Page 216 of In at the Deep End

He laughed. “Consider me forewarned.”

Matt kissed him again, slower this time.

From the patio came Bab’s voice. “Are you two planning on bringing that coffee out here?”

Matt laughed.

Owen kissed the tip of Matt’s nose. “We’ll discuss this later.”

Matt chuckled. “I might have other plans for later.” Then he inclined his head towards the coffee machine. “You do that, I’ll sort out dessert.”

Own tugged an imaginary forelock. “Yes, boss.”

By the time they emerged onto the patio, the sun had gone, and the solar lights had winked into existence, colouring the trees and shrubs, reflecting in the still water of the pool.

Matt handed out the bowls of ice cream, then glanced at his parents.

“I’ve got something to tell you.”

Jeff smiled. “Something tells me I already know.”

Matt’s grin widened. “I’m moving in with Owen.”

Bab’s eyes glowed in the lights. She slapped a hand against the table. “I knew it.”

“And I only have one house rule,” Owen said after taking Matt’s hand in his.

Jeff bit his lip. “I dread to ask.”

Owen looked at Matt. “I have to make sure you never have to wonder whether you belong here.”

Epilogue

December 2026

Matt was standing in the kitchen with a baby in his arms when Owen walked through the door. He gave Owen a warm smile. “Hello.”

Owen placed his package on the worktop, and walked over to him. Rosie looked up at him with enormous blue eyes. He grinned. “And hello to you too.”

“She’s been waiting for you.” Matt adjusted Rosie against his chest. She’d grown so much in the last few weeks that it seemed impossible she’d once fitted into the crook of one arm.

“She’s been waiting for Beth to feed her, more like,” Zach said from the doorway.

At the kitchen table, Beth laughed. “Ignore him. She likes Owen.”

“Everyone likes Owen,” Matt said.

Owen raised his eyebrow. “That sounds suspiciously like a compliment. Should I write this date down?”

Matt chuckled. Rosie made a small, indignant noise and grabbed a fistful of his shirt.

Owen laughed. “Apparently she wants her attention back.” He kissed Matt before leaning down to kiss the top of Rosie’s head. “Hello, sweetheart.”

Rosie’s tiny hand caught his finger.

“Well?” Matt demanded. “Do I get to see it?”

He laughed again. “Yes, Oh Impatient One.” He unwrapped the package and leaned it against the side of the wall cabinet.