It wasn't a hard no. He could deal with that, but he would continue testing those waters until he had a definitive yes. "Understood, but we do actually have someplace to be. Callie is very eager to meet you. So, if you don’t mind…I need you to get dressed.”
When she dragged her feet, he hurried her along. When doubt crept across her face, he distracted her with a kiss. Eventually, he got her into the car.
A short drive later, he parked at Callie’s favorite restaurant and checked his texts. They were already seated inside.
“You ready?” He gripped Ariel’s hand and gave it a squeeze.
“Do I have a choice?” Her lashes fluttered and she placed a palm over her belly.
He could imagine her nervousness because he felt some of it too. The love of his life was getting ready to meet his kid, a daughter he treasured more than life itself. If they didn’t hit it off, his world would never be the same.
It would be hard to convince Ariel she had nothing to fear, but she didn’t. Although her hesitation was understandable. Ariel was getting ready to walk into a restaurant to meet what she thought was the ghost of his ex-wife. That would terrify the strongest woman. What she didn’t understand was that this was exactly the future Samantha dreamed of for her husband and her daughter.
Ariel had the blessing of a woman she would never know.
What Ariel didn't know was that her future waited for her inside that restaurant. He would be by her side with Samantha's blessing, Mary's joy, and his daughter's hopes for her daddy's happiness.
“Come now,” he said, trying to reassure Ariel, “you spent months in the desert getting shot at, and shot down, and you’re scared of a little girl?”
“She’s not just any little girl, Aiden.” Ariel squirmed in her seat. “She's the light of your life, the apple of your eye, and your wife's daughter. I’m terrified of stepping anywhere near those shoes, and I'm not ready to fill them. What if she doesn’t like me? What if she hates me? Or worse? What if she resents me?”
“Trust me, Callie already thinks the world of you. You’re a hero in her eyes.”
“I’m no hero.”
He tugged at her chin and forced her to look at him. “You’re that and more. There are few people who would do what you have done. Now, come. Callie’s waiting. She's an incredibly well-adjusted child, and she knows you're not trying to replace her mother.”
“Ugh…I can’t believe you’re making me do this. Can’t we just go back to my place and fool around?”
“Oh, we’re going to do a whole lot more of that.” He gave her a wink.
He got out of the car and came around to her side. Opening the door, he held out his hand. When she tried to pull her hand out of his, he shook his head and tightened his grip.
“Relax.”
“Easy for you to say,” she quipped, “but I'd feel more comfortable standing on my own."
Her feisty attitude was a major turn on. As much as he wanted to turn around and spend another day in the sheets, this needed to happen.
"Your days of standing alone are over, and I want Callie to see what you mean to me. I have no intention of hiding my love for you or my affection. I don't think that's healthy."
"You're an unusual man. You know that, Aiden Cole?"
"Hm, using my full name? That makes me think I'm in trouble."
"And what if you were? We could make a jar for you..."
"While I appreciate the thought, that doesn't appeal to me." He stopped her and lifted her chin to face him. "I like being in charge."
She gulped.
"Now, all you need to think about is whether you like that too. Until then, we should probably go inside."
He had given her a lot to think about. Maybe too much, but he wasn't ashamed of his desires. She wanted to slow down that part of their relationship, which he was fine with, but she was about to find out how incredibly patient he could be. Besides, he had a lifetime to bring her around to his way of thinking.
He led her into the restaurant and to the left back corner where Callie informed him she was sitting with Mary.
His beautiful daughter looked up from her scribbling and clapped her hands when she saw them. The plan was for her to remain at the table and let him bring Ariel over. Instilling manners in his daughter was a never-ending battle.
To his dismay, but not surprise, Callie jumped up and raced to Ariel. His daughter wrapped her tiny arms around Ariel’s waist and squeezed tiger-tight, as she called it.
Ariel gave him an uncertain look, then lifted her arms, and very awkwardly placed them around Callie’s shoulders.
His daughter looked up with her biggest grin. “Daddy says I get to be the flower girl at the wedding. I already know the color of the dress I'm going to wear.”
All color drained from Ariel’s face and Aiden couldn’t help but laugh. Mary slipped out of the booth, came over, and peeled Callie off Ariel. She gave Ariel a quick look over, then glanced at him and gave a nod of approval.
“It’s nice to meet you, Ariel.” Mary pulled Ariel into a hug. “Pretend you didn’t just hear Callie say that. She likes to steal her daddy’s thunder.” Mary bent down and whispered into Callie’s ear. “Now what did we say about letting your dad ask her first before you started pestering her with questions about the color of your dress?” Mary practically dragged Callie back to the booth.
Ariel turned to him and placed a hand on her hip. “I’m not sure I can pretend I didn’t hear that.”
“Well, that’s a shame, but it doesn't matter.”
“Why?” Her eyes shimmered and he hoped it was with joy and not fear. This would be a bad time for Ariel to cut and run.
“Because my proposal is pretty badass. It’s going to knock your socks off.”
