Saving Ayden

by Muriel Garcia

  I’m brought back to reality when she starts to stir in my arms. She stretches her tiny body and cuddles closer into me. I wrap my arm around her and bring her closer to me.

  “Morning Sweet Cheeks.” I whisper in her hair.

  “Morning love.” She whispers back. “Did you get any sleep?”

  “Not much. I love watching you sleep so I didn’t mind. You’re such a beautiful sight to see first thing in the morning, with the glow from the rising sun on your creamy skin.”

  “Creep.” She mumbles into my chest.

  “You love me.”

  “I do love you. Always and forever.” She looks up at me and brushes her lips against mine.

  “Always and forever.” I whisper back and kiss her deeply.

  Yes, life is going to be good from now on. We might have our ups and downs but which couple doesn’t? This is the beginning of the rest of our lives. I couldn’t be any happier than I am right now to be in this bed with the woman I love, who loves me back.

  Yes, life is good…

  Chapter 35

  Ayden

  December 24, 2014

  I couldn’t be happier that Christmas is finally here.

  We decided to celebrate it with a couple of our friends and family at my place, well a couple is putting it mildly, a lot of people are coming including my parents, Ant’s parents, Charline, Aleck, Callum who was found while I was in the hospital, Nicole, and Gabe. Not that I don’t want the other guys around but they all had plans with their families.

  We decided to start a new tradition next year and have a massive party every Christmas Eve at the compound so we get to celebrate it all together and the next day with our families. I’m so excited about all of this.

  This is the best way to end this crazy year.

  Ant and I have been through a lot in the past couple of weeks but I’m glad things are finally getting back to normal. He moved in with me pretty much right after we got back from Grand Isle and it’s been amazing.

  Not that I had much choice on the matter, but it’s still been amazing.

  He’s seriously the best. He does spend a lot of time doing club stuff but most of his time is dedicated to us and make this house a home for the both of us.

  I tried to convince him to decorate the house for Christmas with me but he didn’t want to. He said it was ‘girly shit and that I should get Charline to help me out.’

  Needless to say, I jumped on the occasion to have a day where he would be out to decorate the house. I think he nearly had a heart attack when he came home and saw the house.

  It’s like Christmas threw up everywhere. He did help with the lights and he helped me put on the Christmas tree topper.

  Nicole, Charline, my mom, Ant’s mom, and myself have been out to the store to get enough food for all of us. Ant kindly insisted on me not being in the house for some reason. I don’t know what he has planned but I guess I have to wait and see.

  I do love Ant’s surprises.

  I also have to go pick up his gift so it’s a good excuse to be out of the house.

  A couple of hours later, we get back to the house. I smile seeing Ant has put up a few decorations outside of the house on the lawn. It melts my heart.

  I help the girls unload the trunk and we take the groceries inside. It smells delicious. Looks like they have a couple of tricks up their sleeves, they’ve been baking.

  While the girls put everything in the fridge, I disappear upstairs to hide Ant’s gift—it’s not the easiest as it’s quite heavy but I manage.

  I walk to Ant in the backyard and smile as he instantly wraps his arms around me.

  “I missed you.” He whispers in my hair.

  “I missed you too.” I whisper in his chest.

  “Pussy whipped!” Aleck, Gabe, and Callum both fake cough. Callum was indeed run off the road but besides a concussion he was fine and went home the next day.

  “Very mature you two and you’ll see when you meet the one, if you’re not pussy whipped too.” Ant smirks. “I can’t wait for that day. Revenge will be very, very sweet.” He chuckles and I shake my head. Men!

  “Not going to happen for me bro.” Aleck says and Charline hears it and sighs but still joins us.

  “Asshole.” I mutter loud enough for him to hear and he glares at me. I raise my eyebrow and dare him to say something. “Can we talk Aleck?” He sighs and looks at Ant who shrugs.

  “Sure.” He says and walks with me to one of the lounge chairs by the pool. We both sit down and I turn towards him.

