The Proposition

by Katie Ashley

  “Oh, I didn’t realize you enjoyed reading bodice ripper novels with their throbbing and pulsing members.”

  “Ha, ha,” he replied, playfully smacking her ass.

  After Emma threw on her gown and Aidan put on his boxers, she took his hand and led him over to the hammock. After she lay down, she pulled him down beside her. Once she wrapped her arms around him, she titled her head up at him. “So is this really so bad?”

  He grinned. “Nope. It’s quite nice, actually.”

  “Good. I’m glad you think so.”

  “I can’t believe how much brighter the stars are once you get out of the city. Being up in the mountains makes you feel like you could reach out and touch them,” Aidan mused.

  “Everything is more beautiful out here.”

  “Do I detect a hint of homesickness in your voice?”

  Stalling, Emma’s gaze followed a droplet of water as it trailed down Aidan’s bare chest. “Em?” he prompted.

  She sighed. “Sometimes I think I’d really like to move back up here—especially to raise the baby.”

  Aidan tensed beneath her. “Are you serious?”

  “This is where I grew up—the place I hold most dear in the world. All my family is here. If something happened to me or with the baby and I needed her, Grammy’s almost an hour away.”

  “Are you trying to say you feel alone back in Atlanta?”

  “Well, no, I mean, Casey has always been there…and you’re there.”

  Aidan grunted. “Wow, I rate after Casey, huh?”

  “I didn’t mean it like that.” She raised her head to meet his intense gaze. “You know how much you mean to me, and how much I…care for you.”

  Relief filled her when Aidan’s expression lightened. “But I don’t know anything about babies, nor am I a certainty, right?”

  “Exactly.” She then held her breath waiting for him to say that she had nothing to worry about in the certainty department. That he wanted even more with her. That he would be there always—in the middle of the night if the baby got sick and she was scared to death or if she was exhausted from a long day at work and needed a few minutes to decompress.

  “If you’re worried about being all alone, you’ve got my dad, my sisters, and Megan. I promise you’ll have a support system in them.”

  “That’s good to know,” she murmured, fighting the tears. Her chest clenched in agony with Aidan’s response. He didn’t mention anything about being more of an official couple or him being there for her. So how could she truly count on him? Instead, he had skirted responsibility and commitment once again. When was she going to learn? Or more importantly, when was she going to give up on him?

  ***

  The sharp jolt of the hammock’s sway woke Emma up. Fluttering her eyelids, she looked up at the sky. Early morning sunlight streaked across it, making it a swirling mixture of blues, pinks, and oranges. Somehow she and Aidan had managed to fall asleep under the stars. At the sound of someone clearing his throat, Emma tried scrambling out of the hammock, but Aidan wrapped his arms tighter around her. “Where do you think you’re going?” he asked sleepily.

  Emma swept her gaze from Aidan over to where Granddaddy stood, arms folded over his chest. “We have company,” she whispered.

  Aidan’s blue eyes flew open, and a look of horror crossed his face when his drowsy eyes focused on Earl. He immediately jerked away from Emma and held up his hands in mock surrender. “I’m really sorry about this, sir. I never meant to go against your wishes by sleeping with Emma under your roof,” he said, sounding more like a pleading teenager than a man.

  Earl peered around the woods and then up at the sky. “Don’t quite look like you’re under my roof, does it?” he asked, the corners of his lips turning up.

  Emma exchanged a glance with Aidan. Was her grandfather really going to let them off the hook so easily? “I’m sorry, Granddaddy.”

  Earl shrugged. “Guess there ain’t much I can say about it. You’re both grown adults. What you do is your business, even if I don’t agree with it.”

  “But I still don’t want you to be disappointed in me,” she replied.

  “I could never be disappointed in you, Emmie Lou.” He patted her leg. “I love ya too much, even when you drag a poor feller out of his bed to go skinny dipping.”

  Emma’s hand flew to her mouth while Aidan burst out laughing. “But how…?”

  “That don’t matter. I’s not comin’ out here to give you two a hard time. Your grandmother just wanted me to tell the two of you that breakfast was ready. Then we’re going to church.” He gave them a knowing look. “All of us.”

