Bottom Line: Callaghan Brothers, Book 8

by Abbie Zanders

  Lexi placed a small bowl in front of her, along with a glass of something that looked like juice. “Start slow. Let your stomach get used to real food again.”

  “You sound like someone who’s been through it before.”

  Lexi chuckled. “Honey, you have no idea. Guess Aidan didn’t fill you in at all, huh?”

  Mary shook her head and lifted the spoon to her mouth. The soup tasted even better than it smelled. With Lexi on staff at the Goddess, it was no wonder the place was so popular. Mary had never been there, but she’d heard nothing but good things about it.

  “I’m not surprised,” Lexi was saying. “Aidan’s very protective that way.”

  Yes, Mary could definitely see describing Aidan as protective, especially given the way he’d hovered over her earlier. “Have you two have known each other a long time?”

  “Oh, yeah. I used to work at his dad’s restaurant when I was in high school down in Georgia. I wanted to go to culinary school after graduation, and his dad made that dream a reality. Of course, I couldn’t have done it without Aidan.”

  Though she was curious, Mary wasn’t sure if it would be too intrusive to ask, so she opted for another spoonful of soup instead.

  “I have a rare genetic blood disease, you see. Think hemophilia times a hundred. Not exactly conducive to working around lots of sharp knives and pointy objects, I know. Aidan’s father pulled a lot of strings and got me into some of the finest schools in Europe. Aidan went with me.”

  The first question that popped into her mind was “why?”, but that sounded a bit rude. Instead she asked, “Did he study cooking, too?”

  “God, no,” Lexi laughed. “The most complicated meal Aidan is capable of is a PB and J. He’s definitely more suited to the business end of things. While I studied under the chefs, Aidan was getting some real life experience in all the other stuff – management, finance, staffing, logistics.”

  That was something that Mary could understand. “Kind of like me and Andrew.”

  “Exactly,” Lexi nodded approvingly. “Except Aidan and I have more than a business partnership.”

  “Oh?” Mary tried hard to ignore the uncomfortable feeling that squeezed around her chest, remembering that Lexi was married to Ian, and by all indications, the two were absolutely devoted to each other.

  “Yeah. Because of my disease, I needed transfusions frequently. Aidan’s my very own personal blood bank.” She laughed. “Sometimes I think there’s more of his blood in me than my own.”

  The shock must have been evident on Mary’s face, because Lexi said, “Crazy, right? But not only does Aidan have the same uncommon blood type as I do, he also has a genetic condition that makes him susceptible to blood clots. What could be a more perfect match for a woman whose blood can’t clot on its own?” Lexi sipped her tea. “You know, Fate really knows what it’s doing. Sometimes, when things go wrong, we fail to realize the good that comes out of it.”

  Lexi’s words caused Mary to recall several “bad” things that happened in her own life. It was hard to find anything good in her father’s debilitating disease, or Cam’s long battle with cancer. What was so great about watching the people you loved suffer? Or realizing that even as a kid, you were more of an adult than your mother? Or in living every day alone because of the ghosts everyone saw when they looked at you?

  “I don’t think it’s possible to find good in everything,” Mary said quietly.

  “Maybe not,” Lexi said, chewing thoughtfully on her bottom lip. “God knows, I used to feel that way. But so much has happened that I can’t help but believe everything really does work out in the end.”

  “Like what?” Mary blurted out, desperate for the hope to find something, anything, positive in such seemingly senseless tragedy. Then she apologized for being nosy. “I’m sorry. It’s really none of my business.”

  “It’s okay,” Lexi assured her. “I don’t mind sharing. But I think I’m going to need another cup of tea. Want one?”

  “Yes, but please, let me get it.”

  Lexi looked like she wanted to refuse, but then nodded. “Alright, but don’t let Aidan see you. He won’t be happy.”

  “I’ll handle Aidan,” Mary said firmly, causing Lexi to grin widely. “I knew I liked you. And you know what? I bet you could, too.”

