The Proposition(81)
Aidan nodded. “Sounds like Pop.”
They stood in silence for a few moments, the wind rippling their hair and clothes. Aidan’s heartbeat accelerated when Emma reached out and took his hand in hers. “I don’t remember much about my father, but I know my mother would have loved you,” she whispered.
He squeezed her hand. “I’m glad to hear that. Considering how much Pop adores you, there should be no doubt how my mother would feel.”
Emma smiled at him. “It’s good our baby will have lots of guardian angels to watch over him or her.”
Thinking of his mother made Aidan’s throat close up. He could barely croak, “Yes, it is.”
“Come on. We better get back. Grammy’s got a feast waiting on us at the house.”
Aidan bobbed his head and let Emma lead him back across the cemetery.
CHAPTER THIRTY
After making their goodbyes, they all piled into the car to head back to Earl and Virginia’s. The moment they entered the house, the wonderful aroma of a roast wafted back to Emma. Grammy had risen early not only to prepare breakfast, but lunch as well. Even after the insanely large breakfast she had devoured, Emma’s stomach still rumbled. Inhaling sharply, Aidan moaned in appreciation. “God, that smells like Heaven.”
Grammy smiled at him. “Thank you, son.” She then wagged a finger at Emma. “You’re going to have to start cooking more for your man.”
While it was silly, Emma still felt her cheeks flushing at the mention of Aidan being her man. He raised his eyebrows. “You mean you know how to cook like that,” he said, jerking his thumb towards the kitchen.
She giggled. “Of course I do.” She nodded her head at Grammy. “I had the best culinary teacher anyone could have.”
“Hmm, I’m in for a treat then.”
“Yeah, don’t hold your breath on that one. Between work and the pregnancy exhaustion, I don’t have a lot of time or energy for cooking.”
Grammy tsked as she wrapped her red gingham apron around her waist. “You better start making time, sweet girl. After all, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” She then winked at Aidan before heading into the kitchen.
When Aidan snickered at Grammy’s admonishment, Emma nudged him in the stomach with her elbow. “Don’t make me tell her the way to your heart is through your dick,” she whispered.
Aidan’s eyes widened, and he made a strangled noise. He glanced left and right before hissing, “I cannot believe you just said dick in your grandparent’s house!”
Emma laughed. “And I love how you’re not even trying to argue that it isn’t the truth!”
He scowled before easing down into one of the dining room chairs. On her way into the kitchen to help Grammy, she ruffled his hair playfully. He glanced at her over his shoulder and grinned.
Two of her uncles along with their wives and families sauntered in, filling the massive antique table to its capacity. Emma edged Mary out of the way before she could plop down next to Aidan. Even though she had won the bet, Mary seemed hell-bent on continuing to see how far she could get with Aidan, and Emma was happy to draw the line. Mary scowled at her before stalking down to the “kids” table.
At the scuffle between the two, Aidan chuckled. Emma responded by rolling her eyes. “Wipe the sexy little smirk off your face, or you’ll keep encouraging her.”
“Nothing wrong with her stopping by to say hello.”
“Oh really? Last night you didn’t seem too taken with her attention.”
“And last night, you were encouraging her, not me.” Leaning over, he nuzzled her neck before she shoved him away. “Besides, I’m still not taken with her. It’s just hilarious seeing you get your panties in a twist over a fawning nineteen year old girl.”
“My panties are not in a twist,” Emma huffed, smacking her linen napkin down in her lap.
He took her hand in his and brought it to his lips. Kissing her knuckles, he gave her his best puppy dog expression. “You know you’re the only one I want, right?”
Emma struggled to breathe. Even though he was joking around with her, his words hit straight home. “Yes, I know.”
Her heart melted when he winked at her. They were interrupted by Earl taking his seat at the head of the table. “All right everyone. Let’s return thanks.”
After Granddaddy gave the blessing, they started passing the bowls and plates of food around. Filling hers to the brim, Emma let the familiar portions melt on her tongue. Glancing over at Aidan, he seemed to be enjoying the meal and conversation just as much as she was. For a moment, she tried to imagine what it would be like if this were every Sunday. Even if she didn’t move back to the mountains, it was comforting to think of Aidan being by her side for future Sunday dinners or family events. She just didn’t know if that was getting her hopes up too high.