I laughed. “I prefer beer, pizza, and basketball.”
“I dunno,” Aiden mused. “Cami likes it when I get a pedicure. She says she likes it when my feet are soft. I have talented toes, you know.”
Bentley and I groaned.
“Go get more cookies. It’s better when your mouth is full.”
Bentley stood, still looking nervous. “Okay, I’ll see you guys in the morning.”
He left, and I glanced at Aiden. “What are you doing tonight?”
He grinned. “Spending it with you. Dee told Cami you’d probably pout and feel sorry for yourself if you were alone.”
“Whatever,” I mumbled. Dee knew me well. I hated being without her now.
Aiden chuckled then stood. “I get it, Mad Dog. Believe me, I get it. So we’ll keep each other company.”
“Fine. Bring beer. Lots of it.”
“On it.”
I glanced at Aiden across the table the next morning. The nervous, anxious Bentley was gone. In his place was distracted, all-over-the-place, smiling Bentley. He ordered breakfast, asked for a scotch, then proceeded to chat.
Bentley didn’t chat. Or drink scotch in the morning.
He talked about dinner, his house, Emmy, Ridge Towers, the lakefront, local news. He never shut up. And he checked his phone constantly, typing with the strangest smile on his face.
Something big was up. Bigger than the wedding.
“How much caffeine have you had, Bent?”
“A few cups. I didn’t sleep much last night.”
“Did you give Emmy your wedding gift?”
“What? Oh yeah. She loved the earrings.”
I looked at Aiden, lifting my eyebrow. The earrings had taken three visits to Darlene, a dozen calls, and four revisions to get them perfect. And all he had to say was she loved them?
“What’s going on, Bent?”
“What? I’m getting married today.”
“And?”
He huffed a sigh, reaching into his pocket. He hunched forward, lowering his voice. “I don’t think I’m supposed to say anything.”
I exchanged another glance with Aiden. “Okay.”
“But I have to.”
I nodded.
“Emmy gave me a present too.”
“I think that’s customary.”
He pulled his hand out of his pocket and opened his fist. “Look.”
I stared at a mound of yellow fluff. “Did that used to be a baby chick? Did you kill it in your pocket?”
He glared at me. “No. Look!” He held out an object to me and handed one to Aiden. I took it from him, mystified. Then I saw it.
“Holy fuck.”
Aiden let out a curse of his own.
I met Bentley’s gaze. His eyes filled with joy. There was no other word to describe it.
“I’m gonna be a dad.”
“But . . . I thought . . .”
He chuckled. “You know what I learned last night? When a person is on antibiotics, it cuts down the effectiveness of birth control. When you had your accident, Emmy was sick.” He shrugged, his ears turning a dull red. “She, ah, got better. You got better. We celebrated.”
“You must have been surprised.”
“She’s been nervous the last couple of days. About telling me.” He took the tiny baby bootie from my hand, rubbing the soft wool between his fingers. “She was so scared, she was shaking. But . . .” He swallowed, the emotion and wonder evident in his voice when he continued. “This is the best wedding gift in the world.” He looked at us, tears in his eyes. “I get Emmy, and I’m going to be a daddy. I get them forever. It’s so much more than I ever thought, ever hoped to have.” He looked down at the ball of fuzz. “I’m the luckiest man on the planet.”
I sat back, letting the news soak in, waiting for the shock.
Except, I wasn’t shocked.
I started to laugh. Aiden was married. Bentley was getting married and going to be a father. I was living with a woman I was so in love with I couldn’t be without her for a night.
All because of a worn rucksack and cup of coffee. Three girls who stepped into our lives and made them complete. Made us complete.
I stood, surprising us all when I dragged Bentley to his feet and embraced him. Aiden jumped up, and the three of us hugged it out in the middle of a busy restaurant. Even more surprising, I didn’t care.
“Way to go, Bentley. Way to go.”
“Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Mr. and Mrs. Bentley Ridge!”
