“Thank you, Ev,” Nana says kindly.
After a while, everyone leaves except for my mom. She chats with us for a short time. “Darling,
I think I’ll go and give you two some time together.”
“Thank you so much for being here, Ev. It means a lot to me,” Aiden assures.
“Don’t be silly, I wouldn’t be anywhere else. And call me Mom. You two are practically married, anyway, and I consider you my son,” she says kindly to Aiden.
“Thanks, Mom.”
She leans in, giving him a kiss on the cheek. “Let me know when you get home tomorrow,” she says as she walks out of the room.
Once we’re finally alone, Aiden scoots over in the bed so I can lie next to him. I cuddle into his chest while he strokes my hair and kisses my head.
“I was so worried about you,” I tell him, honestly.
“I’m worried about you. Look at what Father has done to you.”
“Stop worrying, I’m fine.”
Jolting awake with a start, I try to get my bearings. Confusion hits but as soon as I hear the monitors, I’m reminded that I’m still in the hospital with Aiden.
My cell alarm sounds, and I get up as quickly as my body will allow to turn it off. Digging for my phone in the bottom of my bag, I’m finally successful at silencing it and walk back to the bed. The noise and me jostling the bed must’ve woke Aiden as he’s sitting up just as I’m about to sit down on the edge of the bed.
“Morning, beautiful.” He leans in to kiss me.
“How are you feeling?”
He shrugs. “A bit tired, but otherwise fine.”
“I know the feeling,” I say.
A nurse steps into the room to check on Aiden while I disappear into the bathroom. When I return, Aiden’s bed is propped up. He’s reading the newspaper and looks relaxed.
Eventually, the doctor comes in to check Aiden. He gives the all-clear to go home and sends a nurse in with the discharge paperwork. After Aiden is done filling it out, he changes, and we head to the car where Mike is waiting to drive us home.
Stepping inside the front door, there’s nothing left of the horror from the morning before, not even in the bedroom where Aiden’s blood soaked into the carpet.
Someone’s done a great job of cleaning everything up. Thank goodness.
After Mike leaves, we make our way out to take it easy by the pool where we soak up the sun and relax most of the day. That is until a soft, cool breeze wafts through the air, forcing us back inside.
Suddenly, Aiden’s phone starts ringing, and he catches it just in time. “It’s Mom,” he calls out, then he answers, “Hi, Mom. Yeah, we’re both fine. How are you?” he asks, rubbing the back of his neck and then stretching it from side to side.
“Next Wednesday. Okay. Are you able to arrange all this or do you want me to take over?” His brows furrow, and he frowns.
“Honestly, I don’t mind. If it’s too hard for you, I can do it.” He runs his hand through his hair. “Well, if you change your mind or need help, please let me know.” He looks over at me. “Yes, that should be fine. Hang on… I’ll ask Jeni.” He covers the receiver and looks at me. “Is it all right if Mom and Mike come over tonight for dinner?”
“Of course.” I smile.
“Yeah, that’s fine. Thanks, Mom, see you soon.” He ends the call and sighs. “That was about the funeral.” Aiden walks over to me.
Biting my bottom lip, I move to hug him. He pulls me in so tightly, I can’t move, but I don’t complain. I feel for him. Sorry that his father is gone, but even sorrier I couldn’t save him. I may have disliked the man, and he treated me appallingly, but I never wanted to see him go in such a terrible way.
I try to fight back the overwhelming sense of guilt I have, even though in my mind I know there was nothing I could have done to save Niall.
Only a half hour passes before Callie and Mike show up. “Jeni, darling,” Callie gushes, walking into the kitchen.