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The Ten-Day Baby Takeover(49)

By:Karen Booth


Done. She was so close to being done, it wasn’t even funny. She’d worried about awkward conversations after sleeping together, but Aiden hadn’t said a thing. She respected a man who followed her lead, but part of her really wished he’d fought her on it beyond his minor protestation in Miami. His ready acceptance was another reminder that in the end, she was just another woman. Nothing more. “All sewn up. No more loose ends.” It’s for the best. And you know it.

He cleared his throat and walked over to the bookcase, straightening a book. “Have you thought at all about when you’ll want to go?”

If only he knew how much that question hurt. “I’d like a little more time with Oliver.” And you, if I’m being honest.

“I’m asking because I was thinking about having my family over tonight. For a celebration. Officially welcome Oliver into the Langford family. I definitely want you here for that.”

Sarah could breathe a little easier. Maybe she was at least a notch above the other women he’d been with. “I’d love to be there. I think it’s great you’re involving your family. It’s important to mend fences with your mom.”

“This gives me another perfect opportunity to push her on it, but tonight’s probably not the night, huh? Not when everyone is here.”

“Agreed. Tonight should be happy. Leave the tough conversation for another day.”

He turned to her while a soft smile crossed his face. “It means a lot to have someone to talk to about this.”

Sarah grinned, even when she was dying a little more on the inside. Their ability to discuss painful things was one of the best parts of their friendship. He’d been so sweet with her when she’d opened up about Jason. He hadn’t judged her. Not at all. “Good. I’m glad.”

He knocked the bookcase with his knuckle. “I’ll leave you to whatever you were working on. I’m going to get a workout in before the lawyers come by.”

The afternoon was a flurry of activity. Documents were signed. Calls were made to the market to have food and drinks delivered. Oliver got an early bath before his first Langford family gathering. Sarah relished the hustle and bustle. It kept her mind off the clock, a constant reminder that it would soon be time to not only say goodbye to two people she cared about deeply, but after that came do-or-die time with Kama. What if everything with Sylvia Hodge blew up? Because that’s where it seemed to be headed. The email she’d sent that afternoon had been answered with yet more questions. More doubts. More reasons they might say no. Then where would she be? Back in Boston, alone, her future a big fat question mark.

Aiden’s brother Adam and his wife, Melanie, were the first to arrive. Adam was incredibly charming—just as magnetic as Aiden, with a smile that was nearly identical. That gave Sarah pause. Maybe Evelyn Langford wasn’t keeping a secret. Sarah didn’t have much time to think about it though, quickly hitting it off with Melanie, who was both down-to-earth and talkative.

“I have to say, Aiden. Fatherhood really agrees with you,” Adam said as Oliver sat happily in Aiden’s arms.

“Thank you. I really appreciate that.” Aiden’s response was more than polite conversation. His brother’s kind words had resonated.

“I’ll have to get some pointers from you when the time comes. Mel and I are trying to get pregnant,” Adam said.

Melanie’s eyes flashed. She swatted Adam on the arm. “I thought we weren’t telling anyone.”

Adam put his arm around her and pulled her closer, kissing her on the cheek. “We’re with family. There are no secrets.”

If only that were true with the Langfords.

Jacob and Anna arrived, both ecstatic to see Oliver. The baby had apparently fallen in love with his uncle Jacob during the Miami trip, since he readily went to him. Everyone chatted in the kitchen, wine and cocktails flowing, music in the background. No problems. No controversy. But despite Aiden’s pledge to keep things light, Sarah had a sinking feeling that might change with the arrival of the final guest.

Aiden grabbed a carrot stick from a platter of veggies and dip. “Leave it to my mother to be late for her grandson’s first party.”

“Maybe she’s stuck in traffic.” Sarah arranged crackers on a plate.

“You know she likes making an entrance,” Adam said. “It’s annoying, but true.”

The apartment buzzer rang. Aiden took in a deep breath and adopted the most forced smile Sarah had ever seen. “Mom’s here.” He soon returned with Evelyn.

She greeted everyone sweetly, saving Oliver for last. “There’s my handsome grandson.”