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It’s just an apartment, and my bastard ex won’t be there.
Thank fuck!
Opening the car door, we slip out and head to the elevator. My heart pounds with every step, even though I know we’re not going up to that apartment. Every time we come here, I can’t help the memories that overwhelm me.
Holding Aiden’s hand tightly, we enter the elevator, riding it to Callie’s floor. We walk down the hall, and Killian opens the door after we knock.
“Hey, hey, big bro and sis-in-law. What’s new?”
“No news from us. Same ol’, same ol’,” Aiden chimes.
Walking in, we see everyone is already here, including Mike, who seems nervous for some reason. His eyes dart all around the room, and he keeps fussing over his shirt and pants.
Too tired to overthink whatever Mike is doing, I make way to the sofa to sit next to Callie.
“Hi, Jeni, darling, how are you?” Callie asks kindly.
“I’m good thanks. How are you?”
“Are you all right? You look like you’ve been crying? Aiden, what did you do?” she chides.
“No, no, he didn’t do anything. I had a busy day today and didn’t sleep well last night. Honestly, I’m just overly tired.”
“You poor thing,” Callie coos while patting my knee, then she gets up and leaves.
“Mom, how come we’re here?” Killian calls out to Callie, who’s in the kitchen with Mike.
“I’ll be there in just a second. Can everyone take a seat, please?” Callie asks.
Everyone’s expressions are a mixture of confusion and worry. As Callie and Mike re-enter the living room, we all turn to face them. Poor Mike looks like he wants to escape. He’s rubbing the back of his neck and hasn’t made eye contact with any of us. I’m excited on the inside because I think—and hope—I know what the news is.
Callie grabs Mike’s hand, and they round the sofa, stopping in front of us. Callie looks at Mike, who glances at us—his face is pale and sweaty. “I have some news I would like to share with you,” Callie starts. Mike turns paler, and his breathing is shallow. Callie squeezes his hand, and he smiles as they stand in front of us. “Mike and I are… seeing each other.” She glows with happiness.
Mike’s eyes shift to Aiden while he cautiously awaits his response. I jump with joy on the inside—I’ve been waiting for this for so damn long. “That’s wonderful news, Mom,” I chime, the first to speak and congratulate them. Standing, I wrap them both in a tight embrace.
Mike’s eyes are still diverted toward Aiden. He’s desperately seeking his blessing.
Brielle stands and hugs them both. “Welcome to the family officially, Mike.”
Mike’s posture is entirely rigid as he watches Aiden—waiting.
While Killian and Daniel congratulate them, Aiden’s blank face is driving me crazy—he’s not giving anything away—and I’m not sure if he’s happy or angry.
Callie glares at Aiden, who eventually stands and walks over to them.
“Mike, I’ve spent all of my life with you in it. I trust you with everything, but I never thought for one moment that you’d end up with my mother.” Aiden is void of any type of emotion. “I’ve always had the utmost respect for you.” His face finally turns into the brightest of smiles. “So welcome to the family, officially.” He chuckles. “Oh, and I think you’d better start calling me Aiden.” He places out his hand to shake.
I smile at my fiancé, so utterly proud of him right now. Mike smiles widely, then pulls Aiden in for an embrace. The look of undeniable relief on Mike’s face is something that warms my heart.
“If you hurt her, I’ll fire you, then punch you in the face. Understand?” Aiden murmurs into Mike’s ear jokingly.
“Aiden!” Callie berates.
“Sorry. Mike, look after her. She deserves someone special in her life. If I could choose who my mom dates, it would definitely be you.” Aiden’s honesty is heartfelt as he lets Mike go. Mike shoulders relax with nothing but pure joy on his face. “Congratulations, Mom,” Aiden says, hugging his mother.
“Now, I prefer it if you would please refrain from talking to your father about this. I think it’s only fair that he should hear it directly from me,” she asks.
Mike raises Callie’s hand and kisses it tenderly as Aiden wraps his arm around my shoulders again, kissing me atop my head.
