As they drive away from the cottage that evening on their way to visit the wedding venue, Jason wishes that Vanya sat beside him. Instead, Anna takes the middle spot on the backseat, leaning forwards often to speak with Chantel about plans for her wedding. It makes it hard to keep Vanya in view.

He’s strangely quiet—has been all afternoon. Even now, as Chantel describes the country house hotel that will be the wedding venue, he’s disengaged and silent.

It’s so far away from his version of normal that Jason can’t ignore it. Not when the window Vanya stares through reflects glimpses of unhappiness. It might be dark as they travel down unlit country lanes, but the sky above is as clouded as Vanya’s expression. He’s definitely wrapped up in thought the next time Anna leans forward. He jolts when Jason touches his shoulder.

“Sorry,” Vanya quickly recovers, but his smile is half the size of normal. “What did you say?”

“Nothing yet,” Jason admits. “I….” His question seem juvenile now that he’s about to voice it. “I wondered what you were thinking.” He hurries to add, “You’ve barely said a word in the last hour. All afternoon, to be honest.” Even when they’d changed for dinner, Vanya had been largely silent, only making direct eye contact for fleeting moments when straightening Jason’s tie before leaving. “What’s up with you?”

“Up?”

“What’s on your mind? Is something bothering you?”

“No,” Vanya couldn’t shake his head much faster. He’s still quiet, but at least he sounds sure. “Nothing is up.” It’s strange to watch Vanya pull himself together. He takes a deep breath as the car enters a sweeping driveway leading to a long, low country house that’s gorgeous. “Oh.” Fairy lights glitter from each tree they pass on their way to the entrance, and garlands grace its substantial doorway. “My sister would think this is prettiest hotel.” His next small smile is wistful.

That’s got to be it, Jason decides as they make their way in.

Vanya must be missing his family.

Jason stands back when they enter a hallway that combines grandeur with rustic charm, watching as Vanya takes it all in. Just like during his first visit to Riversmeet, he’s captivated, eyes widening and unable to resist touching the history that surrounds him. Jason murmurs, “Think this is a good place for the wedding?”

Vanya doesn’t verbally answer. He only nods quickly again while following the others into a room designed for wedding services. Candles illuminate a perfect spot to exchange vows in front of friends and family. Chantel stands at the foot of an aisle leading to the raised platform where she’ll marry Andrew, her hand flying to her mouth when a voice comes from behind her.

“We should have a trial run.” Her father’s eyes are fixed on his daughter. “Don’t want your old man to mess up on your big day, do you?” He wets his lips like he’s nervous. “That is, if you still want me to give you away.”

“Dad.”

When Chantel runs to him, Jason turns away like the others, giving them a private moment, then his gaze drops to his hand when Vanya’s fingers curl around it. His grip is warm and perfect, as is his tone, which has lost its edge of reserve.

“I’m think you told him to come.”

“Yes.”

“Was good idea. Best.”

Jason has to agree as their tour turns into an impromptu rehearsal. Chantel smiles from start to finish when her father walks her up to her groom. And if Keith is slow to place her hand in Andrew’s, no one draws attention to it.

Trust takes time and practice, Jason knows, but it’s worth persevering.

It’s a good end to a day that’s been very busy. Sharing a meal afterwards in the hotel restaurant, with the closest people Jason has to family, is even sweeter when Vanya slowly relaxes. He only fades out of the conversation a few times, but willingly re-enters whenever asked a direct question.

“Hold it there for a moment,” Jason says when the meal is over and the others go to retrieve their coats. “I’ve got something to show you.” He ushers Vanya to the staircase. “It’s up here.”

“But….” Vanya looks over his shoulder as they ascend. “Everyone leaves.”

“Yes,” Jason says as he encourages Vanya upward. “We’ll see them tomorrow,” he adds as he opens a door at the top of the staircase.

“Oh.” Vanya’s voice fades as he enters a room where an enormous bed is surrounded by tapestry curtains. “What is this?” he asks.

“The bed? It’s called a four-poster.” Jason closes the door behind them.

“No. I’m mean what is this.” Vanya points at their bags, packed without his knowing. He’s quieter still when he asks, “What is this?” again, unsteady, like he’s unsure he wants an answer.

“I saw this room when Andrew sent me a link to the website a few weeks ago. I thought….” Jason inclines his head at the wooden beams that cross its walls and ceiling. “It’s not the bridal suite, but I thought you might like it, so I booked it. It worked out perfectly, I think. This way, Anna gets to stay over at Riversmeet in our room before shopping with Chantel tomorrow, while we get to have a lie in here before heading back to London.”

“Have everything planned.”

“Yes. For you. Do you like it?” It seems crucial at that moment to know what Vanya’s thinking. “I guessed you would. I know everything in Russia is better—”

“Best,” Vanya faintly corrects him.

“Okay. I know everything in Russia is best, so this might not seem all that special, but….” He drops a quick kiss to his lips. “It’s the best hotel in the whole county. That’s why Andrew chose it for Chantel.”

“A statement.” Vanya seems strangely solemn. “Telling her she is important.”

“Yes.” It really is that simple. “That’s why I booked this room for you.”

They stand in silence for a minute that Jason hesitates before breaking.

“Come and see,” he finally says after pushing open another door leading to a bathroom. “I know you have a thing about hot water, so I asked for the biggest bathtub they had.”

Relief flows when Vanya’s smile returns. “This is for me?” It’s ridiculous that he voices the question, even sillier when he adds, “For all night?”

“Pretty sure they don’t rent rooms out by the hour.” Water cascades into the tub. “You can soak in here for as long as you want.”

Vanya’s quiet words are almost drowned out by the gushing water. “I’m don’t deserve.”

It’s a trick of the light, Jason decides as the mirror starts to steam up.

There’s no reason on earth for Vanya to look guilty.