Page 121 of Starcrossed Colorado

Her Navy SEAL father and her stepmom in West Oaks were on the list too, but one thing at a time.

“Also, I haven’t eaten since cold takeout last night, and something smelled amazing downstairs. I’m starving.”

She laughed. “Then we can knock out both things at once, because we’ll most likely find Aiden in the kitchen.”

I didn’t want to interrupt Aiden while he was working, because I would’ve found that annoying if it were me. I’d already done enough to get Emma’s uncle on my bad side.

So we swung by the tavern to grab a bite to eat, just like any other customers. The food really was delicious. Then went to the inn’s front office. When we knocked, Jessi opened the door, and Aiden was there right behind her.

He frowned as soon as he saw me. “You again.”

“I’m Ashford O’Neal,” I said, offering my hand. “I apologize for barging in the way I did earlier.”

Aiden grunted an acknowledgment, glaring at my extended hand. But Jessi pushed past him and pulled me into a hug.

“Jessi Shelborne. And trust me, I understand. If Aiden hadn’t been able to findme, he would’ve been equally loud and insistent.” She gave her husband a pointed look.

We stepped into the office, and Jessi closed the door. It was a small but welcoming space, with a wood desk and a couch up against one wall. Jessi took a seat, a hand on her small belly.

“I’m Aiden.” He clasped my hand in his grip. And squeezed. I squeezed back. “You don’t think you’re too old for Emma?”

Emma and Jessi both made frustrated sounds. But I appreciated Aiden being straightforward. The sooner we could get this part over, the better.

“I wasn’t sure at first. But now, after getting to know her, I think we’re perfect together.”

Aiden held eye contact with me another moment, then shrugged. “That’s a decent answer. Nash might still have a problem with it, but he married my little sister Madison. Questionable decision in many ways. I’ve satisfied my uncle duties.”

Emma punched Aiden lightly on the arm.

“Ow! What was that for?”

“I figured Madison would want me to. Also, for interrogating my boyfriend.”

Boyfriend. I really liked that. When I’d shown up at Last Refuge earlier, I’d had every intention of claiming Emma as mine. Now, she’d just claimed me in front of her family. My chest puffed up with pride.

Jessi reached out to take Aiden’s hand and pull him down on the couch beside her. He managed to land softly, arm going protectively around his wife. “Ashford, Emma told me how much she’s enjoyed spending time with you and your daughter,” Jessi said. “Clearly you mean a lot to her.”

I palmed the back of Emma’s neck as our eyes met. “She means a lot to me. I love her very much.”

“Love you,” Emma whispered back.

“Awww.” Jessi waved a hand in front of her face. “Don’t mind me. Since getting pregnant, I cry about absolutely anything. Do not show me a diaper commercial unless you want waterworks.”

Aiden smiled fondly at Jessi. “She’s not exaggerating.” He pressed a quick kiss to her lips.

“How old is your daughter?” she asked me.

“Maisie is six.”

“You two should bring Maisie to have dinner with us sometime. After things have settled down, I mean.”

“I’d like that. Thanks. The food here is amazing. I’d make the trip any time.”

“I hope you will,” Jessi said.

Aiden didn’t add anything, but he looked pleased. I doubted he and I would be best friends. But we did have a lot in common.

My phone buzzed in my pocket. “Excuse me, I should check this. It could be about Maisie.”

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