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Alec got into his car and turned the key, making the engine purr.
“Caspar’s new girl seems charming,” his father said as Alec reversed out of the spot.
“She does,” his mother agreed. “She looks terribly young, though. I assume she’s another of those model types. I wish he’d settle down with someone a bit more suitable. He’s thirty now—it’s about time.”
Alec gripped the steering wheel tightly. Ignoring the pointed remark that was clearly directed at him as much as Caspar, he said lightly, “She’s actually a law student.” Caspar might not thank him for giving a clue to Serena’s age, but at least his parents would respect her for her career choice. “I was talking to her about it over lunch. She’s very bright.”
“Oh. Well, good for her,” his father said, sounding begrudgingly impressed. “Maybe there’s more to her than meets the eye, then.”
Alec bit his tongue. His father’s judgemental attitudes had long been a source of friction between them.
“What about you, Alec?” his mother asked. “We were sorry you couldn’t bring Belinda. She’s such a lovely girl.”
“She’s not a ‘girl,’ Mother.” Alec bit back a smile as he imagined Belinda rolling her eyes. “And she sent her apologies, but she’s incredibly busy with work at the moment.”
His mother sighed theatrically. “Young women these days, they’re so career driven. It’s a different world.”
“You say that like it’s a bad thing,” Alec replied mildly.
“Is it so wrong to want to see my sons married and settled? I just want you to be happy, darling. It must be lonely going home to that empty flat every night.”
“I’m fine, Mother.” But her words poked at the empty place inside him. He wondered what his life would be like if he had Ed to go home to every night. If his mother truly wanted him to be happy, surely she’d eventually accept it if Alec ever found the courage to be honest about his sexuality.
They’d reached Alec’s family home now, and he was saved from continuing the conversation as he parked in front of the large stone house. They got out of the car as Serena pulled up behind them.
Alec and Caspar carried in their overnight cases, Caspar insisted on carrying Serena’s too.
“I can manage it myself, Casp.” She closed the boot of the car.
“It’s fine. I’ve got them now.”
Their mother directed Alec and Caspar upstairs. “Alec, you’re in your old room. Caspar, I put you and Serena in the green room. It’s a little larger, so I thought you’d be more comfortable. Serena, let me take you through to the living room.”
Caspar looked at Alec and jerked his head towards the staircase. “After you.”
Alec led the way upstairs. The rooms they’d been allocated were next to each other at the far end of the landing. As soon as Alec had left his case in his room, he went next door to catch his brother alone.
“What the fuck’s going on?” he demanded, closing the door behind him. They wouldn’t have long before people got suspicious about their absence, but Alec wanted to know what he was getting into before his brother broke whatever his news was to their parents.
“Okay, well”—Caspar rubbed his hands together nervously—“the good news is that Serena and I are engaged. But the reason we’re rushing into it a little is, um, well. It’s because she’s pregnant.”
“Bloody hell.” Alec let that news settle in. “Well, congratulations, of course. But are you sure you want to get married? How long have you even known her?”
“We’ve been seeing each other for a few months. I’m crazy about her, honestly. I already knew she was a keeper even before the baby… that simply made the decision even easier.”
“She’s so young, though, Casp.” Alec reverted instinctively to the nickname of their childhood. “Are you sure it’s what she really wants? She doesn’t just feel pressured into marriage?”
Caspar snorted. “Serena isn’t the type to be pressured into anything. She’s nervous about it, of course. This wasn’t part of her life plan, but she wants to be with me, she wants this baby, and she’s not going to let it stop her following her dreams. She’s carrying on with her degree. She might need to study at home for a while, and maybe take a few months off after the baby comes. She’s already talked to her tutor, and the university is prepared to be flexible as long as she keeps up with her studies. I can plan my schedule to fit with hers, so one of us will be at home with the baby as much as possible, and we’ll hire a nanny to cover when we can’t be there. We’re going to make it work.” Caspar’s face showed pure determination.
“And what about you, Caspar. Is this what you want?”
“Yes,” he replied simply. He smiled, and Alec could see the excitement and love shining in his eyes. “I didn’t know I wanted it till it happened. But I love her, Alec. She’s amazing. And I’m excited about being a father. I’m going to be the best dad anyone can be.”
