Page 16 of Finding the Pieces

“Huh?” Aiden looks at me and must realize what he implied. “No, notthat,” he says, shoving me lightly on the shoulder before taking a sip of his beer. “No kids, yet. I’m going to do it, Dom. I’m going to ask her. I want Bec to be my wife,” he says quietly, eyes returning to her.

The girls are singing “I’m a Little Teapot” to Luca, arm movements and all. Luca isenrapturedwith their performance, clapping and wiggling along, while Hop wags his tail and his tongue hangs out of his mouth.

This is another one of those moments I want to keep forever. Watching my wife laugh and act ridiculous with her best friend and our son.

I’m relieved to know Aiden is finally working through his past and doing better for it; enough that he knows he’s ready to propose to the woman he loves.

I’m grateful that we’re all here to see this, despite every obstacle.Dammit, why are my thoughts going there?Maybe Ellie isn’t the only one rattled by the anniversary of all that happened when Luca was born.

“I’m excited for you. Both of you,” I say, with a clap on Aiden’s shoulder. “I like seeing you happy.”

“Happy doesn’t even cover it.”

“So, what’s the plan?” My mind immediately starts turning.Bec likes big romantic gestures, right? Who doesn’t? Maybe at a playoff game…on the field…Aiden could bring her out to throw the first pitch—Hop could come out with her—and I could give signs to a shit ton of fans in the stands, and when they hold them up, the signs would spellWILL YOU MARRY—

“Aaaand that’s enough of that,” Aiden says, coming up behind me, slapping both hands on my shoulders, and pushing me into the front hall. “Had to get you out of there, your face was about to give me away.”

“This face?”

Yeah, right. Me? Being obvious? Not a chance.

“Yes,thatface. Your smile is about to crack your skull in half.”

“I was just thinking—”

“Dom, I love you like a brother. I can’t thank you or Ellie enough for being there for Bec and me when everything happened with my mom. And while I appreciate thecreativethoughts I know are racing through your mind, I already know exactly how I’m going to propose. I got this.”

“Okay, but if not me, then you should at least run it by the boss.”

“Trust me. I plan to. Can you talk to Ellie for me? I’m too scared to text her and have Bec accidentally see the message, but I’m hoping she can come ring shopping with me to make sure I don’t fuck this up.”

“Oh, we’ll be there.”

“But I only need her—”

“We’llbe there, it’s really no trouble.”

Aiden laughs and rolls his eyes. “Thanks, Dom…for everything.”

“You haven’t seen anything yet. I’ve got experience ring shopping. When do you need us?”

“I know schedules are tight with playoffs, and you guys are probably planning a birthday party for Luca, right?” Aiden asks.

Fuck, tonight is going so well. Ellie seems genuinely happy. I haven’t seen a single line of stress stretch across her forehead all night. Her smile feels like the real one. I haven’t caught her staring in that distant, lost sort of haze. I don’t want that to end.

“Hey, do me a favor and don’t mention Luca’s birthday to Ellie,” I say quietly.

“Uh…okay? Is his birthday a secret?”

“It’s not. Ellie can’t…she’s having a hard time…”

How do I explain this?

I’m not in the habit of lying to my friends, but that’s concerningmypersonal business. I’m not into broadcasting Ellie’s struggles widely when I know that’s the last thing she wants. Not that I really know what she wants anymore. Or if anything I do helps. Lately, it feels like I just make it worse.

“I was going to text you. We’re having something small here a week from this Saturday. Think you guys can make it?”

“You know Bec will be here. Send me the time, and I’ll check my schedule.” The Columbus Aviators, the pro baseball team Aiden plays second baseman for, are still in the playoffs. When I met Aiden in college, he was a phenomenal player, but seeing what he’s capable of on the field now? He’s on an entirely different level.

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