Bentley stood, offering his hand to Emmy. She laughed as he tugged her onto the dance floor, twirling her into his arms. They swayed, her tucked into his chest. The smile on his face said it all.
My friend was happy and in love. Joy radiated from him.
The wedding had been picture-perfect. Every detail handled expertly by Jen, who stood on the sidelines, dabbing his eyes as he watched their first dance.
Emmy was a vision of beauty in the dress Cami designed for her. Bentley gasped in awe when he saw her, elegant in cream lace. Dee and Cami were gorgeous as well. Although, personally, I thought Dee was the loveliest of them all. She had flushed when I informed her of my decision when I had her alone.
As weddings went, it was small but befitted Bentley and Emmy. Friends, staff, and close business colleagues attended. We finally met the infamous Katy. Richard’s love and pride as he introduced her to us was blatant. The natural warmth he described her having was transparent. She drew you in with her infectious smile and vivid blue eyes. She often chided him for his remarks, and he would kiss her cheek or hair, laughing with her. They were a great couple.
Graham and his wife, Laura, stayed in BC to look after Richard and Katy’s children. It was the only way Katy agreed to come to the wedding, and even then, she checked in on them often.
Richard teased her about it, but I noticed him on his phone several times over the course of the day. His girls brought the tough, cocky businessman to his knees, and the love he carried for them was evident. I watched him with his wife, his adoration clear on his face. He looked at her the way Bent did Emmy. Aiden at Cami.
The way I looked at Dee.
We joined the happy couple on the dance floor, and I pressed Dee close. “You look so beautiful. Did I mention that?”
“Not in the last ten minutes.”
“Do forgive me. You are mesmerizingly beautiful.”
She smiled at me. “Thank you. You look very handsome.”
“Jen knows his tuxes.”
Dee laughed and snuggled closer.
I felt the stirring of my heart, the contentment that enveloped me when Dee was with me. All she had to do was appear, and my soul eased. I wanted her nearby all the time.
As we danced, a thought crept into my mind, and I began to talk.
“I always thought marriage was a farce. Something I was never interested in. It seemed unnecessary. Antiquated, almost.”
She looked at me, quizzical. “And now?”
“It’s a promise, isn’t it? One made out in the open for all to hear. A promise between two people who love each other. The promise of being together. Loving each other, supporting each other, no matter what. Being that person the other can depend on.” I drew in a deep breath. “A written, spoken vow of love. It’s quite beautiful, actually.”
“You’ve become a romantic, Maddox Duncan Riley,” she teased.
I loved it when she teased me. Called me by my full name. Took over my life. Looked at me as if I hung the moon. I loved everything about her. Even the way she bit her thumb. I never wanted to have a day in my life without her by my side.
I stopped dancing and pulled her into the corner.
“You made me one, Deirdre Anne Wilson. You’ve changed every stupid idea I ever had about love.”
Her eyes widened. “Wh-what are you saying?”
I indicated the room. “I want that.”
“I don’t understand. You want to dance?”
“No. I want all of it. I w
ant to marry you. Share our first dance as husband and wife. Let the world know you’re mine, and I belong to you.”
She stared, her mouth open in shock.
“We’re already living together, isn’t that enough?”
“Maybe once, it would have been. But I want it all. I want that written, stated vow of love with you.”
I slid my hands over her arms, cupping her face. “I want this. With you. Please tell me I can have it.”
Her eyes were like saucers. I pulled her against me, feeling the tension in her body.
“Don’t run, baby. It’s just us. It’s just a word. Say it.”
I waited, patient.
A slow smile spread across her face. Mine grew as I watched.
“Say it again,” she whispered.
“Be brave with me, Deirdre. I promise I won’t let you down.”
A tear fell down her cheek. I kissed it away, my mouth lingering on her skin.
“Give me your vow and take mine.”
She melted into me.
“Yes.”
Two years later
Maddox
MY PHONE CHIMED with a reminder of my three o’clock meeting. Not that I needed reminding. Every Friday, same time, no matter what else was happening.