  “I don’t know your story. I don’t know what you’ve been through or what you are going through but even if you think you’ve been through Hell, there is always a way to come back from it. You need to overcome whatever fear is eating at you and be happy. You have to be surrounded by the love of your family and friends, do what you love to do and what you enjoy doing and screw what everybody else is thinking. What matters is how you feel and happiness will come to you naturally. I’ve been through Hell and back and look at me now. I’m finally with the man I’ve been in love with for years, we live in a beautiful house and I have a lot of new friends who are all amazing and I love them all—even you and even if you’re being an annoying prick to my best friend. So try to play nice. I don’t know why you don’t want a relationship but she likes you so please don’t be a jerk to her. Don’t lead her on and promise her things you can’t give, just be nice. She’s been through a lot too and doesn’t deserve this. I’m just looking out for both of you, you seem to like her and she likes you. So just see how it goes, if it’s supposed to just be a fling it’ll be a fling. If it’s supposed to last a couple of years it will and if she is the one, you will know, trust me. Just don’t hurt her or I’ll fuck you up, I don’t care if I’m tiny compared to you, I will find a way.” I finish dead serious.

  “Thanks Ayden. Only Ant knows and I’m surprised he hasn’t told you.” He says softly.

  “You’re welcome and he said it was your story to tell and not his. I understand that, I’m just really nosey.” I smile at him innocently.

  “I can tell and I really appreciate you laying into me. No one ever did that before. All I’m going to say is that I had everything growing up, good family, a lot of money, nice cars, everything that money can buy I had it. But I didn’t have the love of my parents and I never saw them happy, all of the relationships I witnessed, be it from friends or family members fell apart. That’s why I don’t believe in relationships. I do like Charline, she’s sweet and gorgeous with just the right amount of shyness but I don’t want to hurt her because I know it will end up badly because of my past.” He sighs.

  “I can’t tell you what to do but if you live in fear of what might or might not happen, you will be miserable all your life and don’t tell me that fucking a different girl every couple of days is making you happy.” He shakes his head. “That’s what I thought. Take things day by day. Talk to Charline, tell her where you’re coming from and see how it could work out or if you two still want to give it a try. Just don’t let what you witness others go through mess with your head. It’s not about who hurt you or who broke your heart, it’s about who makes you smile and is always there for you.” I kiss his head.

  “Yours and Ant’s story is giving me hope.” He smiles and hugs me.

  “I’m all about being an example.” I say. “Come on let’s go eat I’m starving.” I smile and hold my hand out to him, he takes it and gets up and we both walk back to our friends. I walk into Ant’s arms.

  “Can I talk to you Charline?” Aleck asks softly.

  “Uh, sure.” She looks at me nervous and I nod at her grinning. She follows him inside.

  “What have you done?” Ant chuckles.

  “Just told him the truth, to suck it up, grow some balls and talk to her like the man he’s supposed to be.” I shrug keeping a straight face.

  “Now I would have loved to hear exactly what you told him but to see him act all shy and quiet around a woman is a fi
rst so I guess you broke into the wall he built around himself.” Gabe says smiling.

  “I hope I did. He seemed to get what I was saying so that’s good. I’m just glad that he’s talking to her, even if the outcome isn’t what she hoped for at least she will have closure if they don’t want the same thing.”

  We all head back inside and decide to cook together, it’s a lot of people to cook for but working on it all together is quite fun—chaotic but fun. We are all getting in the way of each other even though I have a relatively big kitchen.

  I’m taking care of the cold dishes with Nicole and Helen, Ant’s mom, while my mom is making some cupcakes just to be sure the men didn’t ruin the desserts they were making, you never know. The men take care of the meat.

  It’s all good fun until I get a text from Charline saying she went home and apologizing for leaving early and not staying for the party. I excuse myself and walk to the porch to call her.

  She picks up after three rings. “Hey hun, you alright?”

  “I’ll be okay, don’t worry,” she says softly.

  “Are you sure? Need me to kick Aleck’s ass?” I giggle.

