“I tried to warn you. Aiden has always been the only normal one. His wife is really nice too. They just can’t do any more with the rest of my family than I can. Sometimes I think he just stayed in Portland to support me, then I up and left.”
“Did Sienna give you any problems? She is usually interested in anyone that she thinks can further her career. Her eyes lit up when you said you played professional soccer.” She grins over at me as I debate how much to tell her. I don’t want her to think I’m in any way encouraging Sienna’s behavior.
“I’ve had tae fight off her type before. I dinnae doubt that I'll have tae dae it again.” She tilts her head to the side, narrowing her eyes at me. I grin at her. “Dinnae look at me like that. I’ve already had tae fight yer sister from rubbing me off all night. If ye keep looking at me with that look, I will have tae pull this car over tae drag ye onto my lap.”
She laughs before settling back into her seat. I like the sound of her finally relaxing. “I'll tell ye whit. Why dinnae ye take a hot bath when we get home while I make us some coffee?”
“I have a better idea,” she says, eyeing me from the passenger seat. “Why don’t you join me?” I have to remind myself that I don’t really want to pay a speeding ticket on the way home.
The next morning we meet her brother for lunch. “I’ve missed you A.” Claire laughs as Aiden swings her around in a bear hug. We met Aiden at a local burger place before heading over to campus.
“I’ve missed you C,” he responds before setting her down.
“We’ve always called Sienna B for obvious reasons,” she says to me. I smile at her before shaking Aiden’s hand. We join him at the table and place our orders. “How have you been, how are the babies?” She peppers Aiden with questions excitedly.
“Everyone is fine. It’s always the same. Seems like you are the one with all the excitement. Why didn’t you tell me you were involved with someone? I understand not telling Mother or Sienna but this is me, Claire.” He narrows his eyes at me. “Why the secrecy?”
“There’s more,” Claire says, reaching for my hand. “Remember last night when Mother asked what Alex does for a living?” Aiden nods his head. “Alex is actually Xander Ross.”
“Xander Ross that just got bought out by Manchester City? How would you know Xander Ross?” He looks at Claire with concern. “Are you sure about this, Claire? Soccer players are not known for having the most stellar reputations.”
When I start to voice my protest, he holds up his hand. “You understand my concern. The only thing that matters is my sister.” I would be angry about some guy I barely knew questioning my reputation, but I’m more impressed that there is at least one person in her family that is concerned for her.
“I understand yer concern,” I tell him. “I have nothing but respect for yer sister. Ask me anything ye want, I’ll answer any question ye ask me.” He sizes me up before turning to his sister.
“Are you moving with him to England?” he asks her without taking his eyes off me.
“Yes,” she says quietly.
“When?”
“We leave in a little over a week,” she says.
“Really? So, were you going to tell me before you moved to a foreign country with a man none of us knew anything about? Claire, what are you thinking?” He glares at me then swings to look at her.
Claire squeezes my hand. With a deep breath, she begins, “Aiden, I love you. I love that you are worried about me. But I’m not some kid you need to protect anymore. I’m in love with Alex, so I’m moving with him to England. You can come over to check on me, we can talk every day on the phone, but I’ve made up my mind.” She looks at him with determination. It’s the Claire I know is inside her, the one who can conquer anything.
“Then I guess I’ve got about twenty-four hours to grill your new boyfriend. Shall we begin?” he asks, turning to me.
“Whenever ye’re ready,” I answer. I field some impressive questions from him throughout lunch. It continues when we meet up again on campus. He finally grows quiet when Claire’s friends start to arrive. Most of them already know Aiden and greet him warmly. Sienna tries to talk her way into sitting next to me, but Lily refuses to allow it.
“Thank ye,” I whisper.
“She once felt Colin up at dinner,” she whispers with a wink. “He’s still traumatized. Figured it’s the least I can do.” With a smile at Lily, I suddenly realize that somewhere along the way Claire’s friends became my friends. “Notice I sat her next to Grayson. This should be fun to witness. He’s due a turn with her anyway.”
“I noticed ye dinnae let Matt sit anywhere near her,” I point out.
“Do you really think I’m that crazy? He would probably self-combust.”
I watch with rapt attention as Claire approaches the stage. Everyone stands as she receives her degree, even her mother and sister join in, though I think Sienna does it just so she can rub against Grayson. I laugh, looking over at Lily who gives me a knowing smile. When we make it to where the graduate students are, Claire runs at me, jumping into my arms.
“I’m so proud of ye,” I say into her ear as I hold her to me.
“Hey, boyfriend, let the rest of us get in here.” I turn loose of her as Aiden sweeps her into a hug. She makes the rounds of her friends before getting an obligatory hug from her mother. Her stepfather, at least, seems genuinely excited for her. Since we already have plans to meet back up for dinner to celebrate tonight, we quickly make our way to the parking lot.
“I think I’ll go back with you to visit for a while.” Aiden gives the rental car keys to his stepfather before climbing into the back seat of my car. Aiden and I seem to finally reach a comfortable truce, visiting while Claire lays down for a nap.
Dinner goes well with help from her friends keeping her sister away from me. She hugs her family goodbye while I only get one last breast-crushing rub from her sister before finally getting to head home.
