Troubles (Beekman Hills Book 1)

by K. C. Enders

  And like he can read the thoughts running through my brain, Aidan pulls my dress from the closet. “We can leave as soon as you’ve had enough. Before that, really. I’ll entertain you, make you laugh.”

  He sucks a breath in, the sound hissing between his teeth, as I drop my robe and reach for my dress hanging from his finger. Aidan’s eyes take in my strapless bra in pale pink with matching lacy boy shorts, lingering lazily until he finally meets my eyes. His are dark and heavy-lidded, almost black with desire.

  “I don’t see any reason for us to linger at the party after.” He steps closer as I slide my dress over my hips. With his hands on my hips, Aidan turns my back to him and slowly slides the zipper closed. He places a kiss at the back of my neck, my hair pushed to the side. My skin tingles where his lips rest and I have to concentrate really hard on why we need to leave—soon.

  Pulling myself together, I step away from him and into my shoes.

  “We need to go. No more distractions.”

  I try to pull off sassy and all I hear is breathy and desperate.

  With my hand firmly tucked in the crook of his arm, Aidan and I walk up the steps to the church. Not the church we attended on Christmas and Easter growing up. No, it’s the big showy church in town, the one that will look better in the pictures.

  “Doing alright?” Aidan asks with an extra squeeze of my hand.

  I blow out a shaky breath and slowly nod.

  “Sure?” I’m not sure. The closer we get to the back of the church where the ushers wait to seat us, the more nervous I get. I don’t want to claim being here for either side. It’s childish, but honestly, who can blame me.

  “Didn’t think you’d actually be here.” His voice is far too loud and draws way too much attention. The muscles beneath my hand tense, as Aidan recognizes Tyler, Rob’s best friend. “You here to make sure she doesn’t spill any drinks later?” he laughs and slaps Aidan’s shoulder like they’re friends. “I’ll, uh take her from here.” He winks, jutting his arm out to escort me down the aisle and the loud and obnoxious becomes absolutely uncomfortable.

  Outwardly, Aidan is the image of calm and serene, but I can feel his tension as he rolls his shoulders and shifts his body between us.

  “You won’t, actually.” Tyler takes a step back and stares at us, not quite sure what to do. “I’ll escort Lisbeth, if you’ll just show us where we’re to sit.”

  “Fff—wherever, man. Enjoy the show, Lis.” Tyler puffs out his chest and tries to brush past Aidan to the couple behind us. What I’m sure he intended to be an intimidation, has Tyler looking like a fool as he bounces off of Aidan’s shoulder, stumbling.

  This stupid exchange, the posturing, has garnered far too much attention. Whispers are rippling through the church and like the wake of a pebble dropped in a still pond, bodies stretch and turn. People are staring at me, comments hush through the church.

  “What do you want, love? Shall we strut to the front of the church or take a seat back here, and not worry about it?” Aidan’s warm soft voice calms my racing heart.

  I smile up at him, knowing there is no one I’d rather do this with.

  “Let’s sit back here. It’ll be easier to make a quick getaway if we need.”

  AIDAN

  The look Lisbeth’s mum tosses at her as she’s escorted down the aisle is nothing less than judgmental. I don’t understand the dynamics. They seem to thrive on judgment and condescension, going out of their way to make this strong, lovely woman doubt herself at every turn. I want to protect her—rescue her from them.

  We definitely made a mistake in sitting at the back of the church. While it made perfect sense to not parade down the aisle, we do have to endure the stares and whispers of everyone as they file out after the ceremony. As guests file out, I feel Lisbeth getting tense, her discomfort floating around us like a cloud. I run my hand down her back, landing on her hip and pull her close to me.

  “Do all of these people know it’s you he was dating a few months ago?” I get a stiff nod, and she reaches back for my free hand.

  My phone buzzes a text notification. It’s the third one since the ceremony ended, but it’ll have to wait. When it’s finally our turn, we leave the sanctuary and make our way outside, breathing a sigh of relief when we are safely tucked into the car.

