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I could tell Mom was happy I was putting in the effort to really get to know Mike, and even though I thought I knew everything, I really didn’t. I asked about my grandparents, and he told me about the tragic fire that took them. He also told me all about how he built a crib for me when I was a baby, and that he learned his woodworking skills from his father, who was a carpenter. Mike even offered to show me some of his carpentry when we got back home.
While the trip to the lake was successful and definitely eased the tension, it wasn’t until we got home that we truly bonded.
Mike shared his passion of woodworking. All I’ve ever known is finance and business. Using my hands has never been a skill I thought I could master. With his help, I made a miniature baseball bat for Brody who seemed just as interested as I was. Mike’s a good teacher, and you can definitely see his love for all things wood and sharing it with us. I got to see a new side of him. Spending some quality time with Mike is exactly what I needed to see him as not just my longtime friend, but as a part of my family. Jeni’s happy to see me relaxing and spending time with Mike and Brody—three generations forging a strong bond. I never thought I would see the day.
It’s a couple of days before Mom and Mike’s weddi
ng, and this place is a madhouse. Things are being delivered pretty much all day, every day.
Sarah and Chris are staying with us until the wedding, so everything can be organized from here. Mom and Mike are getting married here, and Mike is surprising Callie with the reception, holding it in the barn, which I know Mom will love.
Chris and I had a long chat, and I apologized as I should. It’s something I’ve felt bad about ever since. He, of course, being the great guy he is, forgave me instantly. He knew I was stressed and lashing out at the people I care the most about, but that was no excuse. He understood, and things are now even better between us.
The house is full, and even though I have no time to relax, it’s great having everyone here together as a family.
Logan, Killian, Daniel, Chris, and I are out back cooking our dinner on the barbecue when Logan looks at me strangely. He’s been quiet all night. Well, Logan is always quiet, but tonight he’s notably silent.
“What’s been going on with you, Logan?” I ask while turning the steaks on the grill.
He looks at me and exhales quite dramatically. “Okay, well, here goes… Aiden, can I ask you something?”
“Sure, what’s up?”
Logan takes a long drink of his beer and then looks around to see who’s listening. He takes my arm and leads me around the side where no one can hear. Got to admit, I’m a little concerned at this point, and I’m starting to think it has something to do with Brielle. He’s nervous as fuck, and I’m not liking the vibe emanating from him at all. If he tells me he’s breaking up with her, I’m going to snap his neck.
“Bree and I have been together a long time now, and seeing as Niall isn’t here anymore, I figure you’re the right person to ask.” Logan looks over his shoulder to make sure no one overhears.
Pushing my eyebrows together, I look at him confused. “Logan, what do you need to ask?”
He inhales sharply and pulls something out of his pocket. It’s a ring box, and I instantly break out into a massive smile. “I know you love me, dude, but I’m a married man.”
Logan laughs and opens the box to show me a stunning ring encrusted with diamonds and one huge oval-shaped diamond on top. The damn thing must have cost him a fortune.
“Shut up! Do you think Bree will like it?” he asks, and a drop of sweat runs down his forehead.
Poor bastard!
“She’ll love it,” I tell him honestly, patting him on the shoulder.
“Okay, so… what I wanted to ask was, seeing as you are like the head of the family now, I was w-wondering if I could h-have your permission to ask Bree to m-marry me?” he asks, stuttering his words in his nervousness.
I have no idea why he’s nervous, he knows I’m going to say yes. We all love him, and he treats Brielle exceptionally well. I’m sure I couldn’t have picked a better match for her myself. I’m totally honored that he asked me, though.
“Logan, of course, you can. You didn’t need to ask me. You know as well as I do that you’re already a part of this family. Now you can make it official, and I know Bree will be over the moon. When are you planning on asking her?”
“I was thinking at the reception in the barn. It’s such a significant place for Callie and Mike, and I thought I might make it an important place for us, too. What do you think? Not too tacky?” he asks, listening intently and waiting for my advice.
I wrap my arm around his shoulder and laugh. “Logan, she’d love it if you proposed to her in the bathroom. Anywhere you do it, she’ll love it because I know she absolutely cherishes you. But the sentiment behind the barn will make it all the more special. Good idea. Now put that ring away before someone sees it.”
Logan snaps the box shut, then shoves it back in his pocket. “Thanks, Aiden, your approval means everything to me.”
We head back to the barbecue after our little secret men’s business meeting.
“Hey, did you two go off to make out or something?” Killian jokes, and we both roll our eyes.
“The steaks are ready. Aiden, do you wanna let everyone know?” Jeni gently suggests to me.
I kiss her cheek. “Dinner’s ready,” I call out to everyone.