  “Yes, you may when you see him. Look I’ve got to go. I’m sorry I’m missing your Christmas party. I promise we’ll catch up soon. I love you sweets.”

  “Alright Hun if you say so. I love you too, Merry Christmas.”

  “Merry Christmas.” She says before hanging up.

  Well that was quick. I head back inside and go back to helping with the dinner preparations.

  I hope she is okay and that Aleck will make up his mind and not hurt her or I’ll have to hurt him. I don’t know how, but I will. Maybe strangle him in his sleep. I chuckle to myself making potato salad and Ant looks at me like I’m crazy.

  “What?” I look up at him.

  “Nothing, you’re just a weirdo.” He chuckles and kisses my head.

  “You love me really.” I grin kissing his chin.

  “I really do.” He kisses me deeply squeezing my ass.

  “Stop it!” I glare at him playfully.

  “Never.” He smiles and kisses my head.

  After cooking for about two hours, we set everything on the big table and sit around it. We don’t do graces but each of us say our little piece. Ant is the one starting.

  “Thank you all for joining us. It means a lot. I’m glad this year I get my Sweet Cheeks to celebrate Christmas, it’s been way too long and I couldn’t be any happier. Things have been rough for all of us but we are all good now. I’m thankful to have all of you in my life. You all hold a very important place in my heart. I’m glad we are able to end this year on a positive note and have our family back together. Life has a weird way of throwing things at you, be it good or bad, but with your help, especially yours Ayd, I know I can conquer anything and will be able to overcome any bump in the road. I love you all. Merry Christmas.” He smiles.

  “That was beautiful sweetheart.” Helen squeezes his hand.

  “Don’t call me sweetheart in front of my brothers Mom.” He whispers loudly at her faking being embarrassed.

  “Ha, I don’t care. They are family.” She shrugs and we all laugh.

  “Good to know.” He glares playfully.

  “My turn.” I smile. “I’m beyond thankful to have you all in my life, even if I haven’t been here in the past couple of years I’m back now and not going anywhere. Even when this fool pisses me off. I promise I’ll stay.” I grin innocently looking at Ant while everybody chuckles. “I’m grateful to count you all as family. It’s nice to know that you all have my back and contribute to making my life amazing. Yes, we’ve had a couple of rough patches, but things are looking up for us and time will heal all wounds and we’ll get over anything as long as we have each other.” I beam and kiss Ant. “I love you.”

  “And I love you.” He smiles kissing me back.

  Gabe clears his throat and smiles innocently when Ant glares at him. “My turn. I was lucky enough to find a new family a couple of years ago. Things haven’t always been great for me but being in the club has really helped me deal with my life and what happened. I’m grateful to have such amazing brothers and sisters. Life wouldn’t be the same without you. I’m glad you are back with us Ayden and even with the recent events, you are still my little sister and I love you. Thank you for bringing some of us together to celebrate Christmas as a family.” He smiles raising his glass and I melt. I don’t know his full story but I know it fucked with his mind since it happened.

  No one knows but Ant what happened to him. I’m glad he was able to confide in someone. After all I’ve been through, I now realize how important it is to speak up if something bad happens to you, be it from a stranger or someone close to you. Don’t ever let anyone pull you down or make you feel like shit or hurt you. If they do, they don’t deserve you.

  “I’m glad to count you as family Gabriel.” I grin innocently.

  “Little shit.” He laughs and hugs me.

  “Hands off my woman Gabriel.” Ant mocks and burst out laughing.

  “You’re a bunch of crazies.” Callum chuckles. “I guess that leaves me. I haven’t known you for a long time Ayden but I do have to say I enjoy the times we’ve spent together and I hope that even now with the problem being solved that we can still hang out. I’m glad I have you in my family now. Whenever you need someone to listen to you I’m just a phone call away. Thanks Cabe and Ant for letting me in the club. It saved my life, I was heading down a dark and destructive path but I’m glad you guys helped me out of it and found a purpose in my life by letting me join your family. It means the world to me—you have no idea.” He finishes raising his glass. I wink at him and smile.

