Page 211 of In at the Deep End

“Especially Mum.”

“I can handle questions.”

Matt snickered. “You say that now.”

After a moment, Owen kissed the top of his head. “We’ll deal with it.”

Matt was quiet. “‘We’?”

Owen tightened his arm around him. “Yes—we.”

He closed his eyes. “Okay.”

We sounded pretty wonderful.

Chapter Thirty-Eight

Owen paid the taxi driver, while Matt dealt with the bags. Once they were inside, Owen drew Matt into his arms and kissed him.

“I’ve been waiting to do that ever since we left Edinburgh.”

Matt smiled. “You could’ve done that on the train or in the taxi.”

Owen shook his head. “Not the safest option.” He kissed the tip of Matt’s nose. “Ready to eat? I’m starving.”

Matt opened his mouth, but the doorbell interrupted him.

He chuckled. “That’ll be Mum. She was probably listening for the taxi.”

Owen opened the door, and sure enough, Mum stood there with a tea towel-wrapped casserole dish. She stared at Matt for a second, and then her face crumpled.

“Oh, thank God.” She thrust the dish into Owen’s hands before seizing Matt in a bone-crushing hug. “I’m so glad you’re home.”

“Mum,” he protested.

“I know, I know.” She squeezed him harder. “I’m allowed to be pleased to see my son.”

“You saw me before I left.”

“That was ages ago.”

“It was four days.”

“Exactly.”

Matt laughed into her shoulder.

Then she pulled back, cupped his face between her hands and looked at him properly. “You’re all right?”

“I’m fine.”

Her eyes narrowed. “Don’t give me that.”

“I really am.” He glanced past her to where Owen stood, and smiled. “Now.”

Mum swallowed. “Oh.” Her eyes widened. “Oh!” She pulled her phone from her pocket.

“Mum, what are you doing?”