“I’ve got an idea.” I stepped between the most important men in my life and glanced back and forth to meet their eyes. “What if we started a foundation in memory of Shawn and Allison? We could take the settlement and do a fundraiser that would contribute to charities. That way the money would go to a good cause, and neither would profit.” I let