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Despite his statement, Annette’s frown remained fixed in place. Obviously, she needed a more straightforward reassurance. He hadn’t planned to pour his heart out in front of her parents, but if it would help diffuse the tension between Kiera and her mom and put her mom more at ease, he’d do it.
“Annette, my father considers you and Mathieu family. Nothing could ever change that. Neither of you ever has anything to worry about.” Next to him, Kiera fidgeted in her chair, and he covered her hand with his. The action caught Annette’s attention.
“I realize you have reservations about us, Annette, but you have nothing to worry about. I love your daughter. She means the world to me.”
Kiera whipped her head toward him her eyes wide. Across the table, Annette pulled her chin up off the table. He’d never told a woman’s mother that he loved her daughter. Perhaps Annette’s reaction was normal.
“And we couldn’t be happier for both of you.” Mathieu smiled and looked at his wife. “Right, Annette?”
Kiera’s mom nodded. “Of course.”
“Who’s ready for dessert? And presents.” Kiera stood and began clearing away the dishes.
“I’ll help you.” Annette pushed her chair back.
Kiera’s dad forbade them from singing happy birthday and lighting candles, but Gray noticed the way his eyes light up when the homemade birthday cake was placed in front of him. Gray was eager for a slice himself. He’d smelled the cake the moment he’d walked in that afternoon. The only thing that had stopped him from cutting into it as it cooled was the knowledge that it was intended for Kiera’s dad. Otherwise, he would’ve eaten the cake even without frosting.
“This year, Kiera and I decided to go together and get you something special.” Annette retrieved the slim box she brought in with her.
Gray had raised his fork toward his mouth, but now, he put it down. “Before you give him that, can I grab my gift? I forgot it upstairs.”
Annette’s eyebrows reached her hairline.
Gray beat it upstairs before she commented. He’d dropped the envelope on the nightstand when he’d woken Kiera. Grabbing the envelope, he stole a glimpse at his phone. He’d intentionally left it upstairs so he wouldn’t get any interruptions during dinner. Two texts messages appeared on the screen now, one from Randall and another from his brother, Derek. He marked both as read and then put the phone in his briefcase. He’d answer them later.
“Which one should I open first?” Mathieu accepted the envelope Gray handed him and looked between it and the gift from his wife.
“Up to you. It’s your birthday,” Annette said.
“I’ll start with this one.” Mathieu opened the envelope and pulled out the theater tickets. He glanced at Gray, then at the tickets again. “I’ve always wanted to see The Phantom of The Opera.”
“There is something else in there,” Gray said.
Mathieu pulled out the hotel reservations. “This is way too generous, Gray.”
Annette took the papers from her husband and gasped. “We can’t accept this.” She folded everything up and put it on the table.
He’d never had anyone refuse a gift. “I wanted to get Mathieu something he’d enjoy. I know he loves the theater. Please go and enjoy the weekend in New York.”
Annette glanced at him, then Kiera, before she picked the reservations up. She read the information again.
When he decide
d on the gift, it hadn’t crossed his mind that they’d consider it too extravagant. After all, it was just a show. People attended the theater all the time. His hotel choice made logical sense. It was located in the heart of the city so Annette and Mathieu could enjoy everything New York had to offer.
“Perhaps I can convince Kiera to come visit me that weekend. We can all go out one evening.” He didn’t mind always coming to Providence, but that didn’t mean she wouldn’t like a change. Everyone liked a weekend away from time to time.
“The show does sound lovely.” Annette looked at her husband. “What do you think, Mathieu?”
Mathieu sized him up, making Gray want to squirm in his seat.
“Thank you, Gray. I’m sure we’ll love the show.”
For a moment there he assumed they would hand him back the gift.
Kiera squeezed his hand, and while her dad opened his other present, she leaned closer. “I love you.”
Women had whispered the same words to him before, but he’d never felt a thing. When Kiera said it, he wanted to wrap his arms around her and never let go.
