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“Aunt Libby,” he cries as I make my way over to them both, my dad following with the bags.
“Hey, little man,” Libby says, pulling out of Mum’s embrace and wiping her eyes.
“Are you sad?” Jacob asks her, and she comes toward him, brushing her hand against his cheek.
“No, sweetheart. I’m happy,” she assures him. He looks confused and I can’t help but chuckle.
“Aunt Libby’s just happy to see Nanny, Jacob. Like you.” He still looks confused but seems to accept my answer.
“Down, Daddy,” he shouts as he looks past me toward the stables. He toddles off in the direction of the stables and I chuckle as I follow him. I can see Aria in the exercise area and I’m guessing he’s spotted her too.
“Ria,” he shouts as he gets nearer. She looks up, her face breaking out into a smile when she sees him.
“Hey, Jacob,” she calls out, her eyes flicking past him to me. She pats the neck of the horse she’s working with and climbs over the fence that surrounds the exercise area. Jogging toward him, she scoops him up, tickling him. I smile as he giggles and flings his arms around her neck. My heart stutters as I watch them together. Jacob adores her, and I know Aria feels the same.
“Hi, baby,” I whisper as I come up alongside her, snaking my arm around her waist. I brush my lips against her head, and I feel her stiffen. “Is everything okay?”
“I’m nervous to meet your parents,” she says, turning to face me. “Did you tell them about us?” Worry is etched on her face, and I squeeze her hip.
“No. I wasn’t exactly sure what to say. I’m not sure I know myself what’s happening with us, but they will love you, Aria.” I want to tell her they’ll love her just like I do, but I can’t bring myself to say the words. These past few weeks together have been amazing, and the last thing I want to do is spook her by telling her how I feel. “Maybe tonight we can talk?”
“Okay,” she whispers, giving me a small smile.
“Jack,” my mum calls, and I turn to see her looking over at us.
“Come and meet them.” I slide my hand down to Aria’s, lacing her fingers with mine. She takes a deep breath and nods. Jacob’s on her hip, and we walk hand in hand back toward the ranch house. My mum’s eyes go from Jacob in Aria’s arms, to our joined hands.
“Mum, Dad, this is Aria. Aria, these are my parents, Emma and Phil.”
“Hi,” Dad says, raising his hand in a wave.
“Really nice to meet you, Aria,” my mom says, a wide smile on her face.
“You too, Mr. and Mrs. Davis.”
My mum waves her hand. “Call us Emma and Phil, sweetheart. It seems you’ve made quite an impression on someone,” she says, her eyes falling to Jacob, who’s dropped his head on Aria’s shoulder. Aria releases my hand and places it on Jacob’s back.
“I think it might be the other way around,” Aria chuckles, placing a kiss on his head. “He’s the most amazing little boy.”
“He is.” She smiles sadly. “He’s changed so much in the few weeks they’ve been here. We’ve missed him and Jack.”
“I bet,” she says quietly.
An awkward silence descends, and Aria drops her eyes to the floor.
“You’re here!” Aunt Claire cries from the top of the porch steps, and I breathe a silent sigh of relief that she’s unknowingly broken the building atmosphere.
“Claire!” my mum says, turning and rushing up the porch steps to embrace her.
“Let me help you with the bags, Dad,” I say, taking one of the suitcases from him.
“Thanks, son. Your mum insisted on bringing far too much stuff.”
“Are you okay with Jacob, babe?” I ask, turning to Aria. She nods and I take her hand again, following my dad up the porch steps. I dump the suitcase in the hallway and make my way into the kitchen where everyone is gathered.
“I should get back to work,” Aria mumbles from the side of me. “Let you all spend some time together.” She places Jacob on the floor, and he walks over to my dad, pulling on his trouser leg.
“Stay for a bit. I’m sure Claire won’t mind.” I go to wrap my arm around her, but she starts moving backwards.
