Page 83 of The Vow We Made
“He did?” If this were Steph or even Bronte, I’d blame it on their dramatic personalities, but I daren’t suggest she’s overplaying Aiden’s role in Marcus’s life.
She nods enthusiastically. “Marcus was in the army. He did ten years and during that time, two tours of Afghanistan. It really took its toll and he found it hard to get a job once he left the barracks. He decided to move to London, thinking he’d have more job opportunities, but soon discovered his savings didn’t go very far and the streets are not safe. While he was walking home one night, he was mugged.”
“Oh Georgie that’s awful,” I say as the waitress places a white coaster on the bar and our tall glasses on top. “Things went from bad to worse and when his landlord threw him out, he ended up on benches or in alleyways. Aiden found him in a shop doorway.”
“And just started talking to him?” I ask in confusion.
“Not exactly.” Slowly, her head tilts to the side. “Has Aiden really not told you anything about his monthly boys’ night?”
I shake my head. “No he hasn’t said a word and I just presumed it was a night at the pub.”
“Okay Vickie, it’s alright if I call you Vickie isn’t it?” she asks without waiting for an answer. “Drink up, I want to show you something.”
* * *
I’m apologising to every other person while Georgie battles through the crowds without so much as a glance to whoever she’s pushed to one side. Leicester Square is heaving tonight, and usually, I love the abundance of life and the crowds watching anything from street magicians to dancers. On this occasion, I don’t have time to take in the lively atmosphere as I try to keep up with her quick steps and fight the constant ache of my ankle.
Once we get to the Hippodrome, we cross the street and make an unexpectedly left onto Charing Cross Road.
Georgie loops her hand through my arm. “You okay? Is the walk getting to your ankle?” she asks rubbing my arm as if to warm me.
“The ankle’s fine,” I tell her “but I’m bloody boiling.” It might be April, but it’s unseasonably warm and I have my heavy black coat on.
We stop abruptly in the middle of the pavement and I’m unsure of what exactly we’re doing here. “We’re here now, anyway.” My blank expression causes her to giggle. “I bet you’re wondering what the hell’s going on, right?” I’m about to answer when her eyes dart to the opposite side of the road. “Here he is, right on time.” She pulls me closer by the arm she’s still holding. “You’re about to see a whole new side to our Aiden. Keep watching the white van.”
“What white—”
She nods towards the opposite side of the road and as if on cue, a van draws up and pulls into one of the temporary parking slots meant for building site traffic during the working day.
Marcus is the last person I expect to see jump out of the driver’s side, then my attention is taken by Will, who slams the passenger door. I’m still no wiser to what is going on. I doubt they can hear each other while they shout over the top of the transit van, but when they meet at the rear double doors, I shouldn’t be surprised to see the third musketeer jump out.
Aiden is laughing amid a conversation he’s having with Luke who has also appeared from the back. He takes a large black bag with one hand and a tray from Marcus with the other, but I’m still unable to work it out. “What are they doing?” I shout above the traffic noise.
She huddles into my side. “Keep watching.” By this time, Luke and Will also have trays between them which hold cardboard cups. I can only deduce they’re filled with coffee or tea by the way a slight whisper of steam rises through the lids. I watch as they walk into the doorway of a closed shop and approach a pile of dismantled cardboard. Aiden crouches down and is talking when a hand appears from beneath, then a whole body. He reaches behind his back, taking a parcel from the tray and a drink, giving both to the person now fully surfaced and willingly taking the items from Aiden’s hand. He talks some more, and this time, the man nods and smiles. Reaching into the black bag by his side, Aiden takes out a stethoscope, sliding the ear tips into place and the head of the instrument on the man’s chest, still talking to him at every step.
I turn to Georgie. “Is he doing what I think he is?”
She nods vehemently, beaming with pride. “Wonderful isn’t it?”
My eyes widen while I observe his pure human kindness. “So this is how you met Marcus?”
“I told you Aiden saved him.” It seems Georgie wasn’t exaggerating after all.
I sense her infectious smile as we’re glued to the actions of these four incredible men. Each one hands out drinks and food to those people on the street that I’m ashamed to admit, I walk past and ignore every day. Young and old alike accept their time and generosity; my whole body swells with pride for just knowing Aiden James.
Turning my attention back to Georgie I ask, “How did you know where to find them?”
“They travel the same circuit every time they do this because it’s a way of building relationships with the people they’re trying to help. It’s not only about feeding them or giving medical attention, but also about building bonds and trust.”
Her answer only enhances the pride I feel and I acknowledge her answer with my smile while trying to take in every second of this heart-warming sight. When I look back to Aiden, he’s laughing and joking as he takes a man’s blood pressure, perhaps in the hope his patient will trust him as a decent human being and in his diagnosis. Aiden’s animated chatter continues while the man clearly takes instruction and nods in agreement before Aiden shakes his hand and stands. His gaze lifts, while my eyes narrow towards him. Does he know I’m here? Can he sense my presence? As if he’s reading my mind, his eyes meet mine, his lips curve into a smile and his hand slowly raises into a wave. I hold up my hand for a brief time as something wild and beautiful takes over my whole body. My heartbeat has increased to deafening proportions, the knots in my stomach churn in circles; dipping without warning and thousands upon thousands of goosebumps surface and explode across my skin. Like a lightning bolt, I’ve changed in those single few seconds and my realisation is enhanced as I watch Aiden stride across the road towards me. With every step in my direction, I become convinced he’s the one and when he reaches me, I know there is nowhere else for me, but by his side.
“This is a surprise,” he says while glancing briefly towards Georgie. “What are you two doing here?” His eyes are now only for me and although I hear Georgie’s muffled tone as she replies to his question, I don’t register exactly what she says. I’m focused on his fingers, combing through my hair and brushing my neck. It’s only been a matter of hours since we were together, but I’ve missed his touch.
I’m transfixed and consumed by this incredible man. As if the world around us stalls, I reach up, caressing his jaw then pressing my lips to his with as much force as I’m able. His arm circles around my waist, lifting me flush against his body and reliving the weight from my weak legs. My pulse races out of control with his body contact, my whole body is on fire now he’s near. It seems every rush of emotion inside is for Aiden and every ounce of my soul is his. It’s an overpowering feeling of euphoria and strength. It can only mean only one thing.
Clearly, I’m in love and I want the whole world to know it.
AIDEN
