Page 118 of High Stakes
I take control of the pushchair whilst Bella pops into the bakery to get freshly made bread, it’s becoming our morning routine. A walk. Fresh produce. Breakfast in the garden.
“Well, well, well, that’s a sight I never thought I’d see in this lifetime.” I turn to the sound of JP’s voice, smiling ashe approaches with Aria by his side. We shake hands and when I turn to Aria she scowls. “Don’t even think about touching me.”
I smirk. “Still as prickly I see.”
Bella rushes from the shop. “Oh my god, what are you guys doing here?” she cries, wrapping each one in her arms in greeting.
“We thought we’d come and visit before this one turned into a teenager,” Aria jokes, peering into the pushchair. “Oh, Bella, he’s gorgeous.”
Bella smiles proudly, “I know. I make the cutest kids.” I clear my throat, and she laughs, “With your help of course.”
“You’re just in time for brunch,” I announce, turning the pushchair around. “I’m about to cook my famous poached eggs.”
I feel JP fall into step beside me, “Famous cos you killed someone from food poisoning?”
I grin. “I don’t know why everyone thinks I can’t cook.”
“You’re looking good, brother. Really good,” he says, glancing at me. “Time away is doing you good.”
I nod in agreement. “I feel good, JP. This place . . . it’s exactly what I need.”
“We had bets you’d be home within a week,” he says, smirking. “But here you are, almost a month later. Are you ever coming home?”
I shrug. “Home,” I repeat. “I don’t even know where that is anymore.”
“Serious?” he asks, staring at me through wide eyes.
“Home is where she is, JP. I don’t know if I can be away from either of them now, and she won’t move back to London. I mean, look at this place, why would she?” He grins wide and I narrow my eyes, “What?” I ask.
“It’s what Jake wanted all along, isn’t it. You and Bella together.”
“That bastard always knew what I needed, more than I ever did.”
“And does Bella feel the same?”
My smile fades. “I don’t know. We haven’t talked about it.”
“You’ve been here a month, man, and you’re telling me you’ve not even spoke about the future?”
“We sort of broached it when I first got here, and we agreed it was too soon to talk that deep when we were both emotional and riding high on the fact we just had a kid. Since then, there’s not been a right time.”
“Aiden, you have to talk to her. If she’s not on the same page, then what?”
“How can I expect her to forgive me for everything?” I ask. The thought’s been playing on my mind way too much and I still don’t have the right answers. We’ve fallen into a nice routine of being Braiden’s parents, but there’s been no hint of anything else.
“What are you two talking about?” Bella calls from behind. I stop, waiting for her and Aria to catch up. “It looks serious,” she adds.
I smile, “Nothing important,” I lie. “Just business talk.”
Her smile falters and she gives a slight nod. “Have you come to drag him home?” she asks JP.
He laughs. “Since when has anyone been able to make Aiden do anything he doesn’t want to do?”
Her eyes find mine again. “You don’t want to go home?” I detect a note of hope in her voice, and I take my chance, slipping my hand in hers.
“I am home, Bella. I told you; I’ll be wherever you and Braiden are.”
“Jesus, pass me a bucket,” mutters Aria. Bella shoots her a glare and we walk the rest of the way home in silence.