Chapter 125

“Oh?”

“I imagine London is lonely for him, since he’s lost both his parents.”

“Ah, yes.” He periodically came to the States, and his last visit had coincided with Mother’s recuperation. He’d been devastated, although I wasn’t certain if Mother had seen that expression in his eyes. It was wiped clear almost immediately. “Well, enjoy yourself.”

“Thank you, I will. I thought you were still chatting with Gregor.” She stroked my cheek. “Happy birthday, sweetheart!”

“Thank you.” I took her hand and kissed the back of it.

“What a shame Mark couldn’t join us. Perhaps next year.”

I laughed. “That’s exactly what I told him. He looked a little surprised.”

“That you’d still be together?”

“Possibly, but I think more that we would want him. He never had much of a family life.”

“No. Poor man.”

“I don’t think he would appreciate being referred to in that manner.”