Marco glanced toward Cullen, his movement measured and deliberate, before reaching for the crystal tumbler. "Appreciate it."
Their glasses met with a soft chime as both men settled into comfortable conversation, the amber liquid warming their throats.
Several minutes passed before Cullen's gaze lingered on Marco with newfound scrutiny. Marco's eyebrow arched in response. "Something on your mind?"
Nate leaned forward, inserting himself into the exchange. "You've been different all evening."
Cullen's mouth curved into a knowing smile, his silent agreement hanging in the air like smoke.
Marco maintained his composure, his voice carrying that familiar note of detachment. "Have I?"
Nate tilted his head, studying his friend's carefully neutral expression. "Sanctuary't you?"
Marco brought the glass to his lips, taking a measured sip while avoiding their probing stares.
Before the conversation could continue, another guest swept over to exchange pleasantries, effectively severing the thread of their discussion.
Once they were alone again, Marco's attention shifted to his watch. The worry that Cecelia might be getting hungry gnawed at him, and he prepared to seek her out when she appeared alongside Sabrina, both girls chattering excitedly.
"Uncle Marco, could I please have one of those miniature pastries from the dessert station?" Cecelia's finger pointed toward the elaborate spread of confections.
Given Cecelia's tendency toward food sensitivities, Marco had learned to be cautious about her dietary choices. "Stay right here while I select something safe for you."
"Of course," Cecelia responded with practiced obedience.
Sabrina, however, had inherited her father's self-reliant nature. Her hearty constitution allowed her the luxury of culinary freedom, and she confidently assembled her own plate before turning to Cullen. "Would you like me to bring you anything, Dad?"
Cullen's hand found her hair, his touch gentle and paternal. "I'm fine, sweetheart."
Both children settled nearby with their selections. Niall, having discovered something particularly delectable, extended her find toward Sabrina.
Sabrina accepted the offering with genuine delight. "That's so kind of you, Niall."
Cecelia studied Niall with the unfiltered curiosity that only children possess before addressing Sabrina directly. "Sa, isn't this beautiful lady your mommy?"
The innocent question struck the group like a thunderclap, rendering everyone motionless.
Sabrina's body went rigid before she managed a slight shake of her head. "No, she isn't."
Cecelia's voice dropped to a whisper, as if sensing dangerous territory. "Then you don't have a mommy like me?"
Another shake of Sabrina's head followed. "I do have a mother."
As the evening progressed, the yacht's crew distributed commemorative gifts, and Cecelia's eyes immediately locked onto a pair of crystal keychains that caught the light like captured starlight. With only two available, she claimed both without hesitation.
Sabrina's gaze lingered on the sparkling trinkets with obvious longing. Unable to contain her desire, she approached Cecelia tentatively. "Would you consider letting me have one? I'd love to present it to Niall as a gift."
Cecelia's grip tightened protectively around her prizes. "But I wanted to give one to my special friend too."
Her thoughts drifted to Veronica, and her face brightened with the memory. "Earlier today, Uncle Marco and my friend took me kite flying. We spent hours by the water catching fish, cycling through the park paths, and running after the most colorful butterflies. She has the most gorgeous face I've ever seen, and I just know this crystal keychain would make her eyes sparkle."
The adults had been engaged in their own conversations until Cecelia's innocent revelation commanded their complete attention. Niall, Nate, and Cullen all pivoted toward Marco with expressions ranging from curiosity to amusement.
Nate struck first, his voice dripping with mischief. "Well, well, Marco. Care to enlighten us about this mysterious development? Or perhaps I should ask if developments have already taken place?" Without allowing time for a response, he continued his assault. "When exactly did this romance begin? Why have we been kept in the dark about such fascinating news? Back me up here, Cullen."
Cullen's smile remained enigmatic as he chose silence, clearly anticipating Marco's response with keen interest.
Marco's features remained impassive, betraying nothing. "It was merely a coincidental encounter."
"Is that so?" Nate refused to accept such a simple explanation. A memory suddenly surfaced, and his eyes widened. "Wait, you shared a meal together as well? That certainly explains your surprisingly relaxed demeanor while managing a child solo. You had assistance all along!"
Marco offered no defense, allowing the silence to stretch between them like a taut wire.
Cullen's analytical gaze never wavered as he delivered his verdict with quiet certainty. "You're attracted to her."
Marco's composure cracked for just an instant, his mouth opening as if to form a protest, but ultimately, no denial emerged.
Niall's bright expression dimmed noticeably, her smile wavering like a candle in the wind.
"You've got to be kidding me. It's actually true?" Nate gasped, his earlier teasing transformed into genuine shock. He had been playing with fire, never expecting to uncover real flames. His questions tumbled out in rapid succession. "Who is this woman? Is she someone from our circle? When do we get to meet her properly?"