It was the most important meeting I had every week.
I shed my suit jacket and unbuttoned my vest, hanging them over the back of my chair. I kept on my shirt but removed the cuff links and loosened the sleeves.
I headed down the hall, my smile already wide, knowing what was waiting for me behind the closed door at the end of the corridor.
I passed the office that now belonged to Emmy, waving at her as I went by. She chuckled and returned my salute, a smile playing on her lips. Across the hall was where Dee worked, though she wasn’t in the office today. We had convinced her to join the company. She worked with Bill, our lawyer, as his paralegal; she was excellent at research and a real asset to our company.
I opened the door and stepped inside. What had once been two large offices was now a nursery/playroom, filled with bright colors, soft edges, and endless activities to engage small minds. It was often chaotic and loud, which at one time in my life would have made me run, but now, I lived for every crazy moment.
Bentley was already there, playing on the floor with his daughter, Addison. She was tiny, with an explosion of golden curls. She looked like Emmy, except she had inherited Bentley’s bright blue eyes. Always happy and laughing, she was enchanting.
And she had her father wrapped around her little finger.
She looked up, drooling and babbling as she lurched to her feet. Bentley was right behind her, holding her upright as she toddled toward me. I leaned down, scooping her into my arms and blowing raspberries on her tummy, laughing as she squealed.
“How’s Uncle Mad’s girl today?” I tossed her in the air, catching her as she giggled in delight. “Are you having fun with Daddy?”
“Wearing Daddy out is what she’s doing,” Bentley grumbled. But he smiled so wide, I knew he was full of bullshit. He was in a good mood today, better than usual, his demeanor almost euphoric.
He held out his arms, and I surrendered Addi to him. She cooed at him, patting his face with her little hands. He tweaked her nose, and she grabbed his finger, shoving it in her mouth.
“Teething again?” I asked, stroking the pink circles on her cheeks.
“Yes. Emmy rubbed some of that stuff on her gums, so it helped.”
My favorite noise came from the corner, and I grinned. “Excuse me.”
I crossed the room, smiling at Maggie, the woman who looked after the nursery.
“He’s all ready for you. I think he’s been waiting.”
I peered over the edge of the crib at my son. His chubby face was wreathed in smiles as he kicked his feet and flapped his arms for me to lift him.
“Hey, buddy.” I sighed as he nestled into my neck, his tiny hands gripping me. “How’s my boy?” I kissed his head. He pushed closer, and I stroked his back, enjoying his warmth. My boy was a snuggler.
I thought I knew what love felt like when I married Dee.
Nothing prepared me for the love I felt for my son, Brayden.
Dee and I married in a quiet ceremony not long after Emmy and Bentley were wed. We flew everyone to the Bahamas and exchanged vows under the hot, bright sun. We were surrounded by our closest friends, including Reid, Sandy, Jen, Becca, Richard, and his family. I hired a private plane so we were comfortable, and we all enjoyed the weekend. We kept it simple, because that was how we were. Dee didn’t even want an engagement ring, so Darlene created a stunning eternity band, the circle of exquisite diamonds as endless as my devotion. I loved the weight of the heavy platinum band Dee gave me on my finger, a constant reminder of our vows.
We returned to Toronto, and less than a year later, Dee was pregnant. Even though we had talked about it, and she stopped getting the shot, it was still a shock when it happened.
Dee handed me a tall box. Mystified, I opened it, staring at the contents, a thousand emotions running through me.
My broken lamp, the one precious item I had been able to keep hidden all those years, lay within the box. I lifted it with shaking hands. The truck was fixed, the paint fresh. It was attached to a base, a new streetlight beside it. The shade was blue with more trucks on it.
Tears filled my eyes as I trailed my fingers over the repaired memory that was once again clear in my mind. My mother’s touch, her sweet smile, and the sound of her voice as she read to me. Dee had given all that back to me with a gift so personal, it helped to heal a part of me I hadn’t realized was still broken.
