The doorbell rings again, and I go to fetch it while Aiden tends to the drinks.
I open the door to Bree and Logan. “Oh. My. God…” Bree coos, and I laugh at her. “Well done, sis. This place is fantastic.”
“I know, I absolutely love it.”
Soon after, Callie, Mike, my mother, Sarah and Chris arrive.
“This is beautiful, Jeni. It looks great from the outside,” Mom gushes.
“Well, let’s show you the inside, it’s even better,” I tell her as they walk in. “Head through the kitchen to the deck, everyone is out there.” I point the way. “What do you think, Sarah?”
“All I can say is holy fucking crap on a stick. You did good.” I chuckle and smile.
“Welcome to our home, everyone,” I call out as I walk out on the deck with Sarah by my side. They raise their glasses, then take a sip.
“Should I get the meat ready for the barbecue?” I ask Aiden, and he nods.
I prepare everything and then finally sit down to a well-deserved glass of champagne.
“This place is incredible, Jeni. You scored well with Aiden, didn’t you?” Sarah quips, making Mom and Callie laugh.
“I think Aiden scored well to get Jeni, personally,” Callie comes to my defense.
“Thanks, Mom.”
The boys are at the barbeque pit drinking beer and joking while Killian does a comedy reenactment of Hamilton, the musical. I have no idea why, but it’s quite entertaining.
Unwinding from the day, we enjoy our food and drinks with casual conversations. After we finish eating, we move by the pool where tiki torches light the surroundings with a warm glow. It’s then I notice Mike and Callie sitting on their own.
Mike sneaks in a sly kiss or two, thinking no one is watching. It warms my heart how much he adores Callie. It’s truly a blessing to see her with someone who appreciates her for what she’s worth.
Aiden rests his head on my shoulder while I sit on his lap casually observing everyone.
Suddenly, the doorbell rings, and I look at Aiden with raised eyebrows.
“Did you invite anyone else?” he asks.
“Nope, I have no idea who it could be,” I say, standing.
We both excuse ourselves and walk to the front door. Aiden opens it, and Niall’s standing there with a bottle of Macallan whisky in his hand. I can’t help it, my lip turns up in disdain.
“Happy housewarming,” Niall mutters, reaching forward to shake Aiden’s hand. Aiden looks down at his hand and groans. “Aren’t you going to invite me in?” the old bastard has the audacity to ask.
“Fuck no,” Aiden retorts, but Niall barges through anyway, looking around as he makes his way out to the deck. Aiden and I follow cautiously behind him. The first thing he notices is Mike and Callie completely loved up, holding hands and gazing at each other with affection. I glance at Aiden who’s watching his father. Niall’s body puffs up twice its size, his face turning bright red in obvious anger. His nostrils flare while I tense at his ire.
“Well, it didn’t take you long, did it, Callie?” Niall screams out, immediately gaining everyone’s attention.
Callie turns around, and Mike lets go of her hand.
“So, you’re all here celebrating without me? Callie, what are you doing with Mike? You know he’s just the help. He’s worthless. Something Jeni knows all about.”
Mom stands, walks to him, pointing her finger in his face. “Now wait just a minute, Niall, don’t you talk about my daughter like that. Remember we had this conversation once before? Look where you are now.”
“And don’t you think for one second that Mike is beneath you. You’re not even half the man Mike is,” Callie calls out, defending Mike.
“Just fuck off, Father. No one wants you here,” Aiden antagonizes the old asshole further.
Niall frowns deeply, his nostrils flaring. “This is my son’s housewarming, and I’ll be damned if I get kicked out.”