“I don't think we should be talking proposals, weddings, and the color of your daughter's dress. She doesn't even know me, and we barely know each other. Julian was intense, and intense experiences tend to heighten emotions. What if you find out I’m boring as hell?“
He pulled her into his embrace and gave stink-eyes to his daughter for ruining his plans. Callie stuck her tongue out at him, teasing back.
“I could never find you boring.” He tugged her toward the booth.
“We just met, Aiden.” She ran her fingers through her hair. "I know we've been joking about it, but maybe we need to slow down, and that other thing too?“
"We're already slowing the swat jar down, but this thing between us is inevitable. I'm not willing to wait another minute. You feel what we have. You can't deny it, and you know we belong together. It's fate, and you can't ignore fate. We have an insane connection.
“But isn't that the very reason to take a step back? Reevaluate?”
“You think this is too fast?”
“I do.” She nibbled at her lower lip but didn’t pull away. She felt the truth between them.
“No maybe about it. We’re nuclear explosive hot. Melt the panties—”
“Um,” she looked around to see who overheard. “Maybe not the best thing to say in public?” She leaned to whisper in his ear. “Or where your daughter can hear.”
“Why? It makes you blush, and I love the way you blush.”
“Aiden…we should get to know each other better.”
“And yet, you know I’m right. You’re the one I want and if you don’t say yes today, I’ll keep asking every day until there’s a ring on your finger. And for the record, Callie’s favorite color is pink. I highly suggest pink for her dress.”
Ariel glanced at Callie, who looked on with bright, starry eyes. Ariel turned her attention back to Aiden. “You know what?”
“What?”
“I have a number in my head. Guess right and I’ll marry you today.”
“And if I guess wrong?”
“Then you’ll have to ask me every day until you guess right.”
“As long as I get to pick a number between one and one.”
“Let’s try one and a hundred.” She gave a wink. "I thin
k that's long enough to know if we'll last."
“The odds are in my favor. You're totally saying yes, but I'll play your game, with a catch.”
"What's that?"
“You don't leave my side. You sleep in my bed every night, and you let me show you a taste of the things I like."
"Such as?"
"Why swatting your ass is a total turn on for me for starters."
"That's just a start?"
"Luv, it's only the beginning."
“Well, let's get started then." She leaned forward and gripped his shirt. Leaning in, she whispered.
He had a number in his head.
"I pick one."
She clasped his hand and gripped it hard.
"You're one lucky guy. Got that right on the first guess."
"You have no idea."
As he sat with his three best girls, there was no doubt about the truth of what Ariel said. He looked forward to an amazing future. The best days of his life were ahead of him. With a silent nod, he gave thanks to his late wife for her wisdom, her love, and her incredible gift. Samantha wanted him to find love again. He’d done much more than that. He’d found his one.
Epilogue
Ariel
It took four months, but Aiden finally wrangled Ariel into a white dress. She wore it now, praying she didn’t stain the fancy white satin with her nervous sweat. Mary said she looked beautiful, but Ariel would know the truth when Aiden saw her walking down the aisle.
Callie danced around her, her pink camouflage skirt floating around her ankles.
“Look at me,” she cried. “I’m a princess, just like you Ariel!”
“Yes, you are so very pretty!” Ariel grabbed Callie’s hands and spun in a circle with the little girl.
“You’re pretty! And you look like a princess, but not a mermaid!” Callie’s enthusiasm was difficult to contain. Fortunately, Mary had much more practice than Ariel in bundling up all that energy into something useful.
“Callie,” Mary said, “don’t you think you need to check on the flowers?”
The floral arrangements had arrived earlier in the day and had passed both her and Mary’s approval.
“I already checked on them. They’re pretty.”
“Can you do me the biggest favor?” Mary smiled at Ariel and gave a slow shake of her head.
“Yes, Grans!” Callie bounced on her feet.
“Make sure they’re perfect. Can you do that?”
“Oh yes!” Callie gave a little clap. “I can.”
“Good.” Mary guided Callie toward the door. “You go do that, and come back and let us know.”
Callie skipped out of the room and Ariel breathed out a sigh, not realizing how much tension she’d been holding in.
“She can be a handful,” Mary said.
“Callie’s wonderful. She’s been so helpful.”
“Ariel,” Mary put her hands on her hips, “don’t do that.”
“Do what?”
“It’s okay to want a moment alone.”
“I don’t mind Callie. This is a big day for her, too.”
“It’s a bigger day for you.” Mary gave her a stern expression. “You don’t have to share it with a nine-year-old.”
“But…”
“But nothing. We’re not playing this game. This is your day, not hers.”
“Mary, I can’t thank you enough…” The last thing she wanted was to insert a wedge between Aiden and his family. Mary and Callie were his life.
“Hun, you need to promise me something.”
“Anything.”
“You’re marrying the most amazing man in the world. At one time, he was married to my daughter. They loved each other, and their love was cut short, but that was a long time ago.”
“I know.”
“You know nothing.”
“I don’t understand.”
“This is your time. Sam knew something Aiden didn’t. She understood the kind of man he is, what he is capable of. Their love had limits. You don’t have to feel guilty for taking his love. You’re not filling her shoes. You’re not taking away from the love they shared.”
“Then why does it feel that way?”