It was mended. Restored with love.
The way Dee restored my heart.
She knew the story of the lamp. How much the broken pieces meant to me. She had already made a collage of the few pictures I had managed to save, and the framed memento sat on my desk, next to a picture of us on our wedding day.
“How?” I managed to ask through my tears, no longer ashamed to show my feelings.
Dee cupped my face, stroking away the tears. Her expression was tender, her voice filled with love. “I had it fixed. I thought you would like it for our baby’s room.”
My gaze flew from her face to her stomach, over to the lamp, and returned to her face.
“Our-our baby?”
She pressed a stick into my hand. “We did it, Maddox. You’re going to be a daddy.”
As I looked at the two blue lines, the enormity of her words hit me. I panicked, wondering how I would handle all of it. Babies came with no instructions. They didn’t follow schedules or make sense most of the time. I worried about being a good father since I had no example to follow.
Would I fail?
Then I remembered Richard and the love he had for his girls. The way he was with them. I thought of the change in Bentley. I listened to the comforting words from Dee.
“You will be an amazing father, Maddox. You will give our child love, structure, and security. That is all they need. You have so much love to give them.” Her eyes were soft. “I know because you give it to me every day.”
Her words centered me, and I calmed. I pulled her into my arms and thanked her with deep kisses for the gifts she’d given me. My memory, my child. My incredible life.
All because of her.
I immersed myself in her pregnancy. Doctor’s appointments, ultrasounds. Classes. I read books, watched videos, talked to her stomach every day. Built the crib myself. Well, Bent and Aiden helped, and we yelled a lot, but we did it. When I found out the baby was a boy and I would have a son, I couldn’t contain my joy.
Watching him be born was one of the greatest moments in my life.
We named him after the two people who meant more to me than I would ever be able to express. My best friends, my brothers.
Bentley Ridge and Aiden. Brayden.
A small foot kicking my chest startled me and brought me back to the present. I carried Brayden over
and sat down beside Bentley. Immediately, Addi started babbling away, patting Brayden’s cheek. She loved him, and he watched her with big green eyes and a toothless grin. I settled him on my knee, holding my wrist close. He started pulling at my shirtsleeves—one of his favorite games.
The door opened, and Aiden came in, cradling his infant daughter. She was a tiny baby, and looked even more so in his massive embrace.
“Sorry, the dumpling needed a change.” He waved his hand in front of his face. “For something this little and cute, she can make me gag.”
“Takes after her father.” I chuckled.
Aiden sat down, gently settling Ava into his lap. Addi clapped her hands, and with Bent’s help, leaned over and kissed Ava’s forehead.
“Good girl, Addi,” he crooned. “Baby Ava is so little, isn’t she? We have to be careful with her.”
She giggled, stuffing a teething ring into her mouth.
Aiden lowered his face, crooning to Ava. “Hey, baby girl.”
She watched him, her eyes huge in her face. Her feet moved, kicking at the blanket.
“How’s Cami?”
He looked up with a grin. “Great. Jen is keeping her busy with new designs he needs. The business is thriving.”
Cami was the only one of our wives who didn’t work for BAM. She did work from home with her design business. Taking advantage of the light, we had Van build her a mezzanine floor over Aiden’s workout area, and she happily designed her masterpieces there. She also leased space in the same building as Jen for the creation of her garments, employing talented seamstresses. She had returned to work recently after giving birth to Ava. She loved having the baby with her, but was comforted knowing when she was otherwise occupied, Ava was safely here under the care of Maggie and close to Aiden.
That brought me to the point of today’s meeting.
“So, Aiden, what did you find out?”
He lifted Ava to his shoulder, his hand fully encompassing her delicate frame.
“There are some good daycare places out there. And some truly bad ones. I think our plan of expanding the nursery onto another floor and hiring more staff would work.” He cleared his throat. “I really don’t want my dumpling being cared for by strangers, even when she’s older.”
Maddox: Vested Interest #3 Page 24
