Chapter 13
Chapter Thirteen
JACK
Sennen Cove
Although I’d visited Cornwall once during the summer with my parents, nothing could have prepared me for the breathtaking winter landscape that unfolds before my eyes after an unexpectedly smooth and pleasant journey.
Adele, who sometimes gets carsick, played quietly with her toys for a bit before falling asleep just half an hour into the drive, and she’s been resting peacefully ever since.
I used the time to catch up with Francis about Adele’s situation, but as far as he knows, there haven’t been any major developments.
The only real update is that, thankfully, Kelly Adkins is no longer considered a missing person. According to the evidence gathered by the police, she left of her own free will.
Where she’s gone, and, more importantly, whether she intends to come back for her daughter, is still unknown.
It’s obviously a relief to know the young mum wasn’t the victim of any crime, but I can’t deny the uncertainty around Adele’s future is emotionally draining.
And if it’s like that for me, I can’t even begin to imagine what it must be like for Francis.
He doesn’t talk about it much, but I’m sure the thought of having to part with the little girl he’s loved and cared for as if she were his own since day one sits heavy on his heart.
But I also know, without the slightest doubt, that his only concern is Adele’s well-being, and that when the time comes, he’ll do what’s right for her, no matter what it costs him.
The more I get to know him, the more I realise just how deep Francis’s moral strength runs: beneath the sarcasm, the sharp jokes, and the bursts of unexpected laughter, there’s one of the most principled men I’ve ever met in my life.
And that awareness, combined with the almost unbelievable idea that he might genuinely want to be with me, stirs something inside me I’ve never felt for anyone else.
A kind of longing, maybe. A feeling I don’t quite have a name for, but it’s as if I miss him all the time, even when he’s right there with me.
It’s sweet and painful all at once. And whatever this feeling is, with a child involved, someone we both love and want to protect, it’s far too soon to talk about it.
At least not until we’ve figured things out properly with our families and the people closest to us.
On that note, all the anxiety I’d built up about facing Ian and the others turned out to be completely pointless.
When I stopped by the flat on Broadwick Street early this morning to pack a bag, while Francis waited in the car with Adele, all my housemates, Ian included, were still fast asleep. Probably recovering from a wild night out, the details of which I’d rather not dwell on.
I left a note on the kitchen counter, vaguely explaining that I’d be heading to Cornwall for a couple of days with the infuriating Dr Starkey.
I’ve no idea how my brother will take it, but I’d bet good money Ollie will put two and two together faster than you can say “scandalous getaway”.
Still, that’s fine. Francis is about to introduce me to his family as his boyfriend, and we’ve already agreed to talk to our friends once we’re back in London.
I know he would’ve respected whatever decision I made, and I’m grateful for that.
But I’ve got nothing to hide, and I want to live my life out in the open.
Francis has already given me so much, he’s allowed us to grow into this relationship slowly, in a way that feels safe for me, and the last thing I want is for him to feel like he has to hide because of me.
Sure, the idea of meeting his whole family and facing the inevitable nosy questions from our friends makes me feel slightly self-conscious… but when I think about the fact that we’ll be doing it together, I know everything’s going to be just fine.
As we wind down the last few bends towards the sea, Adele finally stirs awake. She rubs her little fists against her eyes, looking around in confusion at waking up in a place different from where she fell asleep.
“Fan!” she exclaims, smacking one of her chubby hands against the window, absolutely thrilled at the sight of the sea.
Francis lets out one of his warm, wholehearted laughs and answers her with that gentle voice he always uses when speaking to his daughter. “Here we are, princess! We’ve made it to the seaside. Are you excited? We’re about to meet the grandparents, the cousins, and even the aunties and uncles…”
Then he starts listing the names of all the relatives, speaking to her, as always, in that calm, clear way of his, as if she could understand everything. And the respect Francis shows Adele, even in moments like this, only makes me appreciate him more.
His patience with her seems endless, and the quiet confidence with which he handles anything that concerns her somehow manages to put even me at ease, not just Adele.
Sure, our lives are chaotic, and we’re both learning something new every day.
There have been bumps along the road, and there’ll definitely be more to come.
The three of us make quite the unconventional little team, far from perfect, but one thing’s for sure: this little girl has found herself a wonderful dad.
And sometimes I wonder what kind of role model Francis had to make him want to be a parent so badly.
I imagine Nick Starkey must be a remarkable man, how could he not be?
I know he struggles with significant mobility issues because of his health, and I’m determined to be as little of a burden as possible.
I can only imagine how difficult his day-to-day life must be…
but I won’t lie, I’m genuinely curious to meet him.
The landscape unfolds around us in all its majestic glory, a sweep of jagged cliffs, endless sea, and deep cobalt sky that honestly takes my breath away.
My nose is practically pressed to the window. The wind is howling so loudly it seeps into the car, and just as I’m drinking in the view, a hand suddenly ruffles my hair.
“What do you think, little fox? Not bad, huh?”
The infuriating doctor chuckles, but there’s a proud edge to his voice I’ve never heard before.
I’m tempted to tease him, really tempted, but there’s no way I could lie about this, so I admit, “Your homeland is absolutely stunning, Starkey. Harsh and craggy, but breathtaking… I didn’t expect it to be even more magical in winter than it is in summer.”
“You’ve seen nothing yet,” he replies, visibly pleased with himself. “With a pair of wellies, we can even head down to the beach. I promise, the ocean this time of year is something else entirely.”
