" I wouldn't lie to you Sebastian, you know that. She misses you. She's desperate to apologize to you and start over", Henry said, leaning forward, propping his forearms on his knees. " Do you think you could at least talk to her?"
" Fuck...I don't know", Sebastian sighed, closing his eyes, " I want to stay mad at her, I want to make her suffer for what she put us through, I want her to understand that I'm not a pushover and I won't take her shit anymore"
" It's been four months since you've talked to her. And believe me when I say she's suffered. I can't tell you how many times she's come crying to be because you won't talk to her", Henry said softly.
Sebastian's eyes flew open, " Crying?", he asked, not sure he heard right.
" Yes, crying, like tears running down her face"
Sebastian shook his head, " Mom doesn't cry"
" She does now and it's killing her that you won't even let her apologize", Henry sighed and stood, " I'm not telling you what to do, I just think you should give her a chance. She does love you, you're her son"
Sebastian took a deep breath and blew it out, " I'll see how tonight goes then I'll think about it", he said.
Henry nodded, " Fair enough", he said, moving towards the door.
Sebastian followed him out and back into the kitchen. Quinn was walking in, a couple of store bought pies in his hands. Quinn placed them on the counter then gave Claire a kiss on the cheek and Christian handshake. Sebastian moved in to give Quinn a handshake after Henry forced him into a hug. Quinn wasn't an overly affectionate guy. And he was far from emotional. The only time Sebastian saw Quinn show emotion was when they thought Henry had perished in that plane crash. Sometimes Sebastian got jealous of how well Quinn could hide everything. The rest of them wore their hearts on the sleeves.
" Hey dickhead", Sebastian greeted him with a smirk.
Quinn rolled his eyes, " Can't you come up with something new?", he asked, his tone bored, his voice it's usual deep rasp. Him and Henry sounded a lot alike. Henry's voice had that rasp to it too.
Sebastian chuckled, " I'll work on it"
The corner of Quinn's mouth lifted slightly, the only indication that he found that amusing. Christian stepped up next to Quinn and gave Sebastian a wary glance. Sebastian knew Christian was nervous about how he was going to be with their mother there. This was the first time he's seen her since blowing up on her. And Christian, being the pacifist that he was, wanted everyone to get along.
" Don't worry Chris, I'm on my best behavior tonight", Sebastian said. He wasn't going to ruin Henry's night with being nasty to their mother.
Christian nodded slowly, " Maybe you shouldn't drink", he said cautiously.
Sebastian sighed, " I'll be fine"
Christian looked skeptical but let it go. He knew he couldn't win an argument with him.
Sebastian helped Claire put dinner on the table while Henry got Ethan set up in his booster seat. Everyone sat down and started passing around the amazing smelling food. The conversations were light and happy. And Sebastian couldn't help but watch his mother out of the corner of his eye all through dinner. She joined in the conversations, laughed and seemed to really be enjoying herself. His father was absolutely beaming. Sebastian hasn't seen his dad this happy in years. Maybe his mom really had changed for the better.
Seeing his mom like this really made it hard for him to hold onto his anger and his grudge. He found himself engaging in the conversations she was in. Not that he talked to her directly, but it was close. He was sitting across from her and next to his father who was at the end of the table. Ethan was on his other side. His father more then once grabbed his forearm and gave him a squeeze, his eyes letting Sebastian know that he appreciated the little bit of effort that he was putting in towards his mother.
After dinner, they had dessert and coffee. While Claire and his mother cleaned up, the men went into the living room. Sebastian watched Henry pull Ethan onto his lap and talk quietly to him. No doubt going over what he wanted Ethan to say to Claire for the proposal. Sebastian knew that Henry wanted Ethan to be part of it. Sebastian felt a twinge of jealousy at what Henry was getting, a beautiful wife and a son. That should be Sebastian. The thought made Sebastian hate Victoria even more. She took everything away from him. Fucking bitch.
When Claire and Anne came into the living room, Ethan went running to Claire. She picked him up and moved closer to Henry, who was standing next to the tree. He didn't look nervous at all. He was simply smiling, all the love he held for Claire brightening his already bright green eyes.
" Mommy! Look present!", Ethan cried and stretched to reach the little box that Henry had set on one of the higher branches.
Claire looked confused but turned her back on the room and lifted Ethan up a little higher so that he could reach the box, just like Henry had planned. Sebastian smiled and shook his head as Henry got down on one knee behind her. Sebastian saw his mother's eyes widen as she slapped a hand over her mouth. His dad smiled wide and pulled his wife into his arms. Claire's dad Frank went over and placed a hand on his dad, Henry's, shoulder, a warm smile breaking out across his face.
After Ethan grabbed the box, he squirmed to be put down. Claire obliged, setting him on his feet. Ethan went to Henry, standing in his arms. Claire turned and flinched as if she was slapped. Sebastian stifled a laugh. She looked so confused and shocked. Ethan opened the ring box with Henry's help then held it up to his mother.
" Mommy, you marry Henwee?", Ethan asked sweetly.
