Page 132 of Seduction Under the Southern Stars

“Dad said the DNA test was ninety-nine-point-nine percent accurate,” Claire says. “That’s amazing.”

“He took the news very well,” Linc replies. “He could have just told me to get lost, or been angry about it, and the same with your mum, you, and Marie. I’ve been very lucky.”

“Well, it’s not every day you discover you have a sibling you never knew about.” She smiles. “I always wanted a brother.”

He swallows and smiles back. I meet Gareth’s gaze, and we both smile too. Linc is right—he’s been so lucky that they’ve all reacted so well.

Our paninis arrive, and we eat and sip our piping-hot coffee while we talk. Linc tells them about his job and life in the UK, and Claire and Gareth tell him about Dunedin and working at Otago University.

I listen, not saying much, a little envious as they talk about how much they love the city and the university, and what a wonderful time they had as undergraduates together, partying and enjoying the student lifestyle. I missed out on that experience, as I spent my days in lectures or the library, and the evenings at home, watching movies with Fraser and Joel, or in my room working, if they were out on the town.

Linc stretches out an arm along the back of my chair, resting a hand between my shoulder blades, and he draws small circles with his fingers, as if reminding me he’s there as he chats to them about the online degree he took, and the excavations he’s been on.

At one point, when Claire finishes feeding Lily, I say, “I don’t suppose I could have a cuddle?”

“Of me or the baby?” she teases, then laughs and says, “of course, if you’d like to.”

We stand, and she passes Lily to me, turning the baby so her head is in the crook of my left arm. I sit, enjoying the weight of her and the way she looks up at me with her big blue eyes. “Aw, she’s gorgeous.” I look at Linc, expecting to see him roll his eyes, but his face bears a slight frown. I think I’ve surprised him by wanting to hold the baby. I don’t know his thoughts on wanting a family. Knowing Linc, I doubt he’s thought about it much at all, but maybe he doesn’t want to be tied down. Well, I don’t want to get pregnant tomorrow, but I would like a family eventually, and I’m not sure it’s something I can compromise on.

About twenty minutes later, though, he shocks me by saying, “Can I hold her?” when I finally go to hand her back to her mother.

I turn the baby into his arms, while Claire gives me an amused look, obviously as amazed as I am that he’s interested.

He looks down at Lily as she grizzles a bit. “Aw, sweetie, is it a bit warm in here? Talk to Uncle Linc.” He gets to his feet and, rocking her in what looks like an expert manner, takes her outside.

“Well, well,” Claire says, “that was a surprise.”

“Tell me about it,” I joke.

“Does he want kids?” Gareth asks.

I shrug. “No idea.” When Claire’s eyebrows rise, I explain awkwardly, “we’re not together, not in that way.”

“Could have fooled me,” she says. “He looks at you as if you’re the girl of his dreams.”

I flush. “I don’t think so. And anyway, his life is in the UK. Even if we had feelings for each other, I don’t think he’d move back here for me.”

“You don’t fancy going to the UK?” Gareth asks. “I did my OE there and I loved it. All those historical sites.”

“I’m not a great traveler,” I admit, watching Linc out the front of the café. He’s taken Lily up to a hanging basket filled with tiny purple flowers that have attracted a couple of butterflies, and he points to one of them while he talks to her, obviously telling her about them. Jesus, this guy. He makes my ovaries ache.

“Maybe you should think about it,” Claire says. “You could be swallows—six months there, six months here. It would be nice to be able to see you both again.”

I don’t reply, because Linc has come back in, and he walks over and passes Lily back to her. “Thanks for the cuddle,” he says. “Great to know I have a niece. I can be one of those annoying uncles who buys her noisy toys and teaches her how to burp to the national anthem.”

That makes them both laugh. “I wouldn’t mind,” Claire says. “Are you planning to visit New Zealand again soon?”

“Not sure,” he says cheerfully, without looking at me.

“Linc doesn’t believe in making plans,” I tease, and he glances me and just smiles.

It’s nearing one o’clock now, and Gareth says, “Well, I’m at work this afternoon, so we’d better make a move.”

“Of course.”

We all rise and head outside, and stand there for a moment, exchanging hugs and saying goodbye.

“It was so cool to meet you both,” Claire tells us. “I hope you’ll stay in touch.”

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