Page 152 of He's the One

Theo followed the path Isla had taken and was hit on almost every step, much to the amusement of those watching. Isla too, probably.All of them bastards.He should have registered she wasn’t heavy enough to trigger the water. When Theo finally stepped into Col’s arms, he wriggled hard, doing his best to soak him.

Col laughed and brushed wet hair from Theo’s eyes.

James fed Isla a slice of meat from a pack lying on the blanket and Theo gaped at him. “You feed her too?”

“When I see her.”

“But you said—”

“I know. I wanted you to understand that you can’t abandon someone once you start to care for them.”

Oh God.

Theo looked down at the blankets and towels, the bread, cheese, ham, strawberries and champagne, then up at his father. “How did you get all that here without wetting anything?”

“James didn’t turn the water on until he’d arranged this.”

“We’re interrupting,” Col whispered.

James poured the champagne and handed a glass to Col. “Share with Theo, but—”

“I know.” Col laughed. “More than one mouthful and he’ll either fall asleep or climb the oak tree.”

Theo looked up at the tree. “I’m not sure I’m actually over my fear of heights.”

“Remember Lolly, your pointer?” his father asked James.

James chuckled. “She went up that tree after a cat.”

“Got halfway up before she remembered she couldn’t climb trees.” His father laughed. “You had to clamber up and carry her down.”

Theo didn’t remember there being a dog or a cat at the hall, didn’t remember his father ever laughing like this.

“Your mother didn’t like them,” his father said. “Maybe we’ll get a dog now.”

“The gardens!” James groaned.

“A non-digging dog,” his father said.

Theo lifted the champagne flute from Col and took a sip. A gulp. Two gulps.It’s lovely.Col prised the glass back.

“Though you could use a digging dog sometimes, right?” said Theo’s father with a laugh.

His face seemed lighter. He was a different man.

“Did you carve the fox, Col?” James asked.

“Yes.”

“I’d go and take a closer look but I’m wet enough,” Theo’s father said.

Theo snagged the glass and finished it off.Oops.

“First of all, I am delighted to tell you your mother and grandmother have gone. Sarah is with them temporarily. I have to admit, I was surprised there wasn’t more of a protest from your mother. That allows me to hope that the divorce will be straightforward. I only use the London residence when I’m sitting in the Lords, but I can easily stay in a hotel. If they wish to remain in the apartment for a while, that’s fine.”

Theo had been there a few times. It was lovely. He wondered how his mother would react if he said he wanted to visit. Why bother wondering? He knew. But it still hurt. She had no interest in him.I feel a bit lightheaded.

“I want to lie down,” Theo said and dropped onto one of the blankets. Col settled at his side and Theo whimpered. “What if you get an erection?”

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