The Absolution of Aidan(78)

“I know you want to go in there, and god, this is so selfish of me to ask of you right now. But Christ, woman, if I don’t have my mouth on yours…”

“Shut up and kiss me,” I insist.

I’ve never wanted him to kiss me more. To feel his lips wrapped around mine… to feel his tongue licking, taking, and drinking in what is his. Letting me savor what is mine. My chest rises and falls more hastily than it ever has before. When it comes to Aidan, I’m always in a hurry, and he’s always slow. Savoring. Despite everything we’ve been through tonight, our mouths mold to each other’s with ferocity. It’s sloppy, wet, and the best kiss. And I will cherish it for the rest of my life. Because that’s what we have now. The rest of our lives.

“We’ll meet you inside.” Roan clears his throat and shuts his door, leaving the three of us alone. I glance over to Alexis, who seems to be out of place here. Why is she here anyway? I mean, what does she think she will gain? Does she think Aidan is going to forgive her? This is what I mean about questions.

I tear my gaze from her. I cannot stand the sight of the wicked woman less than twenty feet away from me. She gave birth to an unbelievable man, an individual who would have loved her with everything he had if she had purely done the best job God gave her. To simply love him. Instead, she walked down the path of her own self-righteousness. Calculated with the behemoth of her husband and his prodigy and destroyed the one and only childhood he will have. No, I hate her. She will stay away from him, away from our baby. I don’t care what I find out, what she tries to prove, she will always be a part of this pre-meditated plan as far as I’m concerned.

“We need to get in there. They should look you over,” I say. He’s quite banged up himself.

“Not happening. My healing is right here. In my arms, in that car seat.” I drop my forehead to his while he imprisons me with his arms. I wish I could bathe in this moment forever. Bottle it all up and never let him go. His words break me from my little family bubble. “But you, my brave woman, need to get in there and be with your mom. And I want them checking you out.”

“And what about you? If you refuse to have them look at you, then I am, too,” I say, peering up into his still glassy eyes. My heart is breaking for us all. I watch his facial features morph into a terrified expression. His countenance shows he’s recalling, remembering. He lets his tears fall. I take my thumb and brush them away.

“I know Dilan’s parents are here. They have to be. I’ll find them then come to you. Once we know that both of them are okay, we’ll get looked at together. Deal?” His voice is hoarse. “Deal, but I don’t want to leave you,” I verbalize. “Then we’ll find out everything together. Right now though, lets get him inside, see if they have formula and diapers to take care of our little guy here first.” And this is one of the many reasons I intend on keeping him forever. Any man who puts his family first is just that, a man. We embrace each other once more. My eyes are examining his mother still standing there, witnessing us convey how strong our bond is. I want her gone. But I continue to bite my tongue, knowing this isn’t the time or place to tell her she can leave anytime she wants.

“I love you,” I say softly.” “I love you too. So much, Deidre. Now, come. Let’s get you to your mom.” He helps me out of the truck. Gently. Carefully placing me on the ground. Then he gathers Diesel, pulling him into his arms. I shut the door behind us, while Aidan locks it and stuffs the keys into his pocket. The right side of my stomach stings. I hold back my groan, gritting my teeth from the pain. I won’t allow him to see I’m physically hurting as much as I am. He’ll make them look at me, and right now, I don’t want anyone’s hands on me but his.

When we turn around, he slips his hand into mine, grazing his thumb across my wrist. Together, we make our way across the short trek through the parking lot to the entrance. We both look up, noticing Alexis still standing there.

“Alexis,” he greets her politely. I say nothing. “I didn’t mean to eavesdrop, but I um… I overheard the two of you saying you needed a few things for him.” She looks attentively to our son. My instincts immediately want to hide him from her. I don’t. “I can ask, get the things he needs, while you two check on your family.” I study her while she waits for Aidan to answer. She’s wringing her hands. Nervous. Unsure.

“I’d appreciate that,” he says somberly. “Okay, then. I’ll do that,” she speaks quietly, her eyes never leaving Diesel.