Page 115

But he says warmly, “You’re very welcome to spend Christmas with us.”

“Okay.” I feel a surge of happiness. “I’ll fly back in the New Year to finish off down there. Bear’s offered me a room at his place until everything settles down. And it means I can help get the flat and the shop ready for you.”

“Millie’s going to be so excited,” Vix says. She blows out a long breath. “This tea’s gone cold. I’m going to make another. Anyone else want one?”

We shake our heads, and she goes out of the room.

Rudolph watches her go, then looks at me. “Does Jayden know about the two of you?”

I nod.

“He was okay with it?” Rudolph asks.

I pick a piece of lint off my shorts. Should I tell him? I don’t want to appear spiteful.

“You can tell me,” he says.

I huff a sigh. “He told me that he only proposed to her because he knew I liked her.”

He stares at me, then gives a short, humourless laugh. “For fuck’s sake.”

“Yeah.”

We study each other for a while. No doubt he’s thinking the same as me—that Vix was far, far too good for him.

Eventually, he says, “Did you have a nice evening?”

He means last night. I try not to blush. “Yes, thank you. It was necessary to have some time on our own to talk.”

He gives me a wry look. “I’m sure it was. So… you’re going to stay with Bear? You’re not moving in with her straight away?”

I lean forward, my elbows on my knees. “I want to give her space to breathe. To make sure I’m what she wants.”

“And she’s what you want?”

“I love her,” I tell him simply. “And I’d like to ask your permission to ask her to marry me, after a while, when the time is right.”

He stares at me, completely surprised. “You don’t need my permission for that.”

“Your blessing, then.”

He looks taken aback. “It’s old-fashioned to ask the father’s permission for his daughter’s hand. Jayden never said anything. But…” His expression softens. “I’m very touched that you did.”

“So I have your blessing?”

He smiles then. “Of course.”

“I’ll look after Millie,” I continue, “and I’ll make sure she sees her dad. She’s a lovely girl, and I look forward to playing a part in her life as she grows up.”

“That’s a nice thing to say. I’m glad you came back, Mitch. I think it’s going to turn out to be the best thing that ever happened to my daughter.”

*

Vix

I take my tea through to the living room. I’ve heard the two of them murmuring in low voices, but I’m still surprised to see my father quite obviously moved by whatever they’ve been discussing.

They both refuse to tell me, though, so I let it drop, just pleased that they seem to be getting along so well.