✧

One month later

I keep my hand firmly in my pocket as I stroke the dainty silver chains of the watch that sits there. My head has been spinning since this morning and I couldn't wait to get in my car and drive straight to Chessman's. Luca is the first person I want to tell because I'm still not certain that it's true and this is one big dream.

My hand presses to the door of Chessman's, the legendary bell ringing above my head. It's fairly busy today and since I've been continuing to spread the word both Luca and Aris have been busy for weeks on end.

As soon as Luca glances over and sees me walk towards the counter, his tired face bursts into a bright smile. He's incredible. I have no idea how he does it. He's a fucking super man.

"Hey," he says as I settle by the counter.

"Hey."

I lean forward and press a kiss to his forehead. "To what do I owe this pleasure?" Luca studies me curiously.

"I want to visit my boyfriend, is that okay with you?"

He bites back a smile. "Your boyfriend is busy making Chessman's the best cafe in town."

This time I'm the one who grins. "Yeah, as you should. It's the best place on the planet."

"There you go being biassed again," he rolls his eyes playfully.

"Never," I mock shock before laughing. "Anyway, I did pop round to see your beautiful face but I also wanted to tell and show you something."

Luca's expression morphs into a look of curiosity as he leans over the counter. "Show me what?"

I dip back into my pocket and pull out the gold watch that holds so many memories close to my chest. I open my hands and Luca blinks down at the delicate jewellery. "This was my grandmother's."

"W-What?" He blurts, meeting my eyes. "How? When?"

"I got a delivery this morning. It had everything she left for me in there. It didn't come with a note so I have no idea if it was actually my father who did it after what happened between us last." I say.

Luca blinks once. "Do you reckon it could have been your mum?"

I shrug. "I don't know. I don't really care right now."

"This watch is beautiful," he exhales as he brushes his finger across the watch strap and then the oval face. The batteries no longer work and it needs a good polish but it's still perfect. "Did she wear it everyday?"

"My grandfather bought it for her. Back then they didn't have much money but he saved and saved to buy her this. The best part is–" I turn the watch over so the face is down. "They have their initials engraved into it. Their love was so pure and authentic. She promised that she'd give this to me as a good luck charm, she'll always be here with me. My dad has kept it away from me for years."

Luca's soft hands cup mine as I look at their initials together. It might seem silly but this is so sentimental to me. "That's really sweet, Declan." He exhales. "I'm so glad you got this back. Does it make you feel relieved?"

I nod and glance up at him. "Yeah. This way I know I can cut ties with him forever and act as if he doesn't exist. I don't have a father and I'll stand by it. Nick does too. We don't need him."

"Have you spoken to your mother?"

"Here and there," I admit before slipping the watch back in my pocket. "I think something is going on but I'm trying to stay out of it."

Luca wraps his arms around himself and flashes me a smile. "I'm so proud of you. You know that? These last few months haven't been easy for you but you've been so calm, collected."

I breathe through my nose. "You should have seen the way I shoved my dad and took him by the collar of his shirt."

"Maybe a bad choice of words then," he laughs hesitantly. "But still. I am proud of you."

"Thanks, love." I lean over and kiss his lips. "What about you and Aris? Have you found somewhere to move into?"

Luca decided that it was time to move out of his mother's house, gain more independence. I said that he could move into mine any day but he said that he wanted to experience living with a friend–it's something that he doesn't want to miss out on which I totally understand.

Aris' contract was almost up and they could get somewhere cheaper together which would benefit the pair of them. Luca keeps saying that this way it gives him a chance to miss me more rather than moving straight in.

We haven't been official for that long–not that it means anything–but if he's not ready then I need to respect that. I want what Luca wants and if he's happy, then I'm happy too.

"Yeah!" He exclaims. "The most perfect little flat we saw earlier. It was the cutest thing and we just had to take it. It wasn't that expensive but it's not super flashy which explains the price. We're going to sign documents and everything later."