  As Mary prepared the tea, Lexi began her tale. “I’m originally from Pine Ridge, you know. My mom died when I was little from the same blood disease I have. My dad eventually remarried, and, well, let’s just say there was no happy ending there. Long story short, my dad sent me away to live with some aunts down in Georgia. That’s where I met Aidan. If my mother hadn’t died and my father hadn’t remarried, I never would have met him.”

  “I guess I can see where that’s a good thing,” Mary admitted, though she was far from convinced.

  “I’m not done. Fast forward about ten years. With Aidan’s help I’m able to manage a fairly normal life, and I’ve even realized my dream of becoming a professional chef. Everything’s great, right? Then I get word that my dad died, and I head back to Pine Ridge for the funeral. I took a bus north, and who do you think was also on the same bus? Ian!”

  Mary blinked, feeling as though she was missing something.

  “I did mention that I had fallen deeply, irrevocably in love with Ian when I was fourteen, right?” Mary shook her head, her eyes wide.

  “Oh, well I did. Of course I was just a stupid kid to him then, and I never thought I’d ever see him again, but there he was. He didn’t recognize me, of course – I’d filled out quite a bit by then – but one thing led to another and we kind of hooked-up anyway.”

  “So...,” Mary said, trying to follow along, “you’re saying that your father’s death led you back to Ian, and you got your happy ending after all?”

  “Not quite. See, Ian didn’t know about my disease, and I didn’t want to tell him for fear that it would change things. I never intended to wind up in the hospital bleeding out and Aidan having to fly up in his private jet with a cooler of meds and a warm body, but that’s what happened.”

  Mary leaned forward, caught up in the story now. “So Aidan arrived in time, gave you the transfusion, and then you and Ian had your happily ever after.”

  “I’m afraid not. I left Pine Ridge, you see, thinking I would be too much of a burden on Ian. It was only after I got back to Georgia that I realized I was pregnant. Aidan was there for me, every step of the way. He brought in specialists when my regular doctors told me I had to choose between my life and my baby’s. I wasn’t even going to tell Ian after I knew everything would be okay, but Aidan flew up and did it anyway. Boy, was Ian pissed.”

  Mary felt like she was caught in a whirlwind. “But you guys obviously worked it out.”

  “Eventually, but it took some doing. Ian was too afraid of hurting me, and I was so devastated by the fact that he saw me as nothing more than some fragile shell that I gave up and nearly died. Michael Callaghan, Ian’s brother, is a genius when it comes to biochemical stuff, though, and he came up with this kind of organic chemo and a plan and now I’m kind of normal again. Aidan still helps me out once in a while, but for the most part, I’m gloriously normal. Ian and I worked everything out, got married, and even had a second child. And that, Mary, is my happy ending.”

  “Wow.”

  “Yeah. So you see, all those bad things – my disease, my parents’ deaths, my father’s second marriage, almost dying – are what gave me the things I treasure most – my dream job, my best and closest friend in the world, my soulmate, two beautiful kids, and as close to a cure as I can get.”

  Mary’s head was spinning. When she asked Lexi to explain, she’d never expected all that. Lexi definitely had her beat on the life-is-unfair scorecard. “That’s a lot for one person to deal with.”

  “Sorry, TMI. I get carried away sometimes. Just consider the possibility that everything that happened – even the really crappy stuff – has brought you to this moment. And maybe, where you ar
e right now is exactly where you were meant to end up all along.”

  The sudden appearance of Aidan and Ian saved Mary from responding – something for which she was grateful because she really didn’t know what to say.

  “Mmm, Lex, something smells awesome.” His eyes lit up when he saw Mary. “Hey, beautiful. Feeling a little better?”

  “Much,” she answered, somewhat bemused by just how comfortable he was in her home. Aidan kissed her cheek and she felt the rush of warmth that came with it. Yep, she was definitely feeling better.

  At the sound of Aidan’s voice, Max got up from where he lay next to Mary and demanded a little attention, too. Aidan obliged.

  “There’s enough stuff to last a couple of days at least,” Lexi said, rising and grabbing both her and Mary’s mugs. “Mary, Aidan’s proficient with a microwave, but don’t let him anywhere near the stove.”

