Page 72 of Married to Number 22
But Aiden’s tired and I got a call from the shelter.
Despite it being my day off, they need me to talk with one of the newer girls who’s been staying there—a teenager who is sweet and quiet, but has only opened up to me. Bri is great, but she’s been hurt far too often, and if she’s reaching out, asking for me, I’m going to talk to her, no matter the hour.
Honestly, I’m a little relieved for the out.
Kathy and Matt have been gracious and understanding, but it’s a lot—Kathy’sa lot. A buzzing tornado of energy.
She genuinely cares.
But I’ve spent the last few years taking care of Grams after living on my own. I’m not used to this amount of motherly fussing and though I feel a bit like a jerk, I need to up my tolerance of Kathy in small increments, I think.
Grams was nosy, but she had her own life.
Even when she was busy interfering in mine, she was doing her work at Smythe and visiting friends and always working on another project.
Kathy is?—
Well, she’s different.
Not bad.
But not what I’m used to.
A real mom.
“Beautiful,” Kathy murmurs, not looking at my ring, and my heart squeezes.
Because she’s looking at me.
Yeah, definitely not what I’m used to.
But I don’t stop her from tugging me in for another hug, from her whispering in my ear, “Just like you.”
“Thanks,” I whisper back.
She hugs me tight then draws back, cupping both of my cheeks. “I’m just glad you’re in Aiden’s—and our—lives again, no matter how unconventionally that came about.” Her mouth curves. “My Aiden has always been one to go his own way, so while you two showing up hitched is a surprise, it’s a good one. We’re happy to have you in the family, sweetheart.”
“You say that now, Mom,” Aiden teases. “Just wait until we hit you up to plan the party.”
“Party?”
“And why do her eyes light up with glee”—Aiden kisses the top of my head, pulls me back against him—“exactly the same way Smitty’s did when I promised he could help if you needed it.”
“Oh Smitty is such a dear,” Kathy says. “And he loves a party.” She tugs her phone out of her pocket. “I’ll call him right now, see what ideas he has.”
Aiden groans softly, but when I look up, he’s smiling. “At least it’ll keep them both busy for the foreseeable future,” he stage whispers.
My lips quirk.
“Do you need to borrow the truck to move Luna’s stuff into your condo?” Matt asks as Kathy starts typing on her phone, presumably texting Smitty for his thoughts on the upcoming party.
“That would be great,” Aiden says. “But it’ll be us moving my stuff into Luna’s place.”
My mouth falls open as I turn to him. “What?”
He touches my cheek. “It’s Grams’s house,” he says softly. “Where she taught you to cook and where she and your mom showed you the ropes of Gin Rummy. You have memories there—a lot of really good ones.” He shrugs. “Meanwhile, my condo is just a condo.”
“But your condo is close to the rink and you said you just bought it?—”
