Page 77 of Stained Hearts
“It’s okay, Noel.” Mom’s voice was steady, probably way more than mine would be.
Noel came toward us so slowly that he reminded me of a man walking his final mile. When he got to the table, I stood up and wrapped my arms around his shoulders.
“Thank you.”
It took a moment, but he eventually embraced me. “I’m sorry we had to do it that way.”
“I’m not. Brian knew me better than anyone in the world. He understood how I felt, and he figured I wouldn’t listen to anyone else. I almost didn’t, to tell the truth. But the day you brought Aiden over to introduce me was the day I started healing.”
I hugged him a little tighter, then stepped back when I noticed Lincoln’s arched eyebrow.
“I have to ask, though. How did he happen to be here?”
Noel’s cheeks were flushed. “There’s a story there. The concert Brian and I were supposed to go to? It never really happened. None of the things he told you we did together happened. He and I met alone, because he wanted my help to find you someone. I told him about Aiden, and Brian said he’d like to meet him. So I called and invited Aiden for lunch, and things progressed from there. I’m not kidding when I tell you Brian had this all planned. He knew what to say, what needed to be done, who I had to talk with. He laid it all out, and not one damn thing wasn’t addressed.” He sighed. “He knew he only had a short time left, so he had to move quickly.”
“That was Brian. He was meticulous in his planning, and his way of thinking always surprised me.” A warmth filled me at the pleasant memories of the two of us together. The pain was gone, and only the remembrance of love remained. “I can’t believe he did this.”
“He knew you’d come around eventually.” Noel put a hand on my shoulder. “He wanted me to let you know how much he loved you.”
The evidence was in my hand. My husband, knowing he was going to die, made it his last mission in life to ensure my continued happiness.
I peered at Noel. “What would have happened if Aiden had met someone?”
He smiled. “Brian told me that he would trust my judgment to find someone for you. It was just that he thought Aiden was perfect, and hoped that you’d see that before it was too late.”
“Thank you.” The words were inadequate, but they’d have to be enough. I had other words I needed to say to someone important to me.
“Noel, order up.”
He turned to Lincoln, a wide smile gracing his face. “Coming.”
Lincoln’s brows knitted together. “You’d best not be.”
I doubt any of the other customers caught the innuendo, but when Lincoln winked at Noel, I knew he was teasing.
Noel sauntered toward the counter, and I turned my attention back to Mom.
“Feel better?”
I did. A great weight was lifted from me. “He wants me to sell the house and make a home with Aiden somewhere we can build new memories.”
Mom smirked, and I knew a moment of fear.
“What’s the look for?”
“Those projects your father’s been working on? He’s getting the house more accessible for a wheelchair.” She leaned forward. “We want you and Aiden to take the house.”
“I thought you wanted to sell it.”
She cocked her head. “I didn’t say for free. You’re going to buy it from us, and then the two of you are going to live there. You’ll host the holiday stuff, and you’ll have a room for when we come visit.” She reached out and put a hand on my arm. “You’ll start a family of your own.”
“You’re planning my life for me? Don’t I have a say in this?”
“Of course you do, but I know this has been a dream of yours for years. Brian knew it too. He wanted this for you, but you can say no.”
I could, but I had to be honest. I didn’t want to. It all sounded so good, and I couldn’t wait to talk to Aiden about it.
When my phone rang, I glanced at the display. “It’s Olivia.”
