Total pages in book: 56
Estimated words: 52227 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 261(@200wpm)___ 209(@250wpm)___ 174(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 52227 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 261(@200wpm)___ 209(@250wpm)___ 174(@300wpm)
Still, this move felt desperate, and that worried him. Desperation could lead people to do dangerous things.
Aiden put an arm around Brooke, holding her close, and reminded himself it wasn’t much longer. The article would be published in a few days. The optimist in him hoped all of this would be over but he was aware of the potential for revenge. At some point, he might need an alternative plan.
Chapter Twenty-Five
A few days after the incident at the diner, Brooke, Aiden, Alex, and her mom were sitting at the dining room table at Aiden’s father’s house. Alex sat at the head with Brooke’s mom to his right. Aiden and Brooke were across from her.
“I’ve got to tell you, Lizzie,” Aiden said, spearing a piece of asparagus on his fork, “I missed your cooking while I was gone.”
Brooke’s mom laughed. “You always were a charmer, Aiden Sterling.”
Aiden’s eyes flickered over to Brooke, and he smirked, probably because she’d called him the same thing the other day. She rolled her eyes but couldn’t fight off her own smile.
“What do you think of the food, Dad?” Aiden asked with the slightest hint of teasing in his voice.
Alex picked at his meal, his brow furrowed as he stared down at his plate, as if the lean chicken and grilled vegetables had personally offended him.
At Aiden’s question, he looked up and gave Lizzie an obviously fake smile. “It’s great, Lizzie, as always.”
Brooke stuffed a bite of skinless chicken breast into her mouth and stifled the urge to giggle. Her mom really was a great cook, but before his second heart attack and dietary restrictions, he loved unhealthy food. His favorite food was bacon, which probably had a lot to do with his clogged arteries.
But it was sweet of him to act like he enjoyed the healthier meal her mother worked hard to prepare. Brooke saw her mom reach out to squeeze his hand, and he sent her a look full of warmth and affection.
Happiness filled her. When her dad died years ago, they’d both been devastated. She thought her mom might never move on, but slowly, over time, feelings started to develop between Lizzie and Alex.
Despite her mother’s attempt to hide the beginning of their relationship, it was impossible for Brooke to miss the lingering looks and casual touches they shared. Two years ago, they revealed the truth. Brooke hadn’t been surprised. Some of the Sterling kids were but everyone cared about her mother and were pleased they’d both found happiness together.
“So, the plumber will start excavating the day after tomorrow?” Alex asked, as he reluctantly scooped some brown rice onto his fork.
The plumber had been delayed on another ongoing job and Aiden hadn’t been eager to rush him, either. “Yes. It’ll take a couple of days, but he stopped by and used a sewer scope to locate the problem, so the damage to the yard should be minimal.”
“That’s good to hear,” Alex said.
Brooke’s mom cleared her throat, and all eyes turned her way. “I need to tell you all something.” She placed her napkin on the table and folded her hands together, no smile on her face.
“Mom, what’s wrong?” Brooke asked, her mother’s serious expression worrying her.
“Nothing!” Lizzie rushed to say. “It’s just that when the work on the gatehouse is complete, I won’t be moving back in there.” Her apologetic gaze slid to Brooke.
“You’re moving in here?” Aiden asked, while Brooke tried to process the implications.
“Yes, she is,” Alex said.
“Only if you’re both okay with it.” Her mother said in a no-nonsense voice.
How did Brooke feel about her mom taking such a big step? Not that it mattered. Lizzie was entitled to live where and how she wanted.
And when she let the news settle? “I’m thrilled for you both,” Brooke said, aware her voice held all the warmth she felt for them.
Her mom smiled, then turned her gaze to Aiden. “And you?” she asked.
He reached for her mother’s hand. “You don’t need my permission to move in here,” he said. “This is my dad’s house and his life. I want you both to be happy.” He smiled at her before releasing his grip. “Besides, I’m only living here temporarily.”
Brooke glanced at him, her stomach suddenly in knots. Was he leaving again when Jared returned to work?
“What is your plan, son?” Alex asked.
“When I first came home, I wasn’t sure what my future plans were and I wanted to spend time with you.” He turned his gaze to Brooke. “Now that I’ve decided I plan to stay home for good, I’ll start looking for my own place.”
She exhaled a long, relieved breath. Though he’d once again announced something huge in front of the family without telling her privately, this was very good news. News she’d have to trust in. A lot of changes had been revealed in one short family meal.