  Aidan shot her a martyred look. “Really? You had to go there?”

  Lexi laughed, and it was truly a musical sound. “Yep, I really did. I like Mary. I’d hate to see her wind up with food poisoning.”

  Ian slapped a hand on his back. He was smiling, too. “Sorry, bro. She has a point.”

  The bond between the three of them was strong, forged by a series of events that had brought them together. There was nothing they wouldn’t do for each other, Mary realized. And for some reason, they seemed to be extending that bond to include her as well.

  Ian helped Lexi with her jacket, then slipped into his own. “You’re good to go, man. If you have any problems, just give me a call.” He winked at Mary. “His proficiency with electronics is only marginally better than his culinary skills.”

  She blinked, not really sure what he was talking about. “I’ll let Aidan fill you in,” Ian added when he saw her confusion.

  “You have such a beautiful assortment of plants, Mary,” Lexi said, looking around the kitchen. “When you’re feeling up to it, I’d love to have you over to our place. I bet you’d have some great ideas on how to spiff it up.”

  It was Aidan’s turn to laugh. “Yeah, this from the only woman who could kill an air fern.”

  Lexi looked wounded. “How was I supposed to know you weren’t supposed to repot it in soil?”

  “Air. Fern.”

  Even Mary had trouble hiding a smile at that. “Don’t worry, Lexi,” Mary said, “I’m sure we can find something that’ll work for you.”

  Lexi shot Aidan an ‘I told you so’ look. “See? Mary has faith in me.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  Aidan saw them to the door, then came back and picked up Mary’s now-empty bowl. “Would you like a little more?”

  Mary nodded. It was delicious. Her nausea was completely gone, and she was still hungry. Aidan went to the counter and refilled her bowl, then ladled some for himself as well. He sat down at the table as if he belonged there. “Mmmm. No one makes chicken soup like Lex.”

  “It was really nice of her to come all the way out here and do this,” Mary said carefully.

  “She wanted to,” Aidan answered. “As soon as I told her I’d be staying here, she insisted.”

  “Why did you tell her you’d be staying here?”

  Aidan regarded her carefully. “Because I will be.”

  Mary swirled the spoon in her soup. “Did you ever consider asking what I thought?”

  “Yes,” he answered. “But I wasn’t too sure I wanted to hear it.”

  “Better to beg forgiveness than ask permission?”

  “Something like that,” he admitted. “I figured if I had a couple of days to pamper and care for you, you might be able to forgive me for being an idiot.”

  She continued to stare into her soup, as if the answers she sought could be found there. What exactly was she supposed to say to that? He probably had no idea how completely devastated she’d been when he’d walked out. How could he? She hadn’t realized how deeply she’d fallen for him herself until that point. She wasn’t sure she should admit that to him, though. Especially when she had no idea how he felt about her.

  “I’m so sorry, Mary.”

  “Why, Aidan?” she asked quietly, lifting her eyes to his. “Why did you get so angry with me? Because I didn’t tell you I was married once? I wasn’t trying to hide anything from you, you know. I would have told you, eventually. Let’s face it, though. The few times we were together we didn’t do a whole lot of talking.”

  Aidan sat back and ran his hand through his hair. “I know. It’s just... I’ve never felt this way about a woman before, Mary. This is uncharted territory for me.”

  She could say the same. The sheer intensity of her feelings for him scared her, quite frankly.

  “How do you feel about me, Aidan?”

  His eyes met hers, intense and glowing with an inner light. “Like you are the other half of my soul.”

  Mary inhaled sharply. Whatever she’d expected him to say, it hadn’t been that.

  “Mary, I know it sounds crazy, but from the very first time I saw you at Tommy’s, something about you called to something in me. And every moment I’ve spent in your presence, that connection has only grown stronger. I hoped you were feeling it, too, but then when I found out you had been married to someone else, I thought maybe I had been wrong...”

  Mary covered his hand with hers. “You weren’t wrong, Aidan. I was feeling it, too. But know this – I did love Cam. I never could have married him otherwise.”