“Ariel, you’re taking Aiden in a completely different direction. He loves you. Own it. Accept it, and be proud of it. Samantha would want nothing less for him.”
“But Callie?”
“Callie knows her mother’s wishes. You’re not expected to fill that role, although I already see love blossoming between you and Callie. What the two of you have will be something unique to you. Focus on that. You’re not her mother, but you will be the most amazing influence in her life. Show her what it means to love and you’ll honor her mother’s memory.”
“You’re incredible, Mary. Has anyone ever said that to you?”
She smiled. “No, but I know.”
Ariel didn’t respond. Mary loved her late husband. She might date and play the field, but she held onto her late husband’s love. She mourned him but realized the greatest gift he’d given her, the same gift Samantha had given Aiden, was the gift of loving another.
“I didn’t think I’d be this nervous.” She tugged on the silk of her dress, ashamed to admit her fears.
A soft knock on the door sounded.
“You ready?” Andrew’s soft voice filled the silence between her and Mary.
Ariel cleared her throat. “I’m ready.”
Andrew opened the door. He and Larry shuffled in. They looked comical, and yet incredibly perfect, in their pink camouflage tuxedoes. Callie’s dress matched them perfectly.
“Can we come in?” Larry called out from behind Andrew.
“Yes!” She fanned her face, pushing back the tears. “Come in."
Andrew and Larry walked in, looking uncomfortable entering the bridal suite. She didn’t have female friends to stand by her so she asked Andrew and Larry to fill that role as she exchanged vows with Aiden. They’d been honored, and then appalled when she revealed Callie’s obsession with pink camouflage.
A small ceremony, all the important people were present. There were a few on her side of the aisle. With her parents no longer with her, she nonetheless felt their ethereal presence and their love. She may not have many friends, but it wasn’t like she was alone.
Over the past four months, she opened up with Andrew and Larry, welcoming them into her life by sharing more of her personal journey. They loved Aiden, respected the hell out of him, and bonded over the whole hurricane thing. Andrew and Larry stood by her, bridesmen of the most unusual variety.
The entire wedding broke all the rules.
Her bridesmaids were two grown men, one married and one engaged. They initially balked at the pink wedding theme but relented when Callie showed them the pink and gray camouflage she’d picked out for her daddy’s wedding.
Ariel didn’t know they made tuxes in pink camouflage, but Aiden’s mother-in-law turned into a miracle worker. Pink camouflage might not be the most masculine attire, but neither were two men acting as bridesmaids. They took it in stride, loving everything about the entire situation, even as it challenged their masculinity.
Andrew and Larry stood with her, decked out in pink, grey, and white. Andrew’s wife and kids scrambled over the pews on the bride’s side of the aisle, excited by the festivities. Larry’s new fiancée sat with them, looking nervous but excited. It would be her turn in less than a month.
Aiden’s side of the aisle was as thin as hers, but filled with love and support. His crew from the rig supported him. Randall and Duncan would stand with him at the front of the church. She knew some of the other men, and their families, who filled the pews. People who respected their OIM and took time from their busy schedules to see him marry the love of his life.
She accepted that role.
She may not have been his first wife, but she was the one he wanted.
Samantha was not forgotten in the ceremony. Aiden let it slip that lilies had been her favorite flower. He di
dn’t know it, and wouldn’t until she walked down the aisle, but her bouquet and the flowers twined in her veil were in homage to his late wife.
She owed much to Samantha’s wisdom. Without her, Ariel would never have found the love of her life.
She waited in the dressing room, nervous and afraid, as most brides were, while she fussed over her hair, her dress, and the crazy veil. Beside her, the most amazing woman held her hand. Mary had become a dear friend and interesting confidant.
Ariel thought it would be awkward having Aiden’s late wife’s mother helping her with wedding plans, but Mary was a trooper. Over the past four months, they formed a unique bond.
They.
It was a unique term.
She and Mary.
She and Callie.
She, Mary, and Callie.
She and Aiden.
And of course, all of them together.
They formed a family, tied together by circumstance and fate.
And then there were the others in the mix. Andrew and Larry forged their way into her life. They began as fellow crewmen, men who sat in the back of her helicopter and became a part of her family. Aiden’s crew did the same, extending the reach of those she held dear.
And then there was one other, perhaps the most important, although she didn’t know it. Brie Hamilton, the yacht captain who had fished Aiden and his crew out of the Gulf after a week adrift. Brie and her crew saved Aiden’s life and brought him to safe harbor. Ariel didn’t know the quiet yacht captain but owed her a debt of gratitude.
After the wedding, as she danced with Aiden, she lifted her glass toward Brie.
“I thought you said she was coming alone.” She kissed Aiden’s cheek as he pulled her into a twirl.
“Who?” Aiden looked where she pointed.
“Brie, the captain who fished you out of the Gulf.”
Aiden glanced at the pretty young woman and gave a nod.
“She said she was coming alone.”
“Well, it looks like she found her plus one.” Indeed, the yacht captain had her hands wrapped around a dashing man’s neck.
Aiden cupped Ariel’s chin and tilted her face. “You know what?”
“No.” She played along with Aiden’s. “What?”
Aiden & Ariel Page 16