“I believe you,” I say, glancing back to check on Adele, “but I don’t think we’ll have time for that. Your family comes first, Francis, we’re here so they can meet her, remember?”
“And so they can meet you…” he adds, in a voice so vulnerable, so unlike him, that a lump suddenly forms in my throat.
“I can’t wait to meet them, Starkey,” I say, making no attempt to hide the emotion that’s bubbling up inside me.
We drive the last stretch in a comfortable silence, the kind that doesn’t need to be filled, broken only by Adele’s soft humming as she looks around, clearly excited.
After leaving the colourful little town centre behind, we turn onto a dirt road that leads to a boatyard, complete with a few storage sheds and a small cluster of low white cottages.
Francis had mentioned something about this, but I hadn’t realised the entire Starkey clan lived right by the yard, the family business, founded by his father, Nick.
Turns out I was expecting a more gradual introduction.
Because the moment we pull up in front of the largest house, we’re greeted by the full Starkey welcoming committee.
Francis is the first to climb out of the car, and while I wrestle a reluctant Adele into full winter coverage, I take the chance to glance at the small crowd heading our way.
Alongside Helen, who gives me a warm smile and a little wave from the other side of the window, there are two men around Francis’s age and a young woman, who I’m guessing are his brothers and sister, plus a handful of children already bouncing excitedly around the car.
As I step out, Adele in my arms, I’m nearly knocked off my feet by the icy gusts of wind that greet us.
Francis is quick to close the distance between us. He wraps one arm around my shoulders, takes Adele from me, and leads the way towards the house.
He says something, but the wind is so loud I can barely catch it. Still, I understand the gist, we need to hurry inside, it’s far too cold to be hanging around out here.
The moment we cross the threshold we’re wrapped in comforting warmth and welcomed by the unmistakable scent of apple pie, mingled with the sharp but pleasant aroma of burning wood.
In one corner of the living room, there’s a large ceramic stove, entirely painted in a brilliant shade of cobalt blue.
Helen greets me warmly and gives me a quick hug before immediately turning to her son to take her granddaughter into her arms.
Adele, thankfully as sociable as ever, goes to her without a fuss, and Francis takes the opportunity to introduce me to his brothers.
“This is Jack McAvoy,” he says, sliding an arm around my shoulders again and pulling me close in a way that feels both protective and grounding, “...my boyfriend.” He says it with such pride that it nearly brings tears to my eyes.
If I’d ever had the slightest doubt about how serious he is, the sheer joy on his face as he claims me in front of the entire Starkey clan sweeps it away in a heartbeat.
I’ve never felt so wanted by anyone, and the rush of it makes me blush furiously, all the way to the roots of my hair.
With one hand, I reach for his, thankfully, finding it straight away, and with the other, I instinctively touch the bandana I’ve tied around my neck.
But of course, the introductions aren’t over yet. Francis gestures toward the two young men who greeted us at the door, both tall, dark, and just as attractive as he is, though unlike my doctor, they haven’t inherited Helen’s chiselled features.
“These are my brothers, Daniel and Luke,” he says, his voice clearly full of affection. Then he glances around briefly, just as the young woman I glimpsed outside reappears, having taken off her coat. “And this is my sister, Kiara,” he adds, pressing a kiss to her cheek.
I shake hands with each of them, one after the other, still slightly overwhelmed by it all. Then I can’t help but admire the only Starkey sister, who’s just stepped into the room.
Kiara, like everyone else in the family, is tall and athletic, with a thick head of dark hair that falls in soft, sultry waves over her shoulders, and creamy, slightly golden skin.
But unlike the others, she has a pair of striking emerald-green eyes, so large and luminous that there’s no way anyone could overlook them.
“You… you’re gorgeous!” I blurt out, completely unable to stop myself.
The moment the words leave my mouth, I slap a hand over it, letting out a mortified little laugh, but she doesn’t seem remotely surprised. She’s probably used to hearing that sort of thing since birth.
Smiling at me with those sparkling eyes, she replies, clearly amused, “Thanks. You’re not so bad yourself… My brother’s always had good taste, though I have to admit, he’s never brought home anyone quite as cute as you.”
She lets out a laugh that sounds way too much like Francis’s for my liking.
It’s fair to say Kiara doesn’t mince her words, and I actually flinch when she speaks. Partly because of the compliment, but also, I’ll admit, because something sharp and unwelcome twists in my chest at the thought that the infuriating doctor has already brought other people to meet his family.
I know perfectly well how ridiculous that is, but it doesn’t stop a wave of embarrassment from flooding over me, and the result is that I blush even harder.
I instinctively try to cover my face, but I’m not quick enough.
Francis, who knows me far too well by now, cuts in with a curt, “Enough, you’re embarrassing him,” before taking both my hands in his.
Then, to my complete disbelief, he turns me towards him…
and kisses me. Right there. In front of everyone.
It’s just a gentle brush of lips, soft and delicate, but enough to shut down any further teasing on the spot.
The moment I feel his mouth on mine, my vision goes hazy, my knees go weak, and, just as I start to feel the beginnings of a very inconvenient reaction in the middle of a family gathering, someone behind me clears their throat and says,
“Well, well… and who have we got here?” he says, and there’s unmistakable warmth in his voice.
Even before I turn around and come face to face with him, I know that he’s finally here.
Nick Starkey. My infuriating doctor’s father.
My boyfriend’s father.