Page 58 of Branson's Promise

“Are we staying in one of the twenty three hotels, or one of the stately homes? I vote stately home,” Mia said, looking up from her book -London for a Weekend.

“Sorry to disappoint Mi, but none of those homes are near London, so a hotel it is. But I promise, it’s the prettiest of the lot and you have an amazing room. It also has 24/7 room service, a spa, beauty salon and personal shopping service.”

“I certainly am not complaining about that!” She exclaimed before turning back to her book. “Oh, look at this, afternoon tea on a bus. I cannot wait to get there! This holiday is going to be epic.”

Two things greeted us when we landed in London. Rain - a staple in the UK in November - and my best friend, August.

“Auggie Bear!” I exclaimed, running towards him, leaving the others behind me. “It’s been way too fucking long, come ‘ere.” Pulling him into a tight embrace, I relaxed into that all too familiar comfort I’d experienced in his presence since the very first time we’d smiled at each other. We were just kids when I moved onto August’s street and I’d known right then he would be my best friend. He was more than that now though, August was my brother and moving away from him had left a little gap in my life.

Fuck, it was good to be home.

“It’s good to see you, Bran. How was the flight?”

“Fucking fantastic. You ever flown in a private jet, Aug? Trust me, when I say it will change how you look at flying. No queues for the toilet and not a single person kicked my seat.” I gave him a once over, taking in his pressed chinos, blue Henley and black funnel coat. He looked like my August, only his eyes twinkled and his usual scowl was absent, replaced by a beaming smile. “Marriage looks good on you.”

“Thank you. It feels pretty damn good too. Being in love looks good on you too. There’s something different about you that I can’t quite put my finger on, must be all the dick you’re getting.”

My cheeks flamed and I slapped him on the shoulder. “Don’t be crass!”

He scoffed, “Oh please, don’t start acting like a blushing virgin. I literally had to listen to every detail of your first double penetration experience. And do not get me started on the other things you’ve told me. I should be clutchingmypearls.”

By this time, Mia, Noel and Branson had reached us but hadn’t interrupted, standing to the side to give us some privacy.

“You’re still a dick, Auggie Bear, but I love you.”

“Same Bran, now introduce me to your everyone and then I have a surprise for you.”

The surprise had me balling, rubbing furiously at my face to dry the incessant tears.

“I missed you so much,” the small, grey-haired lady in my arms cried. She smelled like lavender and fresh linen - the same way I remembered from my childhood. My heart tugged at the memory of her holding me this same way, tears wetting my shirt as we said goodbye to my father.

“Missed you too, Mum. How did you get here?” My mum lived down on the coast, the drive alone would have taken her over five hours, and I can’t imagine she’d have done it alone.

“That nice Caleb drove down and collected me. Sweet boy, full of funny stories and always smiling.”

We were in a large suite in the Park View Lane Hotel, a gorgeous Victorian hotel overlooking Hyde Park. Like every other Bennett property I had been in, it was pristine and decorated tastefully. This one was all browns, reds and golds with an elegant feel to it. Caleb and August stood to one side, a shit eating grin on Caleb's face.

Thank you,I mouthed to them then turned around to the three people behind me, still hovering near the door.

“Mum, I’d like you to meet some people. This is Milo, his sister Mia, and Noel.”

Noel stepped forward with his professional mask firmly in place. No way my mother was going to put up with that, but I’d let him learn for himself. Lorna Taylor was a spitfire, a fast speaking, sharp witted woman who always saw the best in people and always spoke her mind. As he reached out his hand to shake hers, she shook her head and gripped his arms.They looked huge in her tiny hands as she pulled him forward, hugging him as best a five foot two woman could hug a six four well built man.

“I’m not fragile, give me a hug. Anyone who makes my boy as happy as you seem to is getting a hug.” Once she was satisfied with Noel, she moved on to Milo, and then Mia.

She turned back to me after, her lips twitching into a smile. “Handsome boys, these two. Pretty eyes on the both of them.” She gestured behind her and I couldn’t contain the laugh that bubbled out of me. I missed her, I missed August, I missed everything about this place.

“Mrs Taylor, will you be joining us this evening? We’re going to an illuminated lights show and then to grab some dinner,” Mia asked, resting her hand on my mum’s arm when she spoke.

“Lorna, please. That’s a sweet offer dear, but I’m going to have an early night and enjoy that huge spa tub and the room service that’s available. Noel there booked me a lovely room.”

Turning to Noel, I caught the sheepish grin on his face. He’d known all along. God, I loved him. Everything about him, his selflessness, his smiles and his frowns, the way he always found a way to touch or kiss me, and the way he loved me and Milo like it was the easiest thing in the world. Like loving us and taking a breath were one and the same.

“Sounds perfect, mum. Join us for an afternoon tea tomorrow though?” Mia didn’t know it yet, but we’d booked a table at Fortnum and Mason for my favourite afternoon tea in London.

“I’ll arrange a car to drive you back to Cornwall, Mrs Taylor, whenever you’re ready, so please feel free to stay here as long as you’d like,” Noel offered and mum scoffed at him, waving a hand in her direction. “Lorna. Seriously, Mrs Taylor makes me feel so old.” She winked at me and I couldn’t help but lean forward and kiss her cheek. “You look so happy, my boy.” Mum whispered in my ear. “Your dad would have been proud of you. Travelling theworld, going on adventures, falling in love. He only ever wanted you to be happy.”

Tears welled in my eyes. “I am mum, more than I knew was possible.”

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