Sebastian blinked back a rush of unexpected tears. What the hell? Ethan's little voice just tugged at his heart and he couldn't believe that he was actually getting choked up by his brother's marriage proposal.
Claire gasped and covered her nose and mouth with her hands. Sebastian could see the tears start rolling down her face as she dropped to her knees in front of Henry and Ethan. " Really?", she croaked, covering Ethan's hands as he held the ring box.
" Really Claire, I love you with my whole heart and I want us to be a family, will you marry me?", Henry asked, looking a little teary eyed himself.
" Oh my god, Yes Henry, Yes!" Claire cried, throwing her arms around to two of them.
Henry smiled as he kissed her. Once Claire let them go, Henry pulled the ring out of the box and slipped it onto her finger. Claire smiled shakily and looked down at the ring. It was a gorgeous ring. Henry did good. Claire gave Ethan a kiss before turning back to Henry for another kiss. After they got to their feet, everyone gathered around to congratulate the couple. Sebastian was last.
Sebastian pulled Claire into his arms, " Congrats sister", He murmured, kissing her cheek.
Claire laughed and sniffed, wiping tears from her cheeks as she pulled away, " Thanks Sebastian".
Sebastian then pulled Henry into a hug, " I'm glad you're happy, Henry", he said quietly, kissing his brother's temple before pulling away.
Henry smiled and thanked him.
After popping open a bottle of champagne and toasting the newly engaged couple, Sebastian went to the bathroom. He finished drying his hands and opened the door to find his mother pacing nervously in the hallway in front of the door. When she heard the door open, her head shot up, her eyes meeting his as she twisted her hands together.
Sebastian watched her struggle to say something, so he waited.
" Sebastian...can we...can we talk?", she asked hesitantly.
The hope and desperation in her eyes broke apart his resolve. He sighed heavily, " Yeah"
His mother blinked rapidly and gave his a watery smile. Sebastian went into Henry's office. Anne followed. Sebastian closed the door and went over to sit on the brown leather couch. He leaned back into the corner, resting one arm across the back and the other on the arm of the couch. He knew he looked relaxed and nonchalant. But on the inside he was in turmoil. His stomach rolled uneasily and his heart raced.
His mom sat at the other end of the couch, perched on the edge of the cushion. Her hands clasp together tightly. Sebastian
watched her, his chest constricting with the need to comfort her. It was easy to not care when he didn't see her. But she was his mother and he did love her. And seeing her so nervous and tense was bothering him more then he wanted it to.
" Sebastian", She started, looking over at him, a tear streaming down her face, " I don't even know where to begin to apologize for everything I put you through. I hate myself for the way I acted and treated you and your brothers. I never ever wanted to push you away. I only did what I thought would keep you close, not realizing that I was doing just the opposite. I'm so sorry and I can only hope that you can find it in your heart to forgive me", she said, her voice trembling and cracking the whole time.
Sebastian stared at her, trying to keep his face schooled. He didn't want her to know how torn up he was inside. Part of him wanted to forgive her but the other part wanted to remain pissed at her. He didn't know what to do, he didn't know what to say.
" You don't have to say anything", Anne said, as if hearing his thoughts, " I just wanted the chance to apologize to you", she murmured and stood, leaving the room quickly.
Sebastian closed his eyes and dropped his head back. Well didn't he feel like the biggest dickhead in the world now. Why was she getting to him like this? Because she was acting like a completely different person, that's why. She hadn't been a bitch once. She was acting like a normal loving mother and grandmother. It was throwing Sebastian for a loop. He groaned and stood up, leaving the office to join the rest of his family.
Claire glanced at Henry through the mirror as she pulled her hair up into a ponytail on top of her head. Henry was brushing his teeth before bed. Her fiancé. She smiled softly to herself. She never expected Henry to propose so soon. But she couldn't be happier. She loved him and wanted to be with him forever. Even though they've only been together for four months, they've known each other almost a year now.
Claire was already thinking about the kind of wedding she wanted. Just something small and simple. She didn't have a lot of friends or family. So having some big event would be silly. She also wanted to get married soon. There was no need for a long engagement.
" So I was thinking...", Henry started, spitting toothpaste into the sink and rinsing his toothbrush.
" Okay"
Henry put his toothbrush in the hold and leaned his hands on the counter, his intense green gaze watching her through the mirror. " I was thinking that since we're getting married, I should adopt Ethan, that way he doesn't ever have to question who his father is"
It took a moment for what Henry said to sink in, and when it did, Claire burst into tears. Claire covered her face with her hands. Henry pulled her into his arms and kissed the top of her head.
" Baby, these are happy tears right?", Henry murmured into her hair.
" Yes", Claire hiccuped against his chest.
Claire got herself under control and moved out of Henry's embrace. She grabbed a tissue and blew her nose and dried her face. She looked up at the incredible man standing half naked in front of her. Claire shook her head. She could hardly believe this was happening. She never thought she'd be lucky enough to find the love of her life, let alone a man who loved her son like he was his own.