  After Earl shuffled off, Aidan threw his arm over his eyes. “I cannot believe he caught us.”

  She giggled. “I can’t believe you’re complaining about that, rather than having to go to church.”

  “Trust me, I’m not thrilled by the prospect, but I’ll go, especially if it makes him and Grammy happy.”

  “It will.”

  “Then come on. Let’s go get ready to be holy!”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

  Aidan fought his suspension of disbelief as he sat in the backseat of a car bound for Earl and Virginia’s church. The last time he had been to Mass was Mason’s baptism, and he couldn’t even remember a time before that. So much for keeping the promise he made to his mother about attending once a week. At least she would be proud he was getting some kind of moral guidance.

  Sitting beside him, Emma remained quiet. Aidan cut his gaze over to her. She looked beautiful in an ice blue dress that was far less daring than the sundress she had worn the day before. With her hands folded in her lap, she appeared demure and innocent except for the swell of her stomach. Before he could stop himself, he reached out and took her hand and his.

  A smile curved on her lips before she turned to look at him. “You sure you’re okay with this?” she whispered.

  “Fine.”

  As they pulled into the crowded parking lot, Emma shook her head. “Famous last words.”

  He didn’t get a chance to question her. Instead, they were ambushed the moment they got out of the car. Emma coming back home to the mountains and to church seemed to have an almost celebrity status. It took him totally off guard.

  Women were oohing and aahing over her while she was given countless hugs. Hands were thrust at him and introductions made. He gathered she hadn’t brought a man, boyfriend, or male piece of flesh with her to church since Travis.

  Finally, the throng of people cleared, and they were able to walk into the building. “So,” he said, opening the door for her.

  She grimaced. “So?”

  “Can I get your autograph later?” he teased.

  Emma giggled. “You’re so bad!”

  “I didn’t realize I was dating the town sweetheart.”

  “Sorry. I forgot to mention it,” she grumbled.

  “Next you’ll tell me you were Homecoming Queen or something.”

  When she pinched her lips tight, he widened his eyes. “Seriously?”

  She nodded. “But it was a really small high school.”

  Aidan draped his arm over her shoulder. “What else have you been holding out on me, Queenie?”

  “Emma? Is that you?”

  Aidan felt her tense beside him. He surveyed the attractive and well-dressed woman who appeared to be in her fifties. Her beaming smile faded when her eyes honed in on Emma’s swollen belly. An expression of agony flickered across her face, and Aidan thought she might burst into tears.

  “Hello, Jane. It’s good to see you again,” Emma said, pleasantly.

  Jane momentarily recovered, dragging her gaze off of Emma’s stomach and back up to them. Without hesitation, she drew Emma into her arms. “You’re absolutely glowing, sweetheart. I’m very proud and happy for you. I’m so glad your dreams of motherhood are finally coming true.”

  Emma’s body trembled in Jane’s embrace, and a sob rolled through her. Aidan fought the urge to drag her a
way from this woman who was obviously causing her so much pain. He cleared his throat. “I’m Aidan Fitzgerald. It’s nice to meet you,” he said, thrusting out his hand.

  Jane warily eyed it over Emma’s shoulder before slowly pulling away. “Where are my manners? It’s nice to meet you, Aidan. I’m Jane Lewis.” She took his hand in hers. “Congratulations on the baby. I’m so very, very fond of Emma.” Her chin trembled. “She was once going to be my daughter-in-law.”

  Aidan’s chest constricted. Jane was Travis’s mother. Now it all made sense. Seeing Emma pregnant only made her think of Travis’s child that would never be. He squeezed her hand. “I’ve heard lots about your son, ma’am. I’m very sorry for your loss.”

  She smiled. “Thank you. I appreciate that.” She released his hand and stepped back. “Now you take good care of our, Emma, okay?”

  “Yes ma’am,” he said. Although the moment the words left his lips, he waited to be struck down. It wasn’t as if he was lying in the house of God. It’s just he didn’t know if he could ever live up to the expectations Jane and everyone else in church and in town might have for him where Emma was concerned.

