Page 122 of High Stakes
He laughs, “No. I simply asked, and he practically bit my hand off. Apparently, he didn’t have a clue how to sell up and I offered well over the asking price.” We begin to walk slowly towards the village. “And because I’m still on probation, it’s all in your name.” He smirks, “Now, I know that doesn’t hold much weight given my past behaviour, but I have all the paperwork, all the legal stuff, and it’s completely yours. But, if I prove myself to you, I hope we can eventually own a place together.” I’m lost for words and when I look behind to see where Aria is, she’s nowhere to be found. “I sorted things with Aria,” he adds, noticing my confusion. “We’re all good.”
“I thought it was odd when she was so reasonable earlier. Usually when I mention you, she gives me an eyeroll.”
He laughs, “I’ve still got to prove myself to her, but these last few days, we’ve been working together, and I don’t want to tempt fate, but so far, I think I’m winning.” He stops, turning to face me and taking both my hands. “I know how much Aria means to you, so I know I have to show her how much I love youtoo.”
I bite my lower lip, trying to stop the smile that’s taking over my face. “You love me?”
He grins, “More than life itself.”
“Did you know that the owners of The Dog and Sheep are retiring?” He takes me gently by the shoulders and turns me so I’m facing the local.
“I did not know that,” I confirm, unable to stop the smile now. “But you seem to know so much about the locals.”
“We got chatting and I mentioned I run a very impressive bar myself.”
“And what did they say?”
He wraps his arms around me and rests his chin on my shoulder. “They said if I was to stick around, they’d be happy to take the asking price. They wanted to sell to someone they trust.”
I gasp again, turning in his arms. “Are you serious?”
“It’s an investment for Braiden, and a place I can hang out if you’ll let me stay.”
“You want to stay?” He nods and I cup his cheeks. “I’ve been wanting to ask for so long but I was scared you’d tell me you were leaving.”
“I love you, Bella. I fucked up so many times and I hate myself for letting you down time and time again. I’m sorry. Sofucking sorry. But, if you’ll have me, I’d like to make things up to you.”
“Aiden, you’ve been great since you came here. I don’t know how I’d have gotten by. But it’s not just your help with Braiden that’s been nice, but the fact we talk, and we watch movies together. I love the routine of our night feeds and how we sit and chat utter bollocks until he goes back to sleep.”
Relief washes over his expression. “Thank God, cos I feel the exact same. It kills me leaving your bedroom when he goes back to sleep. I just want to be with you all the time.”
“Me too,” I cry, laughing whilst my eyes glisten with happy tears.
He takes a breath, “Okay, so this next bit is going to either send you crazy with happiness or I’m gonna undo everything I just did.”
I brace myself as he takes my shoulders again, this time turning me towards the church where all of my friends are standing dressed nice and smiling back at me. I slam my hands over my mouth, “oh my god, what are they all doing here?” I whisper. I turn back to Aiden, to find him on one knee. My eyes widen. “Oh my god,” I repeat.
He smiles, opening a box and presenting me with a ring that glistens in the sun. “I know we’ve got a long way to go and me just saying the words isn’t enough. I hope thatin time, you’ll learn to trust me completely, because Bella, you’re it for me. Jake was right, we’re the perfect match. It took me too long to see that, and I don’t want to waste another second of our lives apart.” He takes a breath, and I dab away the tears that are slipping down my cheeks. “From changing dirty nappies, to sleepless nights, to walks in the village and watching you plant flowers. You’re it. I am in love with you Bella. And I would be honoured if you’d marry me.”
I nod, my hands shaking badly as I hold my left hand towards him. “Yes,” I whisper.
He grins, standing and wrapping me in his arms, spinning me round. “She said yes,” he yells and our friends whoop in delight. He steps back and places the diamond ring on my finger. “The church is booked,” he tells me, giving me an unsure look.
“For now?” I cry, my mouth falling open in shock.
He nods. “I didn’t want to risk you changing your mind.”
“We’re getting married . . . now?”
“If you’ll agree.”
“Weddings take months to plan, years even.”
Aria rushes over, “Stop overthinking,” she demands, turning me to her and straightening my hair. “Everyone is going inside, and Aiden is going to be at the altar,” sheglances at him, “Go.” He places a kiss on my head and rushes off. Aria turns back to me. “I took care of everything, and I think I’ve given you the perfect wedding. But you have to change. Josey has your actual dress in the pub,” she says, grabbing my hand and dragging me off.
“I’m so overwhelmed,” I mutter.
“You’re so in love,” she says over her shoulder. “So why wait.”