Chapter 89
Chapter 89:
“We need more kids in this house,” Elbert said, dropping the remark casually while buttering a roll. “This place is too quiet with just Aaden on weekends p>
Jocelyn choked on her water and grabbed her napkin, coughing.
Gaston patted her back, his hand large and warm. “Dad,” he warned, his voice low. “Don’t scare her off. We’re focusing on careers right now p>
“Careers don’t keep you warm at night,” Elbert grumbled. “And neither does money. Trust me p>
After dinner, they moved to the living room, where a fire was crackling in the hearth.
Aaden grabbed Jocelyn’s hand. “Come see my castle! It’s in the sunroom p>
He dragged her away. Gaston leaned against the doorway, watching as Jocelyn — in her silk blouse and pencil skirt — sat down on the rug without hesitation.
“This is the drawbridge,” Aaden explained seriously. “And this is the trap door for bad guys p>
“Very smart,” Jocelyn said, examining the plastic fortress. “Where do the knights sleep p>
“They don’t sleep. They guard the princess,” Aaden said.
𝘙𝘦𝖺d f𝗿𝗈𝗆 𝘺𝘰ur 𝗉𝗁оո𝗲 oո
Gaston felt a pang in his chest so sharp it almost doubled him over. He watched the firelight dance on Jocelyn’s hair. She was laughing at something Aaden had said. She looked right. She belonged here, on his rug, playing with his nephew.
He wanted this. For real. Not as a contract. Not as a charade.
He walked over and sat down on the floor beside them. His knee brushed Jocelyn’s thigh. She startled slightly but didn’t pull away.
“Room for one more?” he asked.
“If you behave,” Aaden said sternly. “You’re the dragon p>
“I’m always the dragon,” Gaston sighed.
They played for an hour. It felt like a trance — a glimpse into a parallel universe where they were a real family.
“You guys should have a baby,” Aaden declared suddenly, snapping a tower into place. “Then I can be the boss. I want a cousin p>
Jocelyn froze. She looked at Gaston, expecting him to be annoyed or uncomfortable. After all, he had a “partner.” This baby talk must be excruciating for him.
Gaston just smirked. He looked at Jocelyn, his eyes dark and heavy.
“Maybe one day, buddy,” he said softly. “If your Auntie agrees p>
He winked at Jocelyn.
Jocelyn blushed furiously, looking down at the Lego brick in her hand. He is so committed to the act, she thought. Even lying to a child to keep up appearances.
It was time to leave. Aaden hugged Jocelyn’s leg tight. “Come back soon. Promise p>
“I promise,” Jocelyn said, smoothing his hair.
In the car, the silence was thick — but it was a comfortable silence.
“Your family is… amazing,” Jocelyn whispered as they drove back toward the city lights. “Thank you for taking me p>
“They liked you,” Gaston said, keeping his eyes on the road. “Aaden is a tough critic. He usually ignores my dates p>
“Dates?” Jocelyn asked. “You bring dates there p>
“Rarely,” Gaston corrected. “You’re the first one he’s asked to come back p>