  * * *

  Aidan took her hand and gently tugged her onto his lap, careful not to hurt her. Hearing her say she loved another man was difficult, but then he thought about Lexi and how he felt about her and could at least understand. It was possible to love more than one person in your lifetime, possibly even be happy.

  But you only ever had one soul mate, and Mary was his.

  “Mary, do you know what a croie is?”

  “Of course I do,” she said, surprising him. “It’s that one person who is your perfect match. They become your heart, your very soul. They offer a love so pure and rare that they’ve been writing fairy tales about it forever.”

  “What would you say if I told you it was real? That I’ve actually seen it happen?”

  Mary paused for only a couple of heartbeats. “Lexi and Ian, right? I’ve never seen two people more in love. It’s in the way they look at each other, as if no matter where they are, no matter what they’re doing, the other person is the center of their whole universe.”

  Aidan nodded. “Then you believe it’s possible?”

  “I suppose anything is possible.”

  “And what if I told you that I believe you, Mary, are my croie?”

  * * *

  Mary was still reeling hours later as she lay in bed next to Aidan. His warmth and scent enveloped her, and she was afraid she was becoming addicted to it.

  His chest rose and fell rhythmically as he slept on his side facing her, one arm possessively around her hips. While her thoughts wouldn’t allow her to rest, Aidan seemed perfectly at peace. With his eyes closed and his boyish features relaxed, he looked so young. Mary pushed a lock of hair back from where it had fallen over his face. He sighed softly and murmured her name.

  Was it possible, she wondered? Could she and Aidan actually be soul mates? He seemed pretty certain. And he’d told her that if it took her a while to come to terms with it, that was okay. He was confident that she would, and he wasn’t going anywhere.

  Mary wasn’t quite sure if she should be thrilled or worried. If, as Aidan believed, they were truly meant for each other, then she couldn’t imagine anything better. But if this, whatever it was they had, turned out to be only temporary, it was going to hurt like hell.

  The past three weeks had been difficult. What would it be like if he decided he’d been mistaken and walked out again? That what he thought was love was really something far more fleeting, an infatuation falsely inflated by a mixture of guilt, remorse, and possibly a bit of pity?

  She didn’t think she could bear
to go through that a second time.

  Mary wanted to believe, but she was afraid. Maybe sometimes things did work out for the best like Lexi believed, but maybe sometimes they didn’t. Mary didn’t think she could survive too many more life-altering events before she was finally where she was supposed to be.

  Caring for her father through his long illness at such a young age had been hard. To a lesser extent, so had picking up and moving to a whole new section of the country in the middle of her sophomore year in high school. Then muddling her way through so many confusing things with Cam. Oh, she had grown to love him, but she knew her feelings for him didn’t run as deep as his did for her.

  She would have given anything to change that back then. Cam was a truly good man. She only hoped that for a little while at least, she’d made him happy. As hard as she prayed that one day she would wake up and be head-over-heels crazy in love with him, she also prayed that he never knew she wasn’t.

  But with Aidan, there were no doubts. All she had to do was think about him and her entire body sparked to life. It wasn’t just lust, either, though there was lots of that. It was his voice. His scent. The way his eyes seemed to glow from the inside when he looked at her...

  Then again, lots of women probably felt similar things around him. He was gorgeous, sexy, reeking of confidence and power. Except, of course, when he was drunk and incapable of removing his own boxers.

  A smile graced her lips at the memory. How many women had seen that side of him? And how many had the pleasure of Aidan’s warm body pressed against theirs without involving sex?

  Maybe if she knew more about him, she would feel better about things. He really hadn’t told her too much about himself. In fact, she knew very little. He lived in Pine Ridge, worked at the Goddess, and shared her penchant for off-beat British comedies.

  She’d learned more from Lexi over a cup of tea than she had from him. She now knew, for instance that he had lived in Georgia, and that his father had owned a restaurant. He had an uncommon blood type and a potentially serious medical condition. Oh yeah. And he owned a private jet.