London Loves - Book 3 - Love's Great Adventure Series Read Free Page A

condo and not sublet it. If Tess or Sebastian had to travel back and forth for business, they would need a place to stay. The fact that Henry and Alice lived in the same building also gave them peace of mind that the property would be looked after.
    Sebastian spent the last morning in New Jersey sipping his coffee while staring out over the Hudson River. Tess walked up behind him and placed her arm around his waist. “What has you so deep in thought?” she asked.
    “I was just remembering the first time we stood in this spot and talked about our future. So much has happened in five years.”
    “Ready for the next step in our life together?”
    Sebastian looked down at his wife and smiled. “Yes, I’m excited. I’m also sad because I didn’t think I would become so attached to this place. I’m glad we’re keeping the condo. It will be comforting to know it’s here waiting for us to return.”
    “That’s very sentimental of you, Bas.”
    Just then Mattie came running into the room. “Is it time yet?” she asked with excitement, leaning up against Tess' leg.
    “Yes, today is the day,” Tess confirmed.
    “Yippee!” Mattie exclaimed, jumping up and down.
    “Come and get dressed. Uncle Henry and Aunt Alice will be here to take us to the airport soon,” Tess explained as they walked to Mattie’s bedroom.
    Sebastian smiled to himself—his two girls, giddy with excitement about their new adventure. He was happy he could give them this life, but even more happy that they were his family.
    There was a knock at the front door. “It’s open,” Sebastian called out as he washed his coffee mug in the sink.
    Henry and Alice entered the condo. “Good morning. All set to go?” Henry asked.
    “Just waiting on Mattie to get dressed.”
    Mattie came walking out of her bedroom, holding her teddy bear. She made a beeline for Henry, who scooped her up in his arms and gave her a hug. “I’m going to miss you,” he told the little girl.
    “You’ll just have to come and visit us, Uncle Henry.”
    “Yes, please say you’ll come and visit once we get settle in,” Tess agreed.
    “We’ve never been out of the country,” Alice revealed. “We can’t wait to come and visit.”
    “But when?” Mattie impatiently asked.
    “As soon as we get our passports, okay?” Henry explained.
    “Okay, let’s go!”
    “Henry, can you take Mattie to the car and give Tess and me a moment alone?” Sebastian inquired.
    Henry nodded while Alice grabbed Mattie’s carry-on. They left the condo, giving Tess and Sebastian some privacy.
    Sebastian walked over to Tess and took her in his arms. She looked up at him, her eyes brimming with excitement. He leaned in and kissed her. “I love you, Tess.” He grabbed the last carry-on bag and took her hand in his.
    “Thank you for doing this for us, Bas.”
    “Anything for my girls.”
    They locked up the condo and took the elevator to the garage, where Henry waited to drive them to the airport.
     
    Mattie was becoming an old pro at international travel at the ripe old age of four. Sebastian marveled at her resilience. She was completely unfazed by crowds, long queues of people, and changes in time zones. He was so proud of his little girl.
    They followed the same routine as three weeks earlier and took a cab into Kensington. They were staying with Penny again until Sebastian and Tess could get their flat unpacked and safe for Mattie.
    “Why can’t we live with Aunt Penny?” Mattie asked Sebastian in the cab.
    “Because, it’s not polite to be a permanent house guest.”
    “But she doesn’t work. She likes the company,” Mattie announced.
    “Oh, really, did she tell you that?”
    “Yes.”
    “But we have a wonderful flat with a nice garden you can play in. Not to mention, we’re near Regent’s Park and the zoo.”
    “I think Aunt Penny is lonely. We should find her a boyfriend,” Mattie thoughtfully added.
    Sebastian looked to Tess in exasperation. He had no clue how to stop