As soon as Aiden has a minute, he calls Bree to see how things went at the office in his absence. Once she fills him in, she informs him of Niall’s progress.
He’s grumpier and losing himself quickly. His anger is the biggest problem, and the nursing staff are having to restrain him more often. I can’t help but feel for Niall, even after everything he put me through.
It’s Saturday, and we’ve invited Sarah and Chris to spend the day with us.
“Jeni, c’mon. We haven’t got all day,” Sarah calls out to me.
I slowly walk from the kitchen to the sofa.
Aiden’s amused as I sit next to Sarah, who has her laptop open checking out places to get married.
“Aiden, you should be here for this, too,” Sarah calls out to him. In true Aiden fashion, he joins us without question and sits next to me.
“Are we thinking beach, church, or garden?”
“Garden,” we both reply in unison.
Sarah types in Mornington Vale gardens into the search engine, and the first one that comes up is the beautiful Mornington Vale Botanical Gardens. Aiden grins at me, and I nod—another place that has special meaning for the both of us.
It’s where we had our first date and where Aiden proposed to me—it’s perfect.
Sarah opens pictures of the gardens. The ceremony site has an archway covered in greenery with white gilded roses. There’s also a lake with a water feature. The grass is pristine, and the pathways are made of the same cobblestone as the waterfall. It is breathtakingly beautiful.
“This is the place?” she asks.
“This is definitely the place.” I nod emphatically.
Sarah claps her hands and writes down the phone number for Aiden to contact them.
“Baby, when it comes to your dress and those for the bridesmaids, I want you to have whatever you want.”
Sarah’s eyes widen. “Aiden, after all you’ve done for me and Chris, I’m happy to pay for my bridesmaid dress.”
“Don’t be silly. Of course, you won’t be paying for your dress. We will take care of it. That goes for you too, Jeni. Don’t shop for a price tag. You need a designer gown.”
“Aiden, I don’t need a designer gown. I will be happy with a normal wedding dress,” I reply to him honestly.
“No. I want you to have nothing but the best and something you adore, not something you settle for.” He cocks his head, looking at us both. “I won’t take no for an answer. This is your day, Jeni. Treat it as such and don’t worry about the money,” he relays.
He stands, and I look up at him—this means so much to him.
“Thank you. Hopefully, I can find something you like as well.”
“Thanks, Aiden,” Sarah adds.
“You’re both welcome. And Jeni? You could wear a bedsheet and you’d still be the most beautiful bride.”
My chest swarms with the undeniable love I have for this man—a man I would walk over hot coals for, a man I would do anything for. He is my life, my world, and right now, the way he is looking at me, I know I am his too.
The Next Morning
Waking suddenly with a start, I know I heard a noise, I just can’t figure out what. I was in a deep sleep, so I need to gather my bearings. Inhaling, I note I’m spread out on the bed but Aiden isn’t with me.
Confused, I crinkle my face in question and stand to walk to the ensuite, but he isn’t there.
Suddenly, out of the corner of my eye, I see a figure reflected in the mirror. I turn, and Niall’s standing there with the most devious of evil grins on his face. How on earth is Niall here right now? Fear pummels through my body and my head snaps around, searching, but I can’t see anything to help me.
“Aiden!” I call out, but there’s no response.