Epilogue #2
“The offer stands.” Bel raised her glass. “To Natalie. I hope she’s got champers up there.”
“To Natalie,” they all chorused, and Mark smiled softly.
He really was a good bloke—one of the best. The thought of Julian flickered across Lachlan’s mind, and he wondered again what he’d done to cause such bad blood with someone as kindhearted as Mark…
Mitch said to Tim, “Business seems to be booming for you?”
Tim was clearly pleased, and Lachlan squeezed his knee under the table as Tim said, “It is. I’m taking Damo on board as a part-time instructor to help out when he can. I’ve had to turn away bookings. Can’t ask for much more.”
During the pavlova dessert—which Nisha rightfully said wasn’t as good as hers—she, Petey, Tim, and Mark talked footy while Lachlan tried to show an interest. He watched games with Tim now, but he wasn’t keen enough to dissect plays and coaching choices for hours like they could.
Last week, Ryan and Jodie had come over to Lachlan and Tim’s new place, which was a three-bedroom townhouse by the beach they were renting for a shockingly decent price. It wasn’t fancy, but it was only a block from the water, and most importantly, it was theirs.
Ryan had offhandedly suggested they watch the afternoon footy game, which Lachlan knew had thrilled Tim. Lachlan had joined them, chatting quietly with Jodie during the ad breaks while Ryan and Tim debated…footy things.
After they’d gone, Tim had been whistling to himself so adorably while he chopped veggies for a stir fry in their new wok. Lachlan had been forced to kiss him until Tim had bent him over the kitchen bench.
Grinning now to remember it, Lachlan refocused as Ryan stood and spoke into a microphone.
“Quiet down, you lot. Jodes and I just want to say a few things. Thanks for coming, of course. Couldn’t do this day without you.
Uh… And some other stuff.” Everyone laughed, and he added, “Babe, I think you should do this. I’m shit at it. ”
Jodie pushed back her chair and stage whispered, “Just thank your family and friends.”
“Right! Right. Daz, Jacko, Brodie, Cam, Sounder. Lachie, of course. All the boys from the beach. And Mia!” Ryan hesitated before slapping his forehead. “Mum! Thanks for everything, Mum.”
He passed Jodie the microphone—then took it back. His gaze found their table. “And Dad. We really appreciate the gift. It’ll go to good use with the baby on the way.”
A few older relatives seemed shocked Ryan had mentioned the baby, but most people applauded. Lachlan nudged Tim’s knee with his own. Ryan had finally allowed Tim to pay back the money from his account.
Ryan finished with, “Glad you’re home.” Face going red, he handed over the microphone, and Jodie kissed him tenderly.
It was a few simple words, but Lachlan knew they meant the world to Tim. Beaming, Tim still held his dessert fork, and Lachlan took his hand. On top of the table this time, not underneath.
Later, they’d moved to another table to chat with Liam and Cody and some of the other lifeguards. The music was loud and the alcohol flowing, laughter echoing through the hall.
As a Taylor Swift remix came on, Mia tugged her boyfriend’s hand and shouted, “Come on! Get off your arses. Damo and Blake can’t be the only ones representing the lifeguards on the dance floor.”
Liam immediately shook his head. “I don’t dance.”
Cody leaned in close to him. “Come on. Just one?”
Looking around, Liam seemed to consider it, but shook his head tightly. “Sorry.”
Face softening, Cody took his hand. “S’okay. We’ll hold down the fort.”
“You go on!” Liam insisted.
“Nah. I’d rather be with you.”
Mia smiled. “You two are going to give me a toothache. Lachie, Bull? How about it?”
Lachlan was surprised when Tim said, “Why not?”
They joined Damo and Blake, and more of the lifeguards crowded the dance floor. Chalkers was shockingly agile, and unsurprisingly, Baz was the center of it all. Tim did a white man shuffle, and Lachlan couldn’t stop smiling.
When the music changed, Tim held out his hand, and he and Lachlan swayed to Elvis’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” ignoring some shocked glances from guests they didn’t know.
Lachlan clocked an older woman watching him and Tim with a puzzled expression, and gave her a bright smile. Tim let go of Lachlan to wave, and she blushed and waved back with a laugh.
“Love you,” Lachlan murmured, lacing their fingers back together, their arms around each other’s waists. “Let them look.”
He only had eyes for Tim.
The End