Page 85 of Townshipped
I put on Bomba music and we danced. Well, Ty and I danced. He’s up for anything and seems so happy to have an adult paying attention to him and thinking up fun things to do. On the other end of the spectrum, Paisley looked at me like I had lost it. But she ended up joining in when Ty coaxed her. I think she’d do just about anything for him.
After our spontaneous dance party, we put our coats on and visited the goats. I don’t go near that crazy llama without Aiden, so we just waved at Lily from a distance. I’m not quite sure how far llama spit can fly, but I make it my aim to stay out of hers.
The entire time I’ve been here, Aiden only left me alone the one day he worked in Columbus. And then he nearly had the whole town on high alert to come to my aid if I merely broke a fingernail. He’s been so reluctant to leave my side. Today it was like he couldn’t wait to get out of here to wherever he was going.
I can’t help but wonder if a woman was involved. He hasn’t mentioned anyone and keeps saying he’s single, but stress can lead a person to do all sorts of crazy things. Maybe he ran into the arms of someone he knows—an old girlfriend, or someone who has been waiting in the wings. I quash those thoughts.
Aiden’s not mine. I’ll do well to remember he had a life before I came slamming into it, and he’ll have one when my time comes to leave. Though, the idea of another woman being a part of that makes me want to grow claws and fangs.
Aiden was quietly reflective after he got back to the farm. Usually he’s wherever I am, talking, listening, or just hanging out together comfortably. Or he’s elsewhere in the house getting work done, but he’s relaxed and grounded. Now he’s home, but with a thick armor on.
Maybe it’s the kids. They’ve been amazing so far, but he has to be worrying about what’s going to happen when the newness of being here wears off for them. He’s not merely hosting a fun weekend visit with their uncle. He went from bachelor to surrogate father in the blink of an eye.
Still, I don’t understand the secrecy of his errand.
After he got home, he spent an hour in his office. I gave the kids some coloring books and then foundWild Krattson Aiden’s iPad and they watched the show until we headed over to family night at Aiden’s parents’ home.
Ashley and Sawyer made a point of including Ty and Paisley. I thanked Karina before we left for helping to forge that relationship. Aiden seemed to drop his guard and relax surrounded by the comfort of his family over dinner.
We’re driving back to the farm as the sun drops low over the fields, making the landscape look like a postcard. Ty is out like a light already. Paisley was fighting dozing off, and only shut her lids moments ago followed by one pre-sleep sigh and now soft breathing.
I have the best view from my seat: Aiden’s profile, slightly pouty and intense tonight. His jaw clenches in a way that makes the back corners of his chin jut out more than usual. The whole effect is the epitome of manly-and-unattainable. Apparently that’s a look I find irresistible.
Aiden worries his bottom lip with his teeth and then lets it pop back out to its fullness. Lips I’ve kissed, lips that kissed me back like he needed the contact between us in order to survive.
I barely dare to interrupt the obvious mental gymnastics he’s putting himself through. I wouldn’t say anything if I didn’t miss him, his voice, miss the ease with which he usually moves through life as though nothing’s too big for him and he’s got it all under control.
This weighed-down version of Aiden is different from the man who unraveled when he thought I was in danger or distress Friday night in the hotel. This Aiden seems like he’s slowly sinking in a quagmire and he’s trying to figure his way out rather than ask for help.
“It’s been a whirlwind the past few days,” I cautiously say into the silence looming between us.
“Mm-hmm,” he answers without glancing at me.
“Good, though. Despite the funeral, I mean. The kids are doing better than could have been anticipated, don’t you think?”
“Yes.” The word comes out clipped, like it’s taking everything in him to speak and not lose his composure.
Okaaay. We’re in growly caveman communication mode. Noted.
“How about I ask you questions and you grunt once for yes and twice for no, and you bang your chest if something really upsets you?”
Aiden’s mouth reluctantly turns up in a grin for the slightest moment. Those lips. They plump to one side as he smirks in my direction. This broody dimension of Aiden stirs something in me—a need to smooth his frayed edges, or maybe to harness the storm brewing under the surface. Either way, I’m more aware of his mouth tonight.
Since he’s still not looking in my direction, I indulge myself in ogling him, taking in his strong, broad shoulders, his defined biceps, the way his forearm flexes as he grips the wheel. Aiden is objectively gorgeous.
I think the local women must have gotten used to being around him, or maybe they still see him as the gangly boy they went to school with. I still can’t reconcile why they aren’t lining up at his door with homemade baked goods trying to win his heart.
Not that I want them to do that—at all. It just seems like he’s been this treasure, stuck on the outskirts of town until I crashed into his tree and discovered him. And all I can say is finders keepers, losers weepers. That is, if he’d have me.
I need to tell Aiden about Buck and my recent memories. I had hoped to do that tonight after the kids are in bed, but as frazzled as Aiden seems, I may wait.
The kids fall asleep quickly. All the travel and newness of being on the farm seems to have caught up with them.
Aiden and I make our way downstairs, him maintaining his introspective posture, an impenetrable wall between us.
“I’m going out to check on the does.”
“Sounds good,” I say.