"How far away is it from here?"

Luca shakes his head. "Only ten minutes down the road. It's perfect! I'm so excited to have my own space. I can definitely fit a double bed in both rooms so I'd love for you to stay round. As long as you'd want that too?"

I clutch his cheek. "Luca, I'd love to stay around."

"Even if your house is practically a perfect show-home?"

My eyes roll at his ridiculous statement. "That has nothing to do with anything. I'd sleep on the floor with you if I had to, Luca. I couldn't care less."

His face twists into a look of shock. "On the floor... Who do you think I am?"

"That's how much I love you," I whisper.

Luca shoves my shoulder playfully. "No floors. Beds only."

"Good for me," I murmur before leaning in and pecking his lips once more. "But I have to admit, I'm excited for when we eventually move in together."

"Baby steps, baby steps," he raises his hands in defence but offers me a smile at the same time. "Are you okay with me wanting to move in with Aris?"

I tilt my head towards him. "Of course, why wouldn't I be?"

He shrugs simply. "I don't know. I don't want you thinking I'm ditching you. But in my head Aris needs someone to move in with him to cut costs of rent, I know that I want to be with you forever so what's the rush? We see each other almost every day. We can still have sleepovers like I said."

"Luca–" I lean forward and take his hand. "Breathe. It's fine. If it's what you want then I'm happy for you. I know you want to earn your own independence. You've been living with your mother until now. It'll be good for you to live with Aris. I'm excited for you."

His eyes soften. "You are?"

"Yeah," I nod. "It's a big step for you. Our time will come."

"Yeah," he smiles back at me softly. "It will. I like the idea of waking up to you but I also like the idea of missing you. Is that weird?"

My head shakes. "No. It just makes the time we have together more sentimental."

He points a finger at me. "That is true."

My phone vibrates in my pocket and I pull it out to find a text from my mother. I furrow my brows instantly as I click on the message and take a step back from the counter.

Declan, I've left your father. I couldn't do it anymore. He's no longer the man that I married. I'm so sorry for the way he's treated you and Nick all these years. I've been so blind to it and I feel so guilty. But it's over now. I know that he's been interfering and what he did was inexcusable. Even the way he talks about Nick and Elodie. I can't cope with it anymore.

I'm going to stay at your aunts for a bit whilst I work everything out. I'm sorry to spring this on you but I thought you should know. I'm so sorry for not stepping up to him when I should have. I wish I understood more at the time but he always kept me at arms length, he always knew what he was doing. Only now do I see how conniving he truly was. I hate myself for not seeing what was right in front of me.

I hope I can see you soon. I would hate for our relationship to be ruined by him.

Love mum x

My eyes water and then harden instantly. "Declan?" I glance up to find Luca watching me with concern. "What's wrong?"

"My mum," my voice trembles. "She's left my dad."

Luca blinks and then moves around the counter so he can stand by my side. "Shit...what? Right now?"

I nod, my brows pressing together so tightly my head aches. "Yeah. I think so. I'm not sure. She just sent me this massive text. Something must have happened. I need to go and see her."

"Okay," he presses a kiss to my shoulder. "I'm right here if you need me. Always."

My hand takes his chin between my fingers and I tilt his head, claiming his lips once more. "I know you are. Always."

✧

Read Nick's story which is COMPLETED over on Patreon and Ream!

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Author's Note

UGH I LOVE THEM

I love this little ending for them. The reason I haven't written an epilogue further in the future is because Declan and Luca will be in Blessing In Disguise (Nick and Aris' book) a fair amount and they are still vital to the storyline.

I'm glad Luca is moving in with Aris, it's something he wants to do and I adore Declan for respecting his wishes.

What did you guys think of the book?

Declan finally got his grandmothers things and his mother left his fatherrrrr, woooo what a result!!!

THANK YOU for reading and all of your support. It means the world!!!

Love Savanna x

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