Page 35 of Strawberry Kisses

“Thank you. I don’t know what to say.” Everything I thought of suddenly sounded fake or redundant. But just knowing that I had Mary’s support—that I had my whole family’s support—was more than I’d ever dreamed off.

“You don’t need to say anything!” Mary laughed. “You’re my brother, and I love you. Of course I’m going to support you. You should believe in yourself, Patrick. You’re fucking awesome.”

I wasn’t sure about that, but I wasn’t going to say anything. We chatted for a bit longer before a couple of other relatives drifted by to say hello. These were all aunts and uncles I hadn’t seen in years, so most of the conversation was just general life catching up. I introduced Connor to all of them and he beamed, his vibrant energy bubbling over and lighting up the air around him. He was like a living ball of sunshine; his warmth drew people to him. He’d always been a people person, and right now, he was in his element. If he was nervous, he didn’t look it.

And, of course, as soon as the news spread that I was here and had a charming, beautiful boyfriend on my arm, everyone wanted to meet him.

“Isn’t he lovely,” my Auntie Betty whispered to me while Connor was chatting to a couple of my cousins. “What does he do?”

“He’s a dance teacher and a ballerina.”

“I thought so.” Betty nodded seriously. “He’s got the arse of one.” She sighed wistfully. “Reminds me of the man I dated in the seventies. He was an absolute firecracker. I’ve never met anyone so flexible or with as much stamina.” I stared at her, slack-jawed, trying to process the words my elderly aunt had just said. She was seventy-two for Christ’s sake. “I hope you’re having fun, darling. You’re only young once. Enjoy your beautiful man while you can, and make sure you have a solid bed frame.”

She patted me on the arm, then changed the subject to ask me about a new cake recipe she’d been trying. I fumbled through the rest of the conversation, extraordinarily glad when it was announced that the food was ready so I could escape.

“Your cousins are nice,” Connor said as he took my hand, walking towards the barn entrance. “Did you know your cousin Lou makes wedding cakes? She showed me some of the cakes on her Instagram. She’s really good. And your cousin Izzy is a tattoo artist. He’s the one with the blue hair. I think he’s more like your second cousin, but I’m not sure how these things work. Anyway, he’s very funny. Very dry witted.”

“Lucky for you.” I chuckled. “My elderly aunt just told me you have a dancer’s arse, that she dated a very flexible man in her youth, and that I should enjoy you while I can.”

Connor threw his head back and laughed. “Well, I guess it’s nice to be appreciated. Maybe I should talk to her.” He made a playful show of pulling at my hand as if he were drifting away. I laughed and tugged him gently back to my side. He fell against me, grinning cheekily up at me. My chest flooded with warmth, and I squeezed his hand tighter.

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