I may not like it, but I do get it.
The Next Day
Jeni is madly rushing around the house getting all the kids’ things ready for Mom and Mike. We haven’t even started, and she seems stressed.
“Baby, seriously, if you want to stay home, I’ll be fine at work on my own. Maybe we can get Bree and Killian over for dinner, and I can tell them then?” I ask.
“No, Aiden, you need to tell them today. You know how you felt being kept in the dark. The longer you leave it, the more annoyed they’ll be that you didn’t tell them. You know I’m right. Anyway, I just have to sterilize these bottles, and we’re ready to go,” she announces.
“Don’t worry about the bottles, let Marissa do it. She’ll be here soon. Why don’t you sit down with me and have a coffee?”
She nods. “Yeah, of course. I keep forgetting Marissa is back today.”
We walk to the sofa and have a seat. Brody runs over to show me his wooden truck that Mike made him, and the thought comes to mind that Brody is Mike’s grandson. When I look back at it now, Mike has been there for everything over my entire life. He’s been more of a father than Niall ever was. Yes, without Niall, I’d never have been as successful as I am, but I could have been anything, absolutely anything, if Mike was my father. But then again, if I wasn’t working in finance and didn’t have my Aston Martin, then I may not have crashed into Jeni, and I wouldn’t have the best family a guy could ask for. So, perhaps that’s a good thing to come out of all of this. I take a sip of my coffee as I see Mom and Mike walking through our back door.
“Morning,” Mom announces cheerily. She looks happy.
“Nana… Nana, look at my twuck,” Brody calls out as he runs up to her. She picks him up and rests him on her hip.
“Well, I think that’s the best present Mike could’ve given you, hey, Brody?” Mom asks, and he smiles at her.
“Morning... Marissa should be here soon to do the sterilizing and whatever else you need. The girls have had their morning feedings and Brody’s had his breakfast. It should be smooth sailing from here,” Jeni informs, then drinks the last of her coffee.
“No worries, we got this,” Mike says with enthusiasm, and we laugh. “What? Isn’t that what all the kids say these days?” He looks at me and smiles a big bright smile. Actually, it looks like a weight has been lifted off his shoulders. The problem is all that weight is now firmly set on mine. I drink the last of my coffee.
Jeni walks over to the vibrating seats the girls are swinging in and she kisses each one on their head. “C’mon, babe, we better go,” Jeni says.
“Yep,” I reply and step over to give each of my children a kiss goodbye.
Mom reaches out and touches my arm. I look at her, and she smiles. I’m still upset, in fact, I’m damn mad at her and Mike, but somehow, I manage to smile back.
“Have a good day, buddy. Don’t drive Nana too crazy,” I say to Brody, and, as usual, he completely ignores me when his nana is around.
“Have a good day at work, you two. Jeni, don’t work too hard. It’s your first day back after the twins. Please, take it easy, okay?” Mom warns.
“Don’t worry, I’m in good with the boss, so I can relax most of the day,” she replies.
God, I love her!
We say our final goodbyes and walk out to my Aston Martin. It’s been a long time since I’ve driven her, and I’ve had withdrawal symptoms. It’ll be great to get behind her wheel again. Normally, everywhere we go we have to take the people-mover, otherwise known as the LS 600h F Sport Lexus. Don’t get me wrong, I like the car, but it’s nothing like my baby to drive.
“Bet you’re looking forward to this, hey, babe?” Jeni calls out while she slides into the passenger side.
“God, yeah,” I reply, making her giggle. I open the door and slide in, then take some time admiring the beauty of my baby. I run my hands along the black leather steering wheel, and Jeni laughs.
“C’mon, Aiden. I know you’re in love with her, but we’re already running late,” Jeni chides, snapping me out of my adoration.
I chuckle and start the engine—she roars to life like a lion.
You’ve got to love that sound.
Taking the long way to work to give my baby some road time, we finally arrive and walk up the stairs and into the main foyer.
“Mrs. O’Connell, you’re back. It’s nice to see you,” Lisa calls out as we pass by her. She’s the one we hired to replace Josie. Jeni and Lisa get along really well. So well, in fact, they have actually become friends.
“Hey, Lisa, thanks. Great to be back,” Jeni chimes.
We ride the elevator to the top floor. I’ve been off work for a month to spend with Jeni and the girls, and by the looks of it, nothing’s changed.