Robin turned to Juliette and stood speechless for a few seconds, contemplating little Rowan while Juliette contemplated him. At that moment, the rest of the people in the room seemed to disappear for them.
"Hey", she said in a fainted voice.
"Hey", he answered, just as nervous as her.
Juliette examined him. Something about him was different, maybe his hair, which was shorter now. Anyway, she found him even more attractive than before. And he smelled so good. The whole living room was indeed filled with the scent of his cologne. How longer could she resist?
"Is he...?" Robin asked.
"Yes. He's Rowan, your son", she answered before he could finish the question.
The answer was obvious, but even so Robin couldn't hide his astonishment. His eyes went from the child to Juliette again.
"Oh my God, he's..."
"A copy of you, yes", she answered smiling.
"I'd say he's a copy of you. C-can I?"
"Of course".
Robin held Rowan in his arms and, after looking at him largely, he started playing and talking to him. Dustin, behind him, pretended to read to take a breather. Robin may not have known it, but the atmosphere had turned kind of tense.
"Rowan, this is Robin, your Dad, say hi to him", Juliette ordered. Rowan didn't answer but he leaned against Robin's shoulder. It looked like he felt safe with him.
"I think he likes you", Juliette said.
"Thank goodness. Sadly, we can't say the same of your mother".
"Don't take her to heart, she just does what she thinks her duty".
"Well, I'll prove her I'm worthy of you, and that I'm the best father Rowan will ever have".
"Rob, please, don't make promises you can't keep, okay?"
Dylan and Karen came near again; Juliette took Rowan and stepped aside.
"Robin", Dylan said, "I was glad to see you again, we still have a lot to catch up with, but it's a little late and we really have to leave. I hope we can get together again soon".
"Thanks, Captain Shen, I hope so too".
"I was glad to meet you too, Robin, believe it or not", Karen added.
"So was I, doctor Shen".
"I know you and my daughter have a lot to talk about. I seriously hope you consider 'fixing' all this. If you know what I mean".
"Er, Karen..." Dylan muttered.
"Mom", Juliette protested almost at the same time.
"Like I said, I'll do my best to make up for Juliette and our son", Robin finally answered.
"Good. That's what everyone of us here expects from you".
"Well", Dustin said, making his way to the group, "It's time to say goodbye".
"Your father and I say goodbye, you stay here and look after your sister".
"For goodness sake, mom, stop", Juliette asked.
"Jul doesn't need my care, mom", Dustin answered.
"What about Rowan? He might need something during the night".
"Rowan doesn't need me here anymore, he has his father now".
"I know, but maybe..."
Dustin pulled her mother aside to talk to her privately.
"Mom, leave them alone, okay? They're adult people now, they had a child for heavens sake!"
"..."
Dustin softened his tone.
"Look, mom. I'm sorry but the party is over. I did my part, I have nothing else to do here so I am leaving too, period".
"Okay, but are you sure Jul is going to be alright? I mean, she'll be alone with Robin, he's a married man, and..."
"And Juliette is a grown up woman, she'll take her own decisions and will do as she sees fit. You wanted her to reconcile with him, didn't you? Well this is her opportunity to do so, let's not blow it".
"I never said I wanted her to 'reconcile' with him. I said I wanted him to marry her. And that is no longer possible".
"Yeah, you're right", Dustin sighed.
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