Page 18 of Seal of Approval

“Yes,” she answered curtly. She gave Lily a pointed look.

Lily laughed to herself and sat back in her chair. Jasmine huffed. Because of the smell of coffee?

More people arrived and the conversation changed to general chit-chat. Sara went off to cook the fish and chips. She’d bring out a few parcels at a time and hand them out. When she handed me a parcel, I tore the paper open. I wanted to taste the best fish and chips. I bit into some fish. Saltiness and sweetness spread across my taste buds. The fish melted in my mouth. Not bad at all. The chips were perfectly cooked. They weren’t uniform in shape, which made me think they were homemade. I’d have to compliment the chef later.

Rose and Bailey studied me while I took my first few bites.

“It’s hella good,” I said.

Rose cocked her head. “Is that a word you use in San Francisco?”

I nodded.

The crowd dwindled after dinner, but the townspeople stayed behind. Rose sat on Jay’s lap, yawning before resting her head. He rubbed her back as she fell asleep. Ross shared a look with him, both were smiling and content. I had a feeling that any child they had would be loved beyond measure.

“You two are making me all maternal,” Sara said as she loosened her blonde plait.

“Says the woman who doesn’t want children,” Jay said.

“I don’t need children when I’ll have yours to share.”

“Not everyone wants to have children,” Jack said. “Some people act like it’s defying the world order not to have them.”

“What about you, Ethan? Do you have children waiting for you at home?” Lily asked.

I shifted in my seat. I hated this topic, especially when it came to my lack of parenting. While I was married, people would ask when Audrey and I would be having children. But like Jack said, there was no crime in not having children. And given my past, it was best not to.

So, while I’d rather run away than face the question, I answered instead. “No. Children were never in the cards for me and my ex-wife.”

“How long were you married for?”

Another question I wasn’t too fond of.

“Six years.”

“Ross and Jay have been married for six years,” Jasmine said.

Thank goodness. A change in topic. Jasmine had thrown me a lifeline. I gave her a smile and whispered a thank you to her.

She leant over. Her breath was warm against my skin. The warmth travelled through me. She whispered in my ear, “Welcome to small-town life. You’ll get used to it.”

Would I? I doubt I could get used to it in six months.

“I can’t wait for another six years,” Jay said, breaking into our conversation.

“To another six years.” Ross raised his beer to Jay.

“And many more after that.” Jay clinked his beer with Ross’s.

“Even if you are as bossy as Jasmine sometimes.”

“A woman knows what she wants.” Jay gave Jasmine a wink.

“Lily and I have been married for thirty-one years. We met when we were eighteen.”

“We got married one month later,” Lily said. “Everyone thought we were crazy. We showed them.” She took Jack’s hand. He gave hers a squeeze.

“I think we’re doing well,” Jasmine said to me. “We’ve survived a month.”

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