It’s not that any of us want to keep this a secret, it’s more that none of us wants to make her nervous or have her thinking about the fact we are all out here eating on the opening night of Somerville’s.The night she starts as head chef in her own restaurant.
“Hey, Leo,” Michelle says as she walks over.“You guys ready to order?”
I give a nod, as Jack tells Michelle which wines to bring to the table while I scan the menu quickly, even though I already know everything that’s on it and what I’m going to order for everyone.
We spend the next couple of hours enjoying the food, everyone gushing at how amazing everything looks and tastes and how great the menu that Hannah has put together is.I feel so unbelievably happy and proud of her and when we finally finish our desserts, I ask Michelle if she could please go and get Hannah for us.
I keep an eye on the kitchen doors, waiting for the moment when she walks through and the second she does, I stand from my chair.Hannah’s eyes widen when she sees me, her mouth falling open as her eyes scan the table, taking in Dylan and Tessa, her parents, Tommy and Penny, Will and Ellen, and of course Jack and Lauren.
Tipping my head, I watch as she slowly walks over to us.“What…what are you doing here?”she whispers as she stops in front of me.
Grinning, I reach over and curl my hand around the back of her neck, pulling her to me.“You really think I was going to miss this?”I ask, before kissing her right in the middle of the restaurant in front of everyone.“I’m so fucking proud of you, Han.Everything was beyond perfect.”
Hannah’s eyes shine with happiness as she looks up at me, taking in my words.I hold her close, kissing her again as Lauren also stands from her chair.
“Thank you, Hannah,” she says, smiling.“This is more than I could have ever hoped for.Everything was delicious and the whole restaurant is perfect.”
Jack stands too, his arm around his wife.“I agree,” he says, grinning.“Think you probably give this guy a run for his money, too,” he adds with a wink.“Although I cannot believe I didn’t have a hand in this part or that I didn’t win the pool.”He waves a finger between the two of us, making Hannah and I laugh.
“No, Jack,” I tell him, as I pull Hannah close and press a kiss to her temple.“This part is all us.”
He grins as he gives us both a thumbs up before he and Lauren sit back down.Everyone else offers their congratulations, Dylan and Tessa and her parents all coming over to give Hannah their congratulations and a hug.
“There’s someone else who’s impressed,” I whisper, my mouth at her ear as I finally turn her around to the two people sitting behind me.
The second Hannah sees my parents, her smile vanishes, her jaw dropping in genuine surprise.“Leo, shit,” she whispers, her arm around my waist squeezing tight.It’s not the first time she’s seen them again since the whole thing in my kitchen and then her going to talk to my dad.We’d all caught up for a meal in San Fran together a week ago.Something casual to help smooth the path to Hannah and my dad getting used to seeing each other again.It had gone well, and I know that both of them were relieved that after everything, they really were able to move past it.
Still, as much as I know she’s surprised by me being here in the restaurant tonight, seeing my dad here has truly knocked her on her ass.
Dad stands, making his way over to us, a warm smile on his face.“Hannah,” he says, reaching for her hand and holding it in both of his.“This meal, the food, all of it.It was exceptional,” he says, his gaze locked with hers.“Truly exceptional.”
I watch as her eyes fill with tears, as she bites down on her bottom lip.I know she’s completely overwhelmed right now and trying really hard not to cry, but I also know I would not trade this moment for anything.This is everything she needed to hear.
Pressing a soft kiss to her temple, I say, “You know he’s never said that about my cooking.Ever.”
My dad’s brows lift, as he smiles at Hannah and gives a quick nod.“He’s right, I haven’t,” he says with a wink.
Hannah lets out a laugh, shaking her head a little as she says, “Thank you, Roy.You have no idea how much that means to me.”
Dad squeezes her hand before letting it go.“You are an incredibly talented chef, Hannah.Somerville’s is lucky to have you,” he says, giving her another smile before moving back to his chair.
“Oh my god,” she whispers, as I pull her close and wrap my arms around her.“I cannot believe this just happened.”
“Believe it, babe,” I whisper, my mouth at her ear.“You are amazing and incredible and fuck I so want to take you home right now and show you just how much I mean that.”
Hannah laughs as she buries her face against my neck.“God, I love you so much,” she whispers.“And yes, I—”
A yelp cuts off her words, Hannah and I both pulling back and turning to the table.
“What, babe, what’s happened?”Dylan says as he reaches for Tessa, his eyes wide and a look of genuine concern on his face.
Tessa lets out a nervous laugh as she turns to him.“I think my water just broke.”
As the whole table erupts, I let out a chuckle, pressing another kiss to Hannah’s cheek.“Guess I’m not the only one whose food sends our friends into labor, huh?”
Chapter Thirty-Three
Hannah
