Page 116 of High Stakes
“I’m glad you’re here, Aiden.”
“I thought you’d send me packing,” I say with a small laugh, “It’s what I deserved.”
“We’re parents now,” she says, “Whatever we did or whatever happened, is in the past. Our future is all about him. We both have to grow up and be there as parents.”
“Together or apart?” I ask, risking another glance at her.
She runs her lower lip through her teeth, “One step at a time, Aiden. I’m emotional and full of hormones. I can’t trust my judgement right now.”
I give a nod. “I understand.”
“Do you plan on sticking around for a few days?”
“I’ll stay around as long as you need me to,” I say firmly. “I’ll call JP and have him and Raff run things.”
“I’d like . . . I mean, that’s great . . . for Braiden.” She stands, “I can show you his room?”
I nod, holding Braiden towards her to take. She laughs, “You can walk around with him.”
I wince. “I’m terrified I’ll drop him.”
She shakes her head, laughing again, “You won’t.” And she heads out the room.
Bella
I step from the shower and breathe a sigh of relief. The shock is finally starting to wear off that Aiden is here, in my home, holding our son. It took me a good ten minutes to convince him he’d be fine alone with Braiden whilst I took a quick shower.
I rub my hair, a thousand thoughts running through my head while I contemplate where we go from here. I can’t deny I wasn’t pleased when Aiden promised not to leave Braiden. The thought of him playing dad whenever it suits, is far from the life I want for our son. And ideally, I want to be a family. But deep down, I don’t know if I can ever trust him again after everything that’s happened.
When I return to my bedroom, Aiden is sitting on the bed, still clutching Braiden to his chest. He smiles, “He opened his eyes,” he whispers excitedly.
I grin, “Yeah, he tends to do that.”
“But he looked at me and didn’t cry. It’s like he knew.”
I smirk, “Maybe.” It’s at that point Braiden wakes again, this time squawking in that way I’ve come to love. “He’s hungry,” I add, reaching for him.
Aiden reluctantly hands him over. I know how he feels, it’s weird having someone to share him with.
I take a seat in the rocking chair by the window and loosen the top of my towel, uncovering one breast. Braidenroots around, his mouth frantic until he latches on. Aiden watches in amazement. “You’re breast feeding,” he says.
“Apparently, it’s best, but I think that’s a lie to make new mums feel bad. I’ve seen perfectly healthy babies on formula.” I sigh, “But it’s not as bad as I thought it would be and I’m actually quite enjoying it. But don’t tell Grant that.” The words tumble out and I instantly regret them, even though I have nothing to feel bad about, I just don’t want to ruin this moment of truce.
“Grant . . . the doctor?” Aiden asks. I give a nod. “And what’s his . . . role in your life?”
“He’s my friend,” I tell him. “A really good friend, but there’s nothing romantic between us.”
Aiden looks relieved. “Do you want there to be?”
I shake my head, laughing. “No. I thought I did, but as time’s past, I realise he’s almost like a brother to me. Besides,” I add with a shrug, “He’s seen way too much for him to be anything else.”
“What do you mean?”
I smile, “Grant delivered Braiden.” His eyes widen. “I know, shocking, right. I gave birth right on the kitchen floor.”
“Jesus, without pain relief?”
I nod, feeling proud. “He just came right out after a few pushes.”