I looked up at Aiden and grinned as I watched him swing Ben around like he was an airplane. “It will be nice. Okay, Mom, we’re going to leave here in a few, and we’ll see you up at the hospital.”
“Careful driving. Oh, and make sure Lilly has her big sister shirt on. It’s in my room on the dresser. I picked up an extra one, and I’m so glad I did. The one Lacy has is at home.”
“Will do. See you soon.”
After I hung up, I got Lilly changed and was about to walk out the door when Hunter walked in. Jack came running and immediately sat in front of him.
Hunter reached down and gave his best friend and partner a good rub down. “Did you get spoiled, buddy?”
I chuckled. “He did. I’m pretty sure Rose snuck him some ham and a carrot or two. Carl is in the living room watching football.”
“Can’t get him away from the football games,” Aiden said.
A wide grin grew on Hunter’s face. “Then let me grab us some beers, and I’ll join him.”
Aiden clapped Hunter on the back. “Thanks, Hunter.”
“My pleasure. Thanks for holding down the fort here and getting all that food cooked. I’m starved.”
“You’re hungry?” Rose asked, grabbing Hunter by the arm and leading him directly into the kitchen. “Let’s get you fed.”
Hunter glanced back over his shoulder at me and smiled, as Aiden and I headed out the door with Ben and Lilly to go meet the newest member of our family.
Willa
I bolted straight up, awoken by the feel of Aiden thrashing next to me. I quickly turned to see that his face was pinched in an expression of pure horror, and I pushed down the instinct to reach over and shake him awake. I didn’t have to, though, for Aiden sat up, looked around the room, and then stared at me for the longest time.
I wasn’t about to tell him he was okay; it was clear he was far from it. I didn’t want to do anything but love him. Love this man with everything I had. Show him he was safe, loved, and needed.
“Aiden,” I whispered softly and placed my hand on the side of his face. My heart broke as his chest rose and fell with each heavy breath. I hated these nightmares. Hated that he never talked about them. Hated that it was the only thing that separated us. I understood why he kept them to himself. I honestly did, but it didn’t mean I had to like it.
“This is why, isn’t it?” I said as I searched his face. “This is why you pushed me away. You were afraid it would come between us.”
Aiden nodded and took a deep breath through his nose before slowly exhaling. “The thought of you being alone, only to have me come home and still not be there... It would have killed me, Willa. I never wanted to put you through that. I loved you too much.”
Smiling, I moved until I was straddling him and ran my fingers gently through his hair. “I know you loved being a SEAL. But I thank God every night that he brought you back to me.”
I brushed my lips over Aiden’s jaw, and he wrapped his arms around me, holding me like he was afraid I’d slip away.
“They’re not as often,” I said, placing a kiss over each eye and then his forehead.
“No, they’re not.”
I could feel his erection growing under me, and I pressed my core against him harder, softly kissing him. When I drew back, I rested my forehead to his. “I’m going to love you so hard, your past won’t be able to break through and all you’ll see is the future. Our beautiful future, Aiden.”
His body trembled, and I pressed myself closer to him.
When I pulled back, our eyes met. And in that moment, I truly knew how hard Aiden was fighting to put his demons to rest. I vowed I would fight just as hard.
I ran my finger lightly over his jawline and then over his soft lips. I swept my tongue over my own lips and made Aiden a vow that would be the most important one I would ever make to him.
With my hands cupping his face, I looked him straight in the eyes. “I promise you, I’ll make it all go away. I will be by your side through every fight, no matter how big or small.”
Aiden’s eyes became pools of tears, and he blinked rapidly before he quickly rolled and pressed me against the bed.
“I love you more than my own life, Willamina Turner. Everything I do, I do it for you and Ben. I always will.”
I lost my own fight to hold back tears, or maybe I simply gave in. I stared up into his eyes. Only moments ago, there were fierce storms brewing in them. Now they were filled with nothing but love. Love for me, and that made my heart soar.