. “It’s not like they can just choose to be a part of his life now because you’re home. It doesn’t work that way.”
“I know it doesn’t, Sebastian, I’m fully aware that it’s completely unfair of them to ask. But they’ve offered to pay for Rory’s school.”
“They’ve already set up the trust for him. Besides, we get by well enough now that we’ve got two incomes.” Sebastian argues.
“In London, I mean.” Bex says desperately. “If Rory were to go to school in London, they would pay for it. No strings attached. Rory can see them if he likes, but they understand if not. They just want to make sure he’s getting a quality education.”
“Quality?” Sebastian nearly spits. “Of course it’s quality, I’m his bloody teacher—“
“My dad has a friend on the admissions board at city college, that day school for boys. He said it's a bit late to apply for this term, but there’s always next fall—and they’re always looking for quality teachers too!”
Sebastian feels his mouth go acidic, a metallic tang on his tongue. “Bex, that’s a lot to spring on me.”
“It’s just an offer, Sebastian.” Bex chews on her lower lip. “I just thought it was nice of them to offer. I know we haven’t been involved in Rory’s life, not as much as we should have been. But I’m older now, and I’ve had a lot of time to think about it. If Rory is open to it, I’d really love to have a stronger relationship with him.”
Sebastian shakes his head—not necessarily a no, but he’s trying to shake the buzzing noise of out his ears. His heart is thumping hard in his chest at the thought of it. Being close to Anne and Ominis again, the buzz of the city. Decent food that’s not fried or made by someone who’s known him since he was five. Somewhere he can expose Rory to the arts, to history, people outside of the little bubble that is his hometown.
But his life is so good. He’s on steady ground for what feels like the first time in ten years, and of course Bex wants to turn it all upside down again. It’s almost like deja vu, reminding him of how he felt when she turned up at his door with a pregnancy test in hand.
“I’ll have to think about it,” Sebastian chokes out. “It’s a very generous offer, Bex. And I know you want to be a part of his life—he’s amazing, who wouldn’t want to be?”
“I’m glad you’re open to it,” Bex admits. “Just think about it, okay? And it doesn’t have to be this upcoming term, it could be next year too—“
“Right,” Sebastian stands up abruptly, wiping the wrinkles out of his tan suit. “I should get back. The wedding will be starting soon.”
“Congratulations to your friends,” Bex offers. “And just email me your thoughts.”
Sebastian nods, leaving Bex with an awkward farewell hug. His collar and tie are loose, so he tangles his fingers in his chain as he crosses the road.
His mind is moving at the speed of light, running every scenario in his head over and over again. Legally, Bex has no rights. But morally, Sebastian could never keep their son away from her. And hasn’t he always dreamt of Rory having more? Hasn’t he wished for years that they could pick back up where they left off, a humble flat for two?
For three now, actually. He swallows thickly as he remembers the vision he’d had the night before. Rory laid out on the floor, babbling during a movie like he always does. Theo, sitting right at his side, and his hand on a baby bump.
Two, to three, and maybe even more.
The bridal party is standing in the hotel lobby, primping and putting on the finishing touches while the photographer takes photos of Poppy and Imelda on the terrace. Ominis and Anne are lingering nearby, his sister’s hands perched on his son’s shoulders. Rory is wearing a tan linen suit just like his, and his baby blue silk tie matches Theo’s bridesmaid dress perfectly. He points to his father, loudly announcing his name.
Theo turns when she hears it—he hasn’t seen her all day. She’d woken up while it was still dark to go to the bridal suite, ready to herd all the bridesmaids for the day ahead. Sebastian hadn’t opened his eyes, only feeling the hard press of her kiss against his forehead. He stops in his tracks at the sight of her in her devastatingly beautiful dress, a bouquet of fresh white anemones in her hands.
Sebastian tugs at his chain again; it feels too tight around his throat.
“Dad,” Rory bellows. “Are you okay?”
“Seb?” Theo asks, beckoning him closer. “Are you—“
Sebastian’s eyes widen as he hears a snap, and feels a strange, unfamiliar weightlessness on his neck. He looks down at his hand to see the chain puddled in his palm.