Chapter 363: Retreatus Interruptus (Part 1)
Jack leaned back, basking in the warm sun. Having had Ted at his side all weekend, he found himself content in a way he’d never previously thought possible. Before, the two could only enjoy stolen moments together. But now that Jack had moved into Dellingham Cottage, they quickly found themselves falling into a more domestic routine.
“I hate that it’s Sunday already,” Ted said. “This weekend has been wonderful, and I’m not looking forward to going back to the capital.”
“So why go back?” he asked. “Why not stay here … with me.”
Ted sat up and turned toward Jack.
“Absolutely,” Jack said, facing him. “There’s plenty of room, and we’re less than an hour from your office at the embassy.”
“True enough,” Ted replied. “But are you sure we’re ready to live together? It’s a big step.”
“I’ve never been more certain of anything in my life,” he said. “This weekend has made me realize that … well, I love you, Ted.”
Ted dropped to his knees and took Jack’s face into his hands.
“I love you, too,” he said. He kissed Jack deeply, suddenly wondering why it had taken him so long to declare his love. He’d known from their first night together that – so long as Jack felt the same – this would be forever.
“So does that mean yes?” Jack asked, pulling away.
“Yes ... of course, yes!” Ted said, nodding. “I think we should ….”
“Jackson?” a woman’s voice called.
They quickly stood as Jack’s parents rounded the corner of the house.
“Oh, there you are, dear,” Eliza said, waving. “We’re sorry to stop by unannounced, but I wanted to make sure you were settling in.”
“Obviously you are, since you're already welcoming guests” Price said, coldly.
Jack stiffened, but was soon introducing his parents as the Baron and Baroness Woodridge.
“And this is His Highness Prince Theodore, Weston’s ambassador to Torenth,” Jack said. “The prince and I met at a literary event several months ago, and have since struck up a friendship.”
Price eyed his son, then Ted, carefully before speaking.
“Your highness,” he said with a nod. “I suppose I’m surprised to find someone of your background here at Dellingham Cottage.”
“Why?” Ted asked. “I was just telling Jack how much I liked it here after being in the city for so long. It’s lovely.”
“I’ve always thought so,” Eliza said with a smile.
“In fact, his highness and I were just discussing his moving in,” Jack said.
“Yes, I was looking for somewhere outside the city, but close enough to commute,” Ted said. “Dellingham seems perfectly suited, and Jack is splendid company.”
“Really?” Price asked. “My son continues to surprise me these days.”
“Well, I think it’s a wonderful idea,” Eliza said. “Jackson has always been a bit … reclusive. Having someone here will be good for him.”
There was a lull, which Jack filled deftly.
“Why don’t we go inside and I’ll make us some tea?” he asked.
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