  Jane gave Emma a final hug before joining her husband. As Emma wiped the tears from her eyes, Aidan exhaled noisily.

  Emma gave him a sheepish grin. “Sorry about that. I should have warned you we might see them.”

  “No, it’s okay. It was just intense. At first, I thought she was just some holy roller pissed off that you were unmarried and pregnant. But then when I found out who she was…” He shuddered. “Please tell me Travis wasn’t an only child,” he said as they eased on their bench.

  “No, he had two sisters.”

  “But her only son.”

  Emma nodded.

  “Damn.” Aidan’s eyes widened when he realized he had just cursed in church. “Sorry,” he mumbled under his breath. He glanced over at Virginia to see if she had heard him, but luckily, she was chatting up one of her friends.

  Then the service got underway. Aidan listened appreciatively as Emma belted out the hymns. His mind began to wander during the sermon, and he was never more thankful when church ended.

  When he shot out of his seat, Emma laughed. “Guess you’ve had your fill, huh?”

  “You could say that.”

  Earl came up behind them and thumped Aidan on the shoulder. “Come on, son, I’d like to introduce you to a few people.”

  Aidan reluctantly nodded. He wasn’t quite sure he wanted to hear the introductions Earl might make for him. After all, he was just Emma’s boyfriend…or the sperm donor…or the asshole who knocked up the sweet angel of the community.

  Surprisingly everyone was very friendly and welcoming. Of course, one guy continued staring daggers at him, and Aidan wasn’t too surprised to learn it was Steve—another blast from Emma’s past. Even though he had a beautiful wife beside him, Aidan could tell Steve was very protective of Emma.

  He was nevermore thankful when Earl ushered him out the door and into the yard. After Earl finished introducing him to just about everyone outside as well, Aidan craned his neck through the crowd for Emma. A hand patted his arm. He glanced down to see Virginia. His expression must have spoken volumes because she pointed over his shoulder. Turning his head, he saw Emma standing at the far side of the church cemetery. He then nodded at Virginia, and she gave him an encouraging smile.

  Drawing in a deep breath, he started weaving his way through the maze of different shaped and colored tombstones. Finally, he reached Emma. She stood stoic and silent in front of a pink granite monument that read “Harrison”. Underneath it were names “Noah and Katherine” along with their birth and death dates. A large silk flower arrangement sat at the base of the monument.

  “Em,” he said softly, putting his arm around her waist.

  Tilting her head, she gave him a sad smile. “I’m fine. Really. I always come out here when I visit.”

  Aidan gazed at Emma’s father’s death date. “Your mom never remarried?”

  “For a little while. It was about five years after my dad died. I was in middle school then. It only lasted a couple of years. Not that Paul was a bad guy or anything. I still talk to him from time to time. Mama just said there wasn’t anyone in the world for her but my dad.”

  Aidan nodded. “Sounds like Pop.”

  They stood in silence for a few moments, the wind rippling their hair and clothes. Aidan’s heartbeat accelerated when Emma reached out and took his hand in hers. “I don’t remember much about my father, but I know my mother would have loved you,” she whispered.

  He squeezed her hand. “I’m glad to hear that. Considering how much Pop adores you, there should be no doubt how my mother would feel.”

  Emma smiled at him. “It’s good our baby will have lots of guardian angels to watch over him or her.”

  Thinking of his mother made Aidan’s throat close up. He could barely croak, “Yes, it is.”

  “Come on. We better get back. Grammy’s got a feast waiting on us at the house.”

  Aidan bobbed his head and let Emma lead him back across the cemetery.

  CHAPTER THIRTY

  After making their goodbyes, they all piled into the car to head back to Earl and Virginia’s. The moment they entered the house, the wonderful aroma of a roast wafted back to Emma. Grammy had risen early not only to prepare breakfast, but lunch as well. Even after the insanely large breakfast she had devoured, Emma’s stomach still rumbled. Inhaling sharply, Aidan moaned in appreciation. “God, that smells like Heaven.”

  Grammy smiled at him. “Thank you, son.” She then wagged a finger at Emma. “You’re going to have to start cooking more for your man.”

