Page 98 of Your Pucking Mom

“Exactly, Sunshine,” he said, returning his hands to the table.

“You know, you’ve been great with Austin. Have you ever thought about coaching?”

Ledger shook his head.

“Too much pressure.”

“Sure, maybe at the professional level, but what about kids who aren’t there yet, like younger kids? You’re good with Damien,” I added, remembering how patient and kind at dinner he was with Stassi’s son.

Ledger shrugged. “Never thought about it, honestly?—”

“Two Earl Greys and a Scottish breakfast for you both,” the server declared with a warm smile as he approached our table, balancing the trays with practiced ease.

He set down the steaming pots of Earl Grey tea before us, the fragrant aroma enveloping our senses. Then, with a theatrical flourish, he presented the main event—the Scottish breakfasts.

“Allow me to introduce you to a true taste of Scotland,” he began, his voice tinged with pride. “On your plates, you’ll find sausages and thick-cut bacon. Alongside, we have golden-brown potato scones, crispy on the outside and fluffy within.”

His description continued, painting a vivid picture of the feast before us. He spoke of the perfectly cooked eggs, but what set the Scottish breakfast apart was the addition of haggis. Served in hearty slices, the server told us that the haggis boasted a rich, earthy flavor.

“It adds to the heartiness of the dish,” he added. The server described that it was made from a blend of minced sheep’s heart, liver, and lungs, mixed with spices, onions, and oatmeal.

“Finally, completing your breakfast are grilled tomatoes and mushrooms,” he concluded, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. “A mixture of flavors and textures designed to fuel your day, especially after a night of drinking.”

He stepped back, allowing us to savor the sight and aroma of Ledger’s favorite meal.

“This is what you’ve been craving?” Ledger’s smile was so large as he leaned in, picking up his fork.

“Hell yes.” He paused. “Just try it.”

I shook my head. “I didn’t say anything. It’s new for me, but new doesn’t mean scary, does it?”

The meaning behind my words was far more than just the breakfast in front of us.

“You’re right. New doesn’t always mean it has to scare you.” The corners of his lips twisted into a smile before he picked his fork up again.

I followed suit. “You ready to dive in?”

I paused. I was. More than he ever would know.

“Let’s do it.”

51

auburn

I was still so full from breakfast even though we’d spent the past few hours walking around the Palace.

“This place is so magical. It feels like I’m in a fairy tale,” I said as we meandered through the gardens. I understood why he’d wanted to come here. A piece of his past was connected to this place.

I hated it and would never admit it aloud, but he was right. No matter how ridiculous this whole trip was, it was right. I understood what Ledger was trying to do—he wanted me to get to know him better. Instead of telling me, he was showing me.

We were hand-in-hand, and truthfully, we hadn’t left each other’s sides the entire day. The rain had cleared, but the fog lingered.

I paused halfway along our walk when we were in a more secluded area of the garden. “You okay?” Ledger asked.

I didn’t know what washed over me. Maybe it was the whirlwind of where we were and what we were doing, or maybe it was the simple yet profound conversation we’d had at breakfast this morning. Shit, it could’ve been the fact that I was finally with someone who made me feel safe for once in my life.

But I needed to talk to Ledger. I needed to give him this last part of me so I could tell him…I was in love with him.

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