Page 84 of The Saint

I didn’t ask his mom for help because I needed it, just because I wanted to spend time with her, to deepen that relationship with her since she would be my mother-in-law. I’d been close with Adrien’s parents, and I would always have love for them as long as I lived, but now, Bastien and his family would be my family.

My forever family.

Bastien had no interest in the wedding planning. Just gave me a list of all the people he wanted to invite, which included President Martin, several members of the Senate, and then all the criminals he knew from his time as the Butcher. I only had a few friends to invite, so pretty much the entire guest list was on his side.

One night, his mother invited us over for dinner, and when we walked inside, Godric was already there because he’d been invited too.

I’d barely spoken to Godric. He was definitely the strong and silent type, but I felt perfectly comfortable around him because of what he’d done for me. Instead of hitting him with a bunch of questions and forced conversation, I chose to mirror his energy so he would feel at ease around me.

His mother was so beside herself at the sight of them together in the same room that she broke into sobs before she pulled both of her sons in for a single hug, the two of them towering over her.

The brothers didn’t hug each other, but Bastien gave him a pat on the shoulder.

“I just can’t believe it.” His mother pulled away, her hand over her heart. “Both of my sons here. One of my boys is getting married. I wish your father were here to see this.”

Bastien and Godric exchanged a look, but it was fleeting.

“Mom, did you invite your boyfriend?” Bastien asked.

“Boyfriend?” Godric asked.

“You didn’t hear?” Bastien asked. “She’s got some art collector boyfriend named Pierre.”

“He’s not my boyfriend,” she said quickly. “But yes, he’ll be joining us.”

Bastien exchanged another look with Godric then winked.

Godric smirked back, like they wordlessly agreed to a plan to interrogate the fuck out of this guy.

The butler entered the room and announced the arrival of Pierre before he walked off.

His mother was in a purple dress with high heels that showed how lithe and agile she was. “Be on your best behavior, boys.”

Pierre stepped into the room in slacks and a matching vest with a collared shirt, looking very refined, just like Bastien’s mother. He gave her the warmest smile before he kissed each one of her cheeks.

“Pierre, thank you so much for coming.” She walked with him up to Bastien and Godric, six-foot-something men who were intimidating to the most ruthless criminals. “It’s my pleasure to introduce both of my sons.” Her eyes watered when she looked at them, like there truly was no greater pleasure than the sight of the two of them. “Godric and Bastien.”

Bastien shook his hand first. “Pleasure to meet you.”

Godric shook his hand as well but said nothing.

“So,” Bastien said. “What are your intentions with our mother?”

“Bastien.” His mother swatted him on the arm. “You’re ridiculous.”

“Just a question,” Bastien said. “He’s a man, he can handle it. And if he can’t, he can leave.”

His mother had been beaming a moment ago, and now, she looked mortified. “Let’s sit down and eat.”

“It’s okay,” Pierre said, chuckling like he found this whole thing amusing. “They’re good sons, looking after you.” He gently patted her arm before he addressed Bastien. “It’s been a long time since I lost my wife, and all I desired was companionship. But that companionship has blossomed into something more…probably because your mother is such an exceptional woman.” He looked at her as he said all that, like he truly was enamored of her beauty and elegance.

Bastien smirked as he watched the two of them. “Good answer, Pierre.” He made his hand into a fist and gently fist-bumped him.

Pierre chuckled before he reciprocated.

“Okay,” his mother said. “Let’s end this soap opera and have dinner.”

We had a long dinner and chatted for hours.

---