  While it was silly, Emma still felt her cheeks flushing at the mention of Aidan being her man. He raised his eyebrows. “You mean you know how to cook like that,” he said, jerking his thumb towards the kitchen.

  She giggled. “Of course I do.” She nodded her head at Grammy. “I had the best culinary teacher anyone could have.”

  “Hmm, I’m in for a treat then.”

  “Yeah, don’t hold your breath on that one. Between work and the pregnancy exhaustion, I don’t have a lot of time or energy for cooking.”

  Grammy tsked as she wrapped her red gingham apron around her waist. “You better start making time, sweet girl. After all, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” She then winked at Aidan before heading into the kitchen.

  When Aidan snickered at Grammy’s admonishment, Emma nudged him in the stomach with her elbow. “Don’t make me tell her the way to your heart is through your dick,” she whispered.

  Aidan’s eyes widened, and he made a strangled noise. He glanced left and right before hissing, “I cannot believe you just said dick in your grandparent’s house!”

  Emma laughed. “And I love how you’re not even trying to argue that it isn’t the truth!”

  He scowled before easing down into one of the dining room chairs. On her way into the kitchen to help Grammy, she ruffled his hair playfully. He glanced at her over his shoulder and grinned.

  Two of her uncles along with their wives and families sauntered in, filling the massive antique table to its capacity. Emma edged Mary out of the way before she could plop down next to Aidan. Even though she had won the bet, Mary seemed hell-bent on continuing to see how far she could get with Aidan, and Emma was happy to draw the line. Mary scowled at her before stalking down to the “kids” table.

  At the scuffle between the two, Aidan chuckled. Emma responded by rolling her eyes. “Wipe the sexy little smirk off your face, or you’ll keep encouraging her.”

  “Nothing wrong with her stopping by to say hello.”

  “Oh really? Last night you didn’t seem too taken with her attention.”

  “And last night, you were encouraging her, not me.” Leaning over, he nuzzled her neck before she shoved him away. “Besides, I’m still not taken with her. It’s just hilarious seeing you get your panties in a twist over a fawning n
ineteen year old girl.”

  “My panties are not in a twist,” Emma huffed, smacking her linen napkin down in her lap.

  He took her hand in his and brought it to his lips. Kissing her knuckles, he gave her his best puppy dog expression. “You know you’re the only one I want, right?”

  Emma struggled to breathe. Even though he was joking around with her, his words hit straight home. “Yes, I know.”

  Her heart melted when he winked at her. They were interrupted by Earl taking his seat at the head of the table. “All right everyone. Let’s return thanks.”

  After Granddaddy gave the blessing, they started passing the bowls and plates of food around. Filling hers to the brim, Emma let the familiar portions melt on her tongue. Glancing over at Aidan, he seemed to be enjoying the meal and conversation just as much as she was. For a moment, she tried to imagine what it would be like if this were every Sunday. Even if she didn’t move back to the mountains, it was comforting to think of Aidan being by her side for future Sunday dinners or family events. She just didn’t know if that was getting her hopes up too high.

  When the main course and dessert were finished, Grammy and her aunts started gathering up some of the dishes. Emma rose out of her chair. “Here, I’ll help you clean up,” she said.

  “Thanks, honey,” Virginia replied.

  While the rest of the men started vacating the table to duck-out of cleanup duty, Earl nodded at Aidan. “Come on out on the porch with me and the boys, son,” he suggested.

  “Are you sure?” he asked.

  Earl nodded. “We can leave the women folk to the dishes while you tell me a little more about yourself.”

  Emma couldn’t fight the smile spreading across her cheeks. She knew if Granddaddy wanted to know more about Aidan, then he had really made an impression. At his momentary hesitation, she gave him a gentle nudge. Aidan finally put one foot in front of the other to follow Granddaddy outside.

  Once the dishes were done and the kitchen cleaned, Emma hurried to check on Aidan. She skidded to a stop at the sight of him lounging in the porch swing with a pocketknife in one hand and a piece of wood in the other. Her mouth gaped open. Before she could ask what the hell a city boy like himself was doing whittling, he grinned. “Your granddaddy is teaching me.”