Page 91 of Grounding the Baker
Austin had lost the person he thought he’d be with for the rest of his life, but he’d also had to think of the child they’d shared when Ellie died. He wasn’t here as Liam’s boyfriend; he was here as another father. Martin needed to understand the impact of what he’d done, even if it was from a place of love. Austin would have to be careful, though, as the man was grieving as well, but he couldn’t just sit back and do nothing when the man he loved was in so much pain. He had an overwhelming instinct to protect Liam. That he’d come to Austin’s house because he felt safe there just cemented the love they felt for each other.
“I wanted to talk to you, Martin.”
“Is it about Liam?”
“In a way. I wanted to talk to you as one father to another.”
He looked a bit surprised, but stood back, opening the door for him to enter.
“Do you want tea or coffee?”
“Tea works for me. White with two. Thanks.”
“A sweet tooth like Liam.” He smiled.
Austin returned the smile, but it must have been obvious it wasn’t genuine as Martin frowned before disappearing into the kitchen. This house was more traditional than his own, in that each room had a dedicated space. Nothing was opened up like it was in Austin’s cottage. He used to love this style, the way his parents had had it, each room with its own identity, but once he had his own family, he preferred the open space, so they could all be together, even if they were doing their own thing.
He’d been in the house before when they’d had dinner with Martin, or were just visiting. Martin had also looked after Maisie a few times. Austin had never looked at all the photos on the wall, though, which were mainly of Liam at different ages. It was clear he’d been raised in a loving home and never had to hide who he was. Austin was grateful to have had the same upbringing as well. He knew others weren’t so lucky. Well,luckywas the wrong word, because it should be a given that your parents supported you unconditionally. He couldn’t think of a single thing Maisie could do that would stop him from loving her.
“He was a cute kid, wasn’t he?” said Martin, holding their tea.
“Still cute now.”
Martin smiled. “I’ve been trying to work out why you’re here, Austin. I’m guessing it’s something to do with the conversation I had with Liam yesterday?”
“Yes, it is. Shall we sit down?”
Martin nodded, looking sombre. How should Austin play this? Did he need to be blunt or gentle? He didn’t know Martin all that well. He’d never been present at the bakery like Sylvie, and he was definitely the quieter one in his marriage.
“Just give it to me straight, Austin. If my son’s upset, I want to know why.”
That answered his question. “It was a lot that you dumped on him yesterday. The bakery was one thing, and I agree with that. It’s something he always wanted to do, and this way he can make it his own and not feel like he has to live someone else’s dream.”
“Was it too soon? I just thought when we were settling the estate, it made sense to do it now. Plus, if I live for the next seven years, he won’t get hit for inheritance tax. That’s what the lawyer advised, anyway.”
“Part of me thinks you should have talked to him about it first, but knowing Liam, he would have tried to talk you out of it. And he still might. The paperwork isn’t done yet. But that’s not the issue. You’re going off for three months when Sylvie hasn’t even been gone a year. Liam moved back here to support you, Martin. He gave up his career and a huge salary. He barely slept the first three months of the year, trying to juggle everything. And what did you do?”
Martin put his head in his hands. “I let him get on with it, whilst I sat in this chair rotting.”
“Hey, Martin. Look at me.”
Martin looked up. His eyes were wet, but he was holding himself together.
“Nobody is criticising you for grieving the way you did. Anyone who saw you and Sylvie together would know how much this was going to hurt, and Liam stepped upand kept everything ticking along. He parked his own grief, and now it’s just hit him. And you announcing you’re going away for three months was probably the catalyst.”
“I haven’t booked anything.”
“I know, and I don’t think it’s about you going away. It’s more the timing.”
“I only suggested August because then I’d be back for Christmas and we’d still be here for her birthday. I wanted to be here for him for all the firsts.”
“How many Heartwood festivals are there between August and November, Martin?”
He thought for a second, and Austin saw him counting on his fingers.
“Three,” he said, still looking confused.
“And who booked all the festival slots this year?”
