Page 116 of In at the Deep End

“Good luck,” Owen said. “It’s winning.”

Matt laughed and disappeared into the house.

Cyn watched him go. “Lucky hydrangea,” she murmured.

Owen almost choked.

Callum stared at her. “Mum!”

She gazed between them, clearly unrepentant. “Oh, don’t be ridiculous.” Her gaze lingered on the patio door. “You expect me not to notice?”

Owen folded his arms. “Notice what?”

She gave him a look that could strip wallpaper.

“The man spends all day wandering around your garden looking like that.” She smiled sweetly. “Now I understand why you hired him.”

Callum shook his head, laughing. “I think I’ll go help Matt. It feels safer than out here.”

Cyn pulled out a chair and sat. “The grand tour can wait. I want to drink in your garden.” She surveyed the lawn before focusing on the pool. “I can already picture the parties you’re going to have out here.” Her eyes sparkled. “Or have you already had the inaugural one, and I missed it?”

He laughed. “We’ve been busy getting the place ready.”

“We?”

Owen flung his arms out. “He’s done so much with the garden. Indoors too.”

“Does it feel like home yet?”

He smiled. “Yes, it does. In fact, I might start on the guest list for the first party.”

Cyn snickered. “I’m betting that’s the one I don’t get to see.”

“I’m sure I don’t know what you mean.”

“Liar.”

Owen ignored her and stared at the garden. “It’s really come together.”

“With a lot of help.”

“I couldn’t have done half of it without Matt. Every time I look around, I remember him telling me something needed changing. The lighting in the kitchen, for one thing.” He leaned back. “And yes, I’ve decided on the parties. The housewarming will be the second one.”

“Matt’s invited to it, I assume?”

The answer came before Owen had even considered it. “Of course.”

“And is he also invited to the first one?”

He blinked.

Cyn shrugged. “I’m asking because he’s starting to feel like family.”

Owen chuckled. “No, he’s not that. He’s…” He searched for a word, then matched her shrug. “Matt.”

As if that explained everything.

Cyn didn’t comment. She only smiled.