Page 48 of Make You Stay

I pause at her words. “I didn’t realize you two were considering that.”

“He’s never asked, but I’d love to have a baby with him, and I think he’d enjoy having a child of his own.”

“I figured you wouldn’t want more, since you have three kids already.”

She shrugs, handing me another light catcher. “I don’t have one with Jeff.”

“What a love story, Enid.”

It’s true. Something about the simplicity of her statement simultaneously warms and hurts my heart.

If only I could find someone like that, who would want to explore life together, then I wouldn’t have to consider being inseminated with a stranger’s sperm.

Regardless of how my baby is created, I know one thing. He will be loved. Of that, I’m certain.

“You know,” Enid sends me a mock scowl, “you could have that great love story, too. But you have to stop stalling. Go on, I know you want to talk to him.”

With a sigh, I drop the streamers on the table and head across the room to where Aidan sits, tuning his guitar. He has such effortless good looks, and right now, with his tousled hair and day-old stubble littering his cheeks, he’s downright scrumptious.

“Hey, there.” At least my voice sounds normal. Score one for the home team.

Aidan glances up, a smile crossing his face, those dimples at the ready. “Hey, yourself. Where have you been? I tried calling you, but you didn’t answer.”

I shrug, well aware of the missed calls. “I’m sorry about that. I was under the gun for a deadline.”

“I was worried. That, and I missed you.” He nods toward Enid, a furrow crossing his brow. “Can I ask you something?”

“Sure.”

“Have you noticed anything off with Enid? You two are close, and I thought maybe she had said something.”

“I asked her about it today, and she said she can’t shake this cold. Her doctor mentioned something about entering menopause.”

“She’s only thirty-nine.”

“It happens sometimes. Hopefully, it’s an easy fix.” My gaze falls on my friend as Jeff swings her into his arms. “I love their love.”

Immediately, I regret speaking those words aloud, especially to Aidan. “I’m sorry, I wasn’t thinking.”

Aidan chuckles before returning his attention to his guitar. “I love their love, too. I envy it, sometimes. Not because I want Enid back—we’re far better as friends—but because they have such a deep and passionate affection for each other.”

“You have your choice of women in this town. I saw at least six vying for your affection.”

Aidan fixes me with his emerald gaze. “The only trouble? I don’t want them.”

“Too bad for them, I suppose.”

“Is it, really?”

Hello flush, good to see you again. “I have to finish with the… the decorations. Oh, Enid says you better play her favorite song, or she’ll hunt you down.”

I throw in the last bit for effect, but judging by the amused smile on Aidan’s face, it works.

“I’ll consider her request, but only if you dance for me tonight.”

“We’ll see. Anything is possible.”

* * *

---