Page 4 of Until You (Forgive Me)

Both girls shrieked, causing both him and Andrew to grimace at the high-pitched sound.

“It’s good.” Christian grinned. “I think we’ve photographed every exhibit. Sometimes twice.” He looked down at his daughter, who was deep in conversation with her best friend. Both dads were now being ignored.

“If we get double copies, we should have everything covered,” Andrew said, plucking his phone out of Olivia’s hand.

“Good plan. I’ll make sure I order them tonight.”

Christian leaned forward and retrieved his own phone, which led to a scowl from Skylar.

“Pizza time!” he announced.

The girls whooped with joy.

They made their way out of the museum and onto the crowded street. It was amazing how many people visited The British Museum at the weekend. He questioned whether this was why Star was so insistent on him being the responsible parent. He couldn’t blame her. Plus, it was the perfect bonding time for them both. Christian held Skylar’s hand as they moved away from the entrance.

“Thanks for today,” Andrew said. “It’s more fun doing these things in groups.”

“I think it’s I who should thank you,” Christian admitted. “I would have definitely got it wrong. This world is unlike the one I usually inhabit.”

Andrew laughed. “I think you’ve taken to fatherhood very well,” Andrew said.

Christian watched as Skylar looked up at him. “You have Daddy. You’re awesome. Thank you so much for today. I’m going to miss you when you go away next week.”

With a quick bend of his knees, he scooped her up into his arms and held her close. Despite only having Skylar for one weekend a month, he attempted to visit her at least once a week, to take her out for pizza or pop around to Star and Damian’s.

“It’s okay, Princess. I won’t be gone for long. I’ll be back before you know it. If you’re lucky, I’ll bring you back something from Thailand.”

“Really?” Skylar squealed in excitement.

“Really. And you, Olivia,” Christian added, smiling over at Andrew’s shy daughter. “I will try to get both of you a traditional Thai outfit, so your next costume party is sorted.”

The two girls hugged in excitement before talking at one hundred miles an hour.

Andrew laughed, “You don’t need to buy Olivia something every time you get Skylar a present.”

Christian smiled, “I know. That smile on their faces...” He looked over at Andrew. “I didn’t expect to see that. If I can make her smile, even for a second, and if it also makes Olivia smile... I can’t put a price tag on that.”

Andrew nodded. He’d been a good friend to Star and Skylar, so Christian owed him.

It was not like Christian couldn’t afford it. He’d accumulated more money than he could spend in a lifetime. Who would he spend his money on if not those he cared about? It was all going to Skylar, anyway. Why not create memories with her now?

They entered a small Italian restaurant a few streets from the museum.

It was small and quaint. An Italian woman in her late fifties greeted them at the door. “Follow me,” she said, smiling at their two girls, who giggled behind her. She showed them to a cosy booth, tucked away in the corner. “Here you go,” she said, motioning for them to take their seats.

“Thank you,” the girls chimed, grabbing their menus.

The restaurant was bright. The walls were covered in photographs of famous Italian landmarks, transporting visitors to the heart of Italy.

“So when are you off?” Andrew asked.

“The end of the week. I’m meeting Henri, the US CEO and the new Asia Office CEO on-site. Sebastian suggested I take a break from the office. He said... quote, ‘as I don’t trust anyone else. I should go myself and oversee’.”

“Seb isn’t alone in his concern,” Andrew said to Christian, his gaze moving from Christian’s clasped hands to his eyes. “You work long hours. Your stress levels are through the roof.”

Christian shot a look at Skylar. His shoulders relaxed as he realised she was deep in conversation with Olivia.

“I run a billion-pound company. It didn’t become that way with me working nine to five.”

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