Page 81 of Finding Lord Landry

“Being outside with your friends is where the good times happen,” I said. “Those are some of the times we remember the most, right? Even you and Jamie went straight to a shared memory from being outside playing sports together in school. It’s where kids connect and find joy. It’s where they gossip and learn about betrayal and loyalty. And your family is giving that gift to kids from two different schools without dedicated outdoor play space.”

“Pretty sure Killian Prep is doing it,” he muttered.

“Pretty sure they only agreed after the Davencourt Foundation offered them a big donation,” Cora added in the same snarky mutter.

“And I’m pretty sure there will be at least ten boys there who discover a little something about their sexuality when they see a real-life male model up close and personal,” I teased. “You’re doing the Lord’s work, Landry. Worst-case scenario, you ruin your political future and your family’s reputation, but you still help a few young people live a more authentic life. How about that?”

The poor young driver’s ears turned red, but Landry’s lips curved up a little.

Victory.

“You’re lowering the bar,” he accused with narrowed eyes. But then his grin widened, and he bounced his eyebrows. “I’m here for it.”

My own sexuality wasn’t immune to a reminder that I most definitely preferred men. I swallowed and looked away from him, focusing on the hodgepodge of signage plastering the windows of a nearby corner store.

I smiled to myself. “And if you feel the need to hug a child or clap them on the back, touch me instead. I’ll take one for the team.”

The sound of his soft chuckle mixed with Cora’s laughter helped relax my shoulders. He would be okay.Wewould be okay.

When we got out of the vehicle in front of the school, Jamie Winthrop was there waiting with a friendly smile on his face. Landry’s hand immediately reached for mine and took firm possession of it as we said our hellos and greeted the head of the school.

Paparazzi stood outside the school gates, but their manner was surprisingly mild compared to previous visits. I remembered from our prep for this event that there were strict rules about photographing children and schools, which was why there was an official photographer for the event and only one reporter recording the details.

After greeting the kids and moving up onto a raised dais where a podium had been set up, the head of Killian Prep stepped forward and welcomed us with a kind introduction.

“Lord Hawling and Mr. Winthrop would like to say a few words about our new program before we get started with our sports day.”

The crowd cheered as Landry squeezed my hand one last time and left me to step up to the podium.

He leaned in and lowered his voice to a stage whisper. “Do I have poppy seeds in my teeth? Because I had a bagel this morning, and now I feel like my teeth are peppered with black spots. You will tell me, won’t you? Or else they’ll have a photo of me on the internet looking like a numpty.”

The kids all laughed as Landry grinned and then quickly slapped a hand over his mouth in mock embarrassment, causing them to laugh harder.

“Right, no one said anything, so I’ll assume I’m alright. Thank you for having me, my husband Kenji, my cousin Cora, and my friend Jamie here today. We are honored to start this program with you because we all believe that exercise and outdoor play are important.

“I grew up in Regent’s Park, where I had space to run, space to move, and space to believe I could be something more. Later, I went to a school with Jamie here,” he said, thumbing over his shoulder, “where we met and formed memories out on the field. In one particular rainy and cold cricket match, a young, strapping viscount claimed victory over a much less talented?—”

Jamie blurted, “Oiy!” with a good-natured grin on his face.

The kids all laughed as Landry acted apologetic. “Alright, alright. Although I’m sure I won that match, only because he’s one hundred percent American and I’m only half-American, how ’bout that?”

The kids cheered and agreed.

Landry was an incredible actor. There was no trace of nerves in his manner. “Every one of us should have a safe place where we can make connections. Where we can be bold, be strong, and believe in something bigger for ourselves, regardless of our postcode. Where we can take care of our bodies and improve our health while getting a break from the rigors of our academic studies. Which is why the Winthrop and Davencourt Foundations are helping Killian Prep enlarge this outdoor sports area and open it up to other schools. But this isn’t just a sports area. It’s a launchpad. Maybe you’ll use it to train for something big. Maybe you’ll use it to shake off a tough day. Or maybe, just maybe, this will be the place where you and your mates make memories that will last a lifetime.

“Access to safe outdoor spaces for exercise and play should not be a privilege. It should be a promise. A promise that you will have what you need to pursue a long and happy life with healthy habits.

“So today, when you run, when you kick a ball, when you cheer for each other—and hopefully for me because I’ll need it against you lot—know that this space belongs to you. Because you deserve it. Because your future deserves it. And because I know you’re going to do incredible things with your minds and bodies, if you use your imaginations and stick with your mates.”

After handing the podium over to Jamie, Landry moved back to take his place beside me. I glanced up at him with affection and pride for an incredible job well done.

Which ended up being the photo from our sports day event that went viral.

Lord Hawling Dedicates Youth Sports Program While Devoted Husband Looks On

“Could have been worse,” Cora said later while I had my final fitting with the tailor in the large laundry room behind the kitchen.

Landry scrolled on his own phone, his long legs spread out in front of him on the worn terra cotta tile. “True. They could have gotten a close-up of the fact that I did, in fact, have something in my teeth. What is that? A leaf? I ate oatmeal for this very reason.”

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