The gardens had bloomed overnight.
At least, that's how it looked to Lucas. Spring in the capital had always been dramatic, but this year it felt particularly indulgent, like the land itself had finally taken a breath after holding tension in its lungs all winter. Pale petals drifted across the trimmed walkways like lazy confetti, and the hedgerows were thick with green, casting soft shadows across the stone bench where Lucas sat beside Trevor.
They had to move to the capital for the gala of Lucas's birthday and decided to stay a few more months, as everyone was happy to see Sebastian and the couple coming back to the social life.
Sebastian was asleep in his pram, one hand curled like a question mark near his cheek.
"I keep thinking about them," Lucas said suddenly, eyes tracking a bee too ambitious for its own good. "Dax and Chris."
Trevor made a low noise of acknowledgment. "Now, do you?"