Henry reached out and stroked his knuckles over her cheek, " What are you thinking?", he asked softly.
" I never thought Ethan would ever have a father. For so long I though it was just going to be me and him for the rest of our lives. But I love that you love him so much and I would love for you to adopt him", Claire said with a shaky smile.
Henry smiled lovingly and took the two steps it took to close the space between them. He slipped the hand he had on her face down to the back of her neck then dropped his head down to kiss her soundly. Claire sucked in a sharp breath and wrapped her arms around his waist. God, she loved this man and she couldn't wait for them to become the family she always wanted and never thought she'd have.
Epilogue
Henry and Claire had a small wedding 3 months later. Claire had looked stunning in her wedding gown. Henry had cried like a baby. Sebastian had laughed his ass off too. But Henry was happy and that's all that Sebastian really cared about.
It took almost a year, starting from when Henry and Claire got engaged, but the adoption papers had finally gone through. So Ethan was officially Henry's son. Ethan already thought of Henry as his dad anyway so the only thing they had to do was change his last name to Beck.
Claire had announced that she was pregnant on Henry's 35th birthday, to everyone, including Henry. He had no idea that she was pregnant until he opened up his present in front of everyone. She had framed the picture of the first ultrasound for him. Once again, Henry cried like a baby. Sebastian had never seen Henry cry so much. It's not like he could really blame the guy, the two times he bawled like a pussy had been big events in his life that he never thought would happen to him. So Sebastian understood why he got so emotional.
9 months later...
" He's beautiful", Sebastian whispered in awe as he stared down at the tiny baby in his arms.
His heart filled with so much freaking love that he swore it would burst. Sebastian couldn't tear his eyes away from the little pink face peaking out of the blankets he was swaddled in. Sebastian stroked the baby's soft fuzzy head as he rocked gently in the rocking chair. Claire had just given birth to the little munchkin a hour ago.
" You're a natural Sebastian", Claire commented from the hospital bed next to him.
Sebastian smiled but refused to look away from the baby.
" Is anyone else going to get a turn Sebastian?", Came Christian impatient voice from somewhere in the room, Sebastian was too busy staring at the baby to care.
" No", He said, tracing a finger down the side of the baby boy's cheek.
Henry chuckled softly, " I've never seen you so enamored before"
" Whatever, I'm taking him home with me so I can stare at him forever", Sebastian murmured.
That's when Sebastian heard Claire's soft sob. Sebastian looked up in horror at her. She had her face in her hands, her shoulders shaking as she cried, " Jesus Claire, I was only kidding", he said quickly.
Claire shook her head, lifting her face from her hand, " I'm sorry, it's hormones, I can't help it, I know you're kidding, I've just never seen you like this, you're being so sweet", she cried.
Sebastian turned a tortured gaze to Henry, who was sitting on the edge of the bed by Claire's knees. He was patting and rubbing her thigh. Henry shook his head, " It's fine Sebastian, it really is hormones"
Claire waved a dismissive hand and grabbed the tissue box from the table next to her bed.
" Alright, it's my turn", Christian said firmly and moved in front of Sebastian.
Sebastian sighed heavily, " Fine". He stood up and handed the baby over to Christian who sat down in the rocking chair with him.
Sebastian went to Claire and sat down next to her hip, turning so that he could face her. He grabbed a tissue and dried her cheeks. She looked beautiful even though she just went through a 12 hour labor to push out a 7 lb baby. She gave him a watery smile. Sebastian loved his sister-in-law to death.
" You did great today, you made a beautiful baby", he said softly then kissed her forehead.
Claire burst into tears all over again and wrapped her arms around his neck. Sebastian hugged her back. " Thank you", she croaked.
After Claire collected herself, Sebastian turned to put his arm around Henry's shoulders, who was sitting next to him on the bed. They watched their youngest brother rock and coo to his nephew. Sebastian never thought that he'd want kids, but after today he didn't think he could go through the rest of his life without them. He still might not want a relationship but that didn't mean he couldn't have kids eventually.
" Uncle Bastian, can I sit with you?", came Ethan's voice from in front of him.
Sebastian looked down at the new big brother, " Sure buddy", Sebastian said, hoisting the nearly 4 year old onto his lap. Sebastian turned to Henry, " So, what
's his name gonna be?", he asked.
" Henry Michael Beck III", Henry smiled proudly.
Sebastian smiled and gave his brother's shoulder a squeeze, " I like it"
After everyone got a turn with the baby, he went back to Claire and everyone left so that she could feed him. Out in the hall, everyone milled around talking for a little while before they started to disperse. Sebastian was the only one left. He really didn't want to leave, he wanted to wait for Claire to be done so that he could hog the baby some more. This was the first baby he's ever held and he found that he was now addicted.
" Uncle Bastian?", Ethan asked, tugging on the hem of his t-shirt.
Sebastian looked down at his little buddy, who had grown so tall and was starting to look more and more like a little boy then a baby. " What's up?"
Henry (The Beck Brothers) Page 17
