Chapter Eight #2
Beau’s angry expression didn’t soften. “I’m glad to see Kirkland taking such good care of you. Eventually, I’ll have to add him to the payroll. He won’t stop working.”
A watery-sounding chuckle escaped Fabrice. “True. He’s a good man.”
Beau nodded. “Tomorrow, I’ll speak to the staff and shift some people around. You’re not taking enough downtime, and it upset Kylo that you weren’t there to swim with him earlier. I’ll not have him disappointed.”
Fabrice nodded. “Yes, sir.”
A loud sigh burst from Beau. “For fuck’s sake, Brice, you’re my family. You make me feel like a monster who keeps one son as a slave. I am a monster, but you know what I mean.”
A small smile tugged at Fabrice’s lips. “You’re our monster.”
Beau gave him a sharp nod. “Damn right. Now, let me help you with this backup masterpiece so you can get to the party. Kylo is still holding out hope you’ll be his pool buddy.”
A chuckle escaped Fabrice. “How did you know there was a backup? In fact, how did you know about any of this?”
Beau headed for the waiting croquembouche. He answered as he went. “First off, there was no missing this jaw-dropping artwork. Secondly, I know you. You never take chances. There’s always a backup. As for knowing about Jett, you know I have eyes everywhere.”
Fabrice met Beau’s stare as they lifted the dessert piece. “Did Tidy tattle, or was Jett incapable of not gossiping, even about himself?”
Beau laughed. He looked like a different person. Kylo had changed him. Fabrice loved to see it. “Both.”
Fabrice laughed along. He should have known.
“For the record, you are very much loved here. I hope you know that.”
Fabrice nodded, even though he very much did not know that.
He certainly didn’t feel the affection tonight.
They got the new centerpiece in place. Fabrice took his place beside the table.
He clasped his hands behind his back. All he could do was hope he didn’t look like a man who had lost it five minutes earlier.
“I’ll open the room.”
Fabrice gave a sharp nod.
Beau eyed him for a second longer.
Fabrice tried his best to look professional. Beau shook his head and moved to do as he said. At the last moment, he changed direction. He pulled Fabrice into another hug.
“I love you, Brice. Please relax your shoulders before I have to find you a chiropractor.”
An unexpected laugh slipped past Fabrice’s lips. “I love you too. Don’t worry. I’m okay.”
Beau gave him one final squeeze before leaving him alone.
His shoulders relaxed by force of will, which didn’t last long.
He took a breath as people spilled inside.
Foster dragged Atticus to the front while people chanted for a toast. A champagne fountain waited.
Atticus, who never missed an opportunity to be the center of attention, grabbed a glass while servers moved around the room ensuring everyone got a drink.
Fabrice had intended to stand next to the table he worked so hard to achieve, but Atticus shoved the glass in his hand before taking another.
With their efficient staff, everyone had champagne in no time.
Foster tapped a spoon against his glass, quieting the room.
“I’d planned to toast my amazing husband’s new year of life.
It’s important that everyone knows, especially him, how I worship his every breath.
Instead of saying those things, I’m giving the floor to the birthday boy.
” Everyone laughed at Foster’s speech before quieting again to listen to Atticus.
Atticus raised his glass. “The only true family I’ve had for the majority of my life is Kirkland.”
Kirkland moved to stand at Fabrice’s side.
Atticus turned their way, glass still in the air.
“He has stuck with me through every high and low, acting as the father I should’ve had but didn’t.
Now that I’ve found the love of my life, and everyone in this room has become my family, I see more than ever how much we take for granted the people who love us the most. So, this toast is for Kirkland.
Thank you for raising me into the man I am. I know I made life a bitch for you.”
Everyone cheered and laughed before taking a drink.
Atticus raised his glass again. “This one is for everyone here, for all the love you have shown me, but especially Fabrice.” He took Fabrice’s hand and dragged into what felt like the spotlight.
“Fabrice is the one responsible for all the delicious food here tonight and every night,” he added with a chuckle.
“He sacrificed his entire day, missing this party, to put together all this beautiful artwork of desserts and amazing food. I don’t deserve his kindness.
” Atticus met Fabrice’s gaze, making everyone else disappear.
“But I see everything you do, and I love you. Cheers.”
The blush that spread across his face was out of Fabrice’s control. He didn’t like to be the focus point in the room. “You’re very welcome. I love you too.”
Everyone drank, and then the noise level in the room shot through the roof. He hugged Atticus before Kirkland came to his rescue. Hand in hand, they stood on the sidelines and watched all the over-the-top reactions to his centerpiece and the cake, which he was also really proud of.
Kirkland squeezed his hand.
Fabrice looked his way.
Kirkland’s expression screamed affection. “I love you and I’m proud as hell of you.”
It was almost funny how everything else that had been said about him tonight paled in comparison to Kirkland’s words.
“I love you too.”
For the first time in a long time, Fabrice felt seen. He knew that was Kirkland’s doing.
“Move your things into my room.”
At his statement, a huge grin lit Kirkland’s face. He looked a tad shy when he responded, “Okay.”
Gah. He was so enamored with this sexy, kind man. For the first time, Fabrice saw a future with someone. The picture of their life he had in his mind looked beautiful. They should get started. He needed to slow down and embrace this thing they had.