Husband With Benefits

Seb’s heart skipped a beat at the unexpected acknowledgment. He took a tentative step forward, and stood near her. She extended her hand and he quickly took it as he greeted," Mrs B. I’m here."

Mrs. Brown beckoned Seb closer, and he knelt down on the floor beside her bed. She looked at him with hopeful eyes, her voice barely above a whisper. "Why are you here, young master?"

Before Seb could respond, Olivia interjected, concern etched on her face. "Mom, you need to rest. You can talk later..."

Mrs. B weakly waved away her daughter and turned her attention back to Seb, her eyes pleading for an answer. Seb hesitated for a moment before speaking softly, "Olivia and I were together when she received the message about you. We came here together. How could I not have come to see my favourite old woman?"

A faint smile tugged at the older woman’s face as she held his hand tighter, "You’re still as incorrigible as ever, little Seb."

Seb smiled playfully, even as her nails dug into his palms, "And you are as beautiful as ever, Mrs B. Seeing you like this is breaking my heart."

Mrs. Brown chuckled softly, shaking her head at his words. "You’ve always been incorrigible," she teased, her tone fond as she remembered the young Seb. He’d always had a way with words. The naughtiest of all the little Frosts and one who always got out of trouble due to his glib tongue. He’d always been her favourite.

The light in her eyes waned as she thought of the way he had avoided talking to her for the last few years. She sent a glance at her Livi and then looked back at him with a solemn expression, she continued, "I’m glad you two have forgotten about the past and made up. You were always the best man for my Livi. If only..."

Realizing that her mother had mistaken Seb’s words and assumed that they were together now, Olivia stepped forward to correct her but Seb sent her a warning glance, making her fall silent.