Chapter 6

“How about after lunch?” came the reply.

That gave him roughly two hours. Enough time to fret over what to wear and whether or not he should bring along a gift, something a bit more substantial than the brownies. He chewed on his bottom lip, regretting his indulgence at breakfast. Overhead he heard the water turn on. Ian turned his back to the stove and let his gaze play over the open floorplan of the kitchen and dining room, the transition from one into the other flawless. To help himself feel better he tried to conjure up an image of a big happy family dinner with his side and Stephan’s both present. There would be laughing as stories were shared, musings about the yumminess of the food, and a sense of good vibes all around. Like a scene right out of a movie. If only.