Page 120 of High Stakes

She shakes her head. “I can tell. Besties, remember.”

“And how do you feel about that?”

She scoffs, “What does it matter?”

“It matters,” I say firmly. “To me. To Bella.”

“I don’t think you’re good enough for her.” She’s blunt but it’s what I expected. “And I don’t know why she’s even giving you the time of day.” She takes a breath. “But it’s not up to me what Bella does. She told me how great you’ve been with Braiden.”

“He’s got me wrapped around his finger and he doesn’t even realise,” I say with a small smile.

“I thought you’d give up after a week,” she admits. “But you’ve proved me wrong so far.”

“And I will continue to. I want this, Aria. I want Bella and Braiden in my life. And I’ll take whatever she gives me. I can’t even begin to apologise for everything I’ve done. And if she gives me a chance, I’ll put it all right.”

“How?”

“I’m gonna marry her.”

Aria sits up, leaning closer. “Marry her?” she repeats.

“Tomorrow if she’d let me. I’m serious, Aria. I love her.”

Aria smiles. It’s the first genuine smile she’s offered me in a long time. “Then we have some plans to make.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

Bella

It’s Aria’s last day and I’ll be sad to see them both leave. But they’ve been here a week already and they have to get back to the businesses. I wish I could bring my London life to here, because I miss them so much.

“You have to look perfect,” Aria says, brining me back into the room.

“Huh?”

“For lunch today, you have to look perfect.”

I frown, “Why? I don’t think Bob and Sheila will care what I look like.” The local bar owners aren’t reallyfussy about attire when the place is always full with the farm lads.

“Because it’s my last day and I want it to be amazing.” She holds up a white summer dress and I narrow my eyes.

“It’s just the local.”

“Please,” she begs, “For me.”

I sigh. “Fine, whatever.”

“And I’m doing your makeup, no arguments.”

I groan dramatically. “I’ll stand out like a sore thumb.”

“When was the last time you bothered with makeup?” she asks.

I laugh, “I don’t even remember.”

“Exactly. Plus, I want some nice pictures of you, Aiden and the baby to take home.”

My frown deepens. “You want Aiden on the pictures?”