  I’ve grown to really love spending time with Callum. We haven’t spent that much time together ever since the problem was solved as he said in front of everyone, but we did have a couple of great conversations about his past in the military. It’s completely crazy what he went through but I admire him. He really is a tough guy with a heart of gold. I’m so blessed to count him as family.

  “We are glad you are part of the family. And I’m glad you were there to take care of Ayden and watch over here. I’m sorry you got hurt while protecting her. I’m not too happy with the thought of you two spending time together when I’m not around but I’ll let it slide.” He glares playfully at us.

  “You don’t have to worry Big Man, you’re the only one I ever loved and will ever love.” I smile and bring his lips to mine, kissing him passionately. Everybody chuckles and cheer us on.

  After a minute, my father clears his throat and I look at him sheepishly. “Sorry, I can’t help it.” I shrug playfully.

  “I’ll let it slide because it’s Christmas.” He says seriously than laughs. “I’m thankful to have you all around this table, I know a couple of brothers are missing, but it’s Christmas so I can’t blame them for wanting to be with their family. I’m glad you’re doing okay Princess. I know everything that went down recently and it’s fucked up. Part of me wished I could have been there for you when you were taken away and they found you and part of me is glad I didn’t have to witness any of that. Thank you Gabe and Ant for bringing my girl back home in one piece. Thank you Callum for keeping her safe and being a good friend to her, we all know she needs her full family back with a few more members. Thank you to my lovely wife for keeping me sane all these years and enduring my numerous mood swings. I love you.”

  “And I love you.” They kiss and I can’t help but giggle.

  “Get a room!” I grin innocently. “My house.” I shrug when they both glare at me.

  The rest of our guests take their turn in saying their thanks. It’s kind of Christmas meets Thanksgiving. We used to do this in the past, I’m glad we are still doing it.

  By the time we are done with the food, I’m very sleepy but I want to give Ant his present. We aren’t supposed to share them before the morning but since his gift is hidden in our bedroom he will have to see it.

>   I’ll have to wait until our friends leave first though.

  We all sing Christmas songs while doing the dishes and cleaning up, I’m glad they are all helping to clean what needs to be cleaned and not leaving us to do it on our own.

  It’s close to two in the morning by the time they are all gone. I’m beyond exhausted and just want to cuddle up in bed with Ant and sleep for a week. Tonight was fun but tiring.

  “Are you okay Sweet Cheeks?” Ant says stroking my hair.

  “Sleepy.” I rest my head on his shoulder.

  “Want to head to bed?” He kisses my head.

  “Yes. I want to give you your Christmas present before bed though.” I stifle a yawn.

  He chuckles and starts humming “All I Want for Christmas is You.” I can’t help but laugh.

  “I’m all yours.” I grin kissing him deeply.

  “I love it when you keep reminding me.” He sighs happily kissing me back.

  “Always.” I smile.

  “And forever.” He kisses me softly. “I’ll get you your gift.” He beams and gets up, going to the spare room. I’m wondering what he got me.

  A minute later, he comes back carrying what looks like a blanket? I look at him confused. My jaw drops as he reveals what’s in the blanket. A little baby Corgi. I squeal and jump on the couch.

  “Gimme, gimme, gimme!” I know I’m acting worse than a kid but this is a dream come true. He hands me the puppy and I cuddle it instantly. “Hiya baby.” I beam and kiss the little fur ball’s head. It barks happily and cuddles into me.

  “You like it?” He grins innocently and helps me off of the couch.

  “Like it? You crazy man, I love it! It’s perfect.” I kiss him deeply and cuddle into him, the puppy between us. “I can’t thank you enough. I know you wanted a big, badass dog and you got me the one I wanted.” I beam at him.

  “Your happiness makes me happy.” He smiles and pets it.

  “Your happiness makes me happy too baby.” I beam and can’t help but giggle. “We’re kind of screwed though.”