  “That was awful. I’m not going to make it through the reception.” Lis drops her head back to the seat and stares at the ceiling of the car. “Why did I bother getting a dress to match the wedding party? It makes no sense. This is ridiculous, I shouldn’t have come.”

  I hate the doubt and self-deprecation. Shifting in my seat, I turn her face to mine, making sure I’ve got her attention. “You’re here because it’s the right thing to do, you know that. If I’m honest, your family is like nothing I’ve ever seen before. They are absolutely toxic.” She rolls her eyes and huffs out a small snort. “I don’t know how you’re related to them, seriously. I can’t for the life of me figure out why that arsehole picked her over you,” I rush to smooth what was not meant as a hurtful comment, “but I thank God, every day, that he did. I may thank Rob personally at the party, buy him a drink. I definitely have the better of the sisters.”

  “Thank you.” The smile, the peace spreading across her face makes me feel good. Like I’ve gotten through to her. “You’re very sweet, but you know you don’t have to say those things, right?” I start to protest in earnest when she winks. “And if you play your cards right, I’ll even go home with you tonight. Let’s just get this done. Make our appearance, have a couple drinks and leave.”

  The reception is even more of an event. It’s not just a couple drinks type of party. There’s a formal dinner with table assignments and dining partners.

  I grab a couple whiskeys from the open bar handing Lis a glass as her mother sidles over to us.

  “I didn’t realize you were bringing someone with you. We’ll have to make space at one of the tables for your friend.” The dismissive flip of her wrist should have bothered me. But the fact that she has no interest, no respect for her daughter is what has my ire up.

  “Aidan, this is my mother, Anna Rittenhouse. Mom, this is—”

  I extend my hand, all my manners on full display. “Aidan Kearney, ma’am. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

  She reluctantly places her hand in mine. Her handshake is as cold as her assessment of me.

  “You’re not from here.” The woman is brilliant.

  “No, I’m not. But I’ve found the best reason to stay.” I pull my hand back and place it possessively around Lis’ waist.

  Anna looks from my hand to Lis, from Lis to me and back again.

  “Well. I’ll figure out the seating.” And away she goes snapping at the poor wait staff lugging a tray laden with champagne glasses. “We’ve had an unexpected guest show up. You’ll have to add a place to table—”

  “So, that’s my mom.” Lis takes a tiny sip of her whiskey and shakes her head. “And you’ve already met Maryse and Rob, so now is your chance to run. Take off before it’s too late.” Her small laugh and nervous smile trying to cover her discomfort.

  “Love, it’s already too late. I’m not going anywhere.” The kiss is just barely on the right side of appropriate, flushing her cheeks a beautiful rosy pink.

  My hand at her back, I guide Lis to our table when the announcement is made to please enter the dining room. As I pull her chair out for her, my phone buzzes a text—and immediately starts the phone call buzz. I pull it from my pocket and see it’s Francie.

  I decline the call and see a stack of text messages from him, the last demands CALL ME NOW.

  “Lisbeth, I have to take this. I’ll be right back, love.” I set my glass in front of her and swipe to call Francie as I make my way out to the lobby.

  “Christ, ye need to get your arse here, now. Did ye know? Did ye think to tell me she was comin’? How does Lis feel about this?”

  It’s rapid fire, question after question.

  “
Francie, what are you talkin’ ’bout? Slow down.”

  “Aidan, Lorna is here. In the pub. Said she’s here to bring ye home. Ye want to tell me what this is about?” I can practically hear his blood vessels popping through the phone.

  “I don’t know. I’ve been trying to reach her for weeks and have heard nothing. When did she get there? And what the fuck—she wants to bring me home?” My mind is racing. What is she doing here? Why now? Should she even be traveling?

  “She’s been here an hour or so. I tried to feed her, but the girl’s exhausted. Looks like she’s been up for days. Aidan —”

  Pinching the bridge of my nose, I huff out, “Tell her I’ll be there in a minute. Let me—let me tell Lis I have to go.” I end the call and see Lis’ sister smirking at me over her glass of champagne.

  Fuck.

  Chapter 36

  Aidan

  The look on Lis’ face nearly killed me. The disappointment. The resignation. And ultimately the acceptance that I was leaving her to the wolves. I could see them circling with their teeth bared, ready to descend on her.

  I hope with all my racing heart that Maryse didn’t hear as much of my phone call as I think she did. I can only imagine how she would spin things if she had half a mind to.

  I cringe thinking of the way she smirked at me like she had the world’s juiciest secret.

  This day could fuck right off.

  I’m relieved that she’s okay. She looks fantastic, actually. She’s sitting at the small table at the back of the pub, feet on the chair across from her, smiling down at her phone.

  “Hey, how are ye?” Lorna’s head pops up at the sound of my voice and a huge smile breaks across her face.

  “Aidan—God, it’s good to see you.” She struggles a little as she stands, rolling her eyes at my offered hand. “I’ve got it, come here and give us a hug. I’ve missed you.”

  I wrap her up in my arms, relief washing through me.

  “What are you doing here? Should you be traveling like this?” I pull back and look at her round belly.

  “Yeah, I’m fine for a few more weeks.” She smiles softly as she rubs her hand across her bump. “I missed you, Aidan, a lot. I needed to see you before—before this has me all tied up. How are you doing?” She sits back down, reaching for the other chair to prop her feet up again.

  “I’m good, really good. Can I—let me get us a couple drinks, are you hungry?” She shakes her head and I pop into the kitchen to grab myself a sandwich and crisps.

  The hors d’oeuvres from the cocktail hour are long gone and I’m starving. I throw a couple extra pickles on my plate, not because it’s a pregnant cliché, but I’ve known Lorna forever and pickles are her thing.

  I set the plate down and grab a water for her and a pint for myself.

  “Did ye put extra pickles on here for me? You’re a prince, man. God love ye.” She’s tearing into my plate without abandon.

  “Jesus, d’ya want your own?” Lorna smiles at me and around the bite of turkey sandwich—my turkey sandwich. I push the plate in front of her and head back to the kitchen to make another for myself.

  Francie pokes his head out of the tiny office off the kitchen. Pinning me with a glare, eyebrow cocked, he silently questions me. “Francie, she’s just here for a visit before the baby comes. That’s all.”

  “Not the way it sounded earlier when she showed up.” He folds his arms, resting them on his paunch trying to make himself look the part of the stern father.

  “Lisbeth?”

  I cringe, knowing I deserve his judgment for this. “She’s at the wedding reception, her sister’s. I’m sure she’ll be here soon.”

  “I don’t like it, Aidan.”

  I feel like an arse for leaving her there, but what other choice did I have?

  My thoughts run in a muddled mess as I turn back to rejoin Lorna.

  Holding my plate out of her reach, I drop a few more pickles to hers.

  “You’re lovely, ye know that? Mmm, so good.” She mumbles, brushing the crumbs off her hands. “Sorry, didn’t realize I was so hungry until I saw yours. So, you’re good? Better? Ready to come home?” Lorna bobs her head from side to side while taking me in. “You’re dressed awfully posh, were ye out, then?”

  “I am good, much better, and I was out. At a wedding, actually.”

  “You’re working again then? That’s fantastic. You’re far too good at what you do to waste time tending bar and mucking about.”

  “I am, but—” My words forgotten when Lorna grabs my hand and places it on her belly, pressing it flat.

  “Was that? That’s the baby moving?”

  “It is. He’s really strong.” She says gently.

  He. It’s a boy.

  “I’d like to name him Michael Aidan. After the two men who mean the most to me.”

  “Lorna, that’s—I-I’d be honored.”

  It’s not fair that my brother is missing all this. He wanted to be a father more than anything. It kills me knowing the last thing he did before finding out his death sentence, was create this life. He should be here. He should have his hand on his wife’s belly, feeling his boy kicking and rolling and moving. These moments should be Michael’s.

  Lorna slides both hands over the top of mine, holding me in place. She talks quietly, telling me everything will be okay. Soothing me, like I’m the widow facing this alone. I cover my face with my free hand, letting the tears come.

  Not the wracking sobs from right after his death, but silent sad tears mourning Michael’s loss of this gift. Tears for this child having to grow up not knowing his father and the man he was. Not truly knowing how desperately he was wanted.

  The slamming of the pub door against the quiet of the room, pulls me out of my moment. I wipe my tears and take some deep breaths, pushing down the pain in my heart.

  “I’m sorry. I thought I was over it, but—God, he’s really gone. And this sweet child will never know him.” I brush at the tears that continue to fall.

  “I know. Believe me, I understand. I’ve done nothing but cry and ask why for months.” Lorna slides my pint across the table. I take a healthy draught and steel myself.

  Of course, she has. She’s been alone through all of this. Dealing with the pain and the guilt and the loss of her husband. Knowing she’s going to have to be both mum and dad to this child.

  “There is a way.” I lift my head and meet her eyes, hesitancy clouding them.

  “There’s a way for what?”

  “For his father to be in his life. For him to know Michael in a sense.” Lorna’s voice wavers with uncertainty.

  I shake my head, not understanding what she’s trying to say.

  “Come home, Aidan. Come home with me and…we’re a good team. We can do this. Together.” Her plea, the only thing sounding in the pub.

  “What?” Not sure that I heard her right, I search her face, fear written all over it.

  “You were close to Michael. You were there with me through everything.” She can’t mean it. “Aidan, you’re the only one who truly understands. He would want you to be a part of his son’s life. You’re so much like him it would be like his father was here. Please.”

  Nonononono. “Lorna, I can’t take Michael’s place. I—”

  “Sorry. No, you’re right. I shouldn’t have asked. Shouldn’t have even implied.”

  She’s a flurry of nervous hands and false laughter, not meeting my eye. “I should have gone on a beach holiday instead. This was a mistake. I’ll—I’ll just call a cab and go. I’m sorry.”

  “Lorna, stop. You can’t just turn around and go. You’ve got to be exhausted.” She’s staring at her bag, sniffling quietly. “Come on. Let’s get you settled and we’ll talk in the morning, after you’ve slept.”

  She nods and wipes at her cheeks.

  “Where are you booked in?”

  Still not meeting my eye, she replies barely audibly, “I didn’t book anything. I-I thought I could stay with you.”

&nb
sp; I run my hand down the scruff on my jaw and nod once, pulling my phone from my pocket. I need to call Lis and let her know we have a guest tonight. Shit, I need to call my mum and let her know that Lorna’s alright. That she’s here, I’m not sure that she’s alright. Swiping at my screen I see a text from Lis.

  L: At Gracyn’s. Staying here tonight.

  A: Sounds good. Need to talk in the morning.

  I grab Lorna’s bag and guide her out the door, feeling eyes on me the whole way. Holding the door, I catch Francie leaning in the doorway of the kitchen, the corners of his mouth turned down. I know he’s worried, but it’s Finn who makes me pause. Hands braced on the bar, his eyes are narrowed and full of disgust. And they’re aimed right at me.

  He throws the towel to the bar and brushes past Francie, muttering feckin’ bastard. I’m all but certain I hear the sound of his fist hitting the wall as the door shuts behind me.

  Lorna falls asleep on the short drive to my flat, exhausted, I’m sure from the travel and emotions resurfacing. Wanting to wake her gently, I smooth her blond hair back from her forehead. “Lorna, we’re here. Come on, let’s get you to bed.”

  I take her bag straight back to the bedroom pointing out the bathroom and kitchen on the way. With Lis spending the night at Gracyn’s, it makes sense for Lorna to have the bed. I grab a pair of shorts and a t-shirt from the dresser before turning to face her.

  “I’ll take the couch. My girlfriend is spending the night at her friend’s flat, so just make yourself comfortable. I’ll, erm—I’ll let her know you’re here and we’ll all chat in the morning.”

  “Girlfriend? You’re living with her? Is it—is it serious?”

  She wraps her arms around herself, again keeping her gaze from meeting mine.

  “It is. Go to sleep, we’ll talk tomorrow.” I drop a kiss on her forehead and wish her a good night. My heart breaks for Lorna as I head down the hall.