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Aiden finishes his coffee, and stands, kissing my forehead. “See you in a bit,” he whispers.
To my Dad I say, “Don’t scare him off, I’d like to keep him.”
Dad gives me a droll look, and I snicker. I know what he’s doing. He hasn’t had the opportunity to get to know Aiden in person, and considering my past, he’s probably going to interrogate Aiden to hell and back. And I’m positive Aiden won’t even break a sweat. I have that much faith in my man. While they’re out, I have a quick shower to warm up and wash away the travel grime that comes with being on a plane. By the time I make my way downstairs, I find Mom in the living room, flipping through some bridal magazines. I flop down onto the sofa beside her. Interesting that she just had those laying around.
“Have you had some time to think about what you want?” Mom asks pointing to a Tommei dress in the magazine.
“We haven’t agreed on a date yet,” I admit. “But definitely Spring. And something small and intimate. I thought you and I could look at some dresses while I’m here.”
“I can make an appointment at Allegria in Belmont,” Mom replies. “And I’ll pay for your gown.”
I place my hand on hers. “You don’t have to, Mom. Aiden and I can afford a small wedding. You and Daddy already paid for my first wedding.” Mom’s eyes close over, and she pulls a face. “I had no say inthatfiasco, Luna, but we’d still like to help you and Aiden.” I open my mouth to protest but when she gives methelook, I snap my mouth closed. Arguing with Mom is pointless, if she wants to make a contribution to mine and Aiden’s wedding, I’m not going to be rude and decline. The front door opens, and Dad walks in, followed by Aiden, their arms laden with plastic bags from our favorite Italian restaurant.
“Dinner’s here,” Dad calls over his shoulder. “Kitchen or living room, Addy?”
Mom replies, “Kitchen, babe. We’ll be there now.”
I hear my dad’s muffled voice, followed by Aiden’s and then the tell-tale sign of claws on hardwood. My dad’s massive Black and Tan Doberman, Luther, comes trotting in from the back patio. He sees me, and his tail starts wagging. “Hi, boy!” I rub his ears, and give his back a scratch, laughing when he tries to lick my face. Aiden appears in the walkway between the kitchen and the living room, and if smelling someone new, Luther’s ears perk up, and he turns his head. He stares at Aiden and starts to growl. “Luther, no!” My command is too late, Luther stands between me and Aiden like he’s trying to protect me. He bares his teeth, and unlike Brantley, who was terrified of him, Aiden crouches down, bringing himself to eye-level. He stretches out his hand, and Luther gingerly approaches, sniffing Aiden’s hand. When he ascertains Aiden isn’t in fact a threat to me, he licks his hand, and allows Aiden to pet him.
“Well, that’s new,” Mom pipes up, standing from the sofa. “He doesn’t easily take a liking to strangers.”
I’m tempted to say it was just my ex he didn’t like, but I’d rather not bring him up in conversation. Not when everyone has been getting along so well. It’ll put an unnecessary damper on everything.
Dad snaps his fingers. “Luther, yield.”
Luther sits, and Dad grabs a treat from the kitchen before taking a quick step out to feed him.
I grin at Aiden, and with a teasing little to my voice, I say, “You passed the test. You can marry me now.”
Mom snickers on her way to the kitchen, and I follow. Aiden stands and wraps his arms around my waist. “I didn’t realize the dog’s opinion mattered so much.” I rest my hand on his chest and smile up at him. “In this house, it does. He’s Dad’s shadow, and very protective.”
“Good to know.” Aiden kisses me on the nose just as Mom calls from the kitchen, “C'mon you love birds, food’s getting cold.” We all take a seat at the kitchen counter, and when Dad comes back, Mom starts asking us questions about the wedding, not bringing up the discussion we had about the gown, and the kind of financial contribution my parents want to make to the big day.
“Do you want to hire a wedding planner?” Mom asks after taking a bite of her lasagna.
I snort and wipe my mouth. “The wedding planner in Tallulah Falls has the biggest crush on Aiden, so I nixed that idea pretty fast.” Aiden playfully rolls his eyes, and says, “She does not, babe.” He shakes his head, and Mom laughs. “That’s a problem.”
“Tell me about it,” I mutter. “The joys of snagging the most eligible bachelor in town.”
Beside me, Aiden shakes his head, and Dad chuckles. “Did your mom tell you we’d like to help?”
“She did, and as much as I—”
“I’m not taking no for an answer, Luna,” Dad says, cutting me off. “Aiden and I discussed it in the car, and it's settled.”
I look at Aiden, and he shrugs. “They’re your parents,” he says quietly. “If they want to help, let them, babe.”
I let out a heavy breath. “Thank you, Daddy. I was telling Mom we don’t want anything big.” Dad and I exchange a look, and I know he’s thinking about the circus my first wedding turned out to be, and the house of horrors my marriage became afterwards. “Close friends and family,” I continue. “Preferably in Tallulah Falls. I thought you and Aiden could look at some tuxedos while we’re here, and Mom and I will look at dresses.”
I take another bite of my food, chewing thoughtfully. The dinner is really pleasant. I love how Aiden and my parents are getting along.
“We can do that,” Dad replies, finishing his pasta. “I was also going to suggest we take Aiden shopping for a Christmas tree. Really welcome him into the fold.”
“Oh,” I sit up and clap my hands, earning a side-eye from Aiden. “That sounds like fun! They don’t have Christmas tree farms in Tallulah, and you know how much I love picking trees.” I turn to face Aiden. “Family tradition. Dad and I pick a tree every year, and Mom and I decorate it.” Aiden sits back, resting his hand on my back. ’Sounds like fun. Count me in.”
So far meeting my parents has gone better than I expected. I was anxious about them meeting Aiden, but I should have known he’d win them over. I expected my parents to be wary, I guess, and they’re not. They’re completely at ease with him, and him with them.
It’s rather late when we’re done with dinner. We arrived in the early evening, and between catching up with my parents, having dinner, and talking a bit more about our lives in Tallulah Falls, I’m struggling to keep my yawning in check. Mom and Dad both retire to their room, but not before Mom hands Aiden and I each a cup of hot cocoa before bed. She cups my cheeks. “Sweet dreams, baby. I love you. I'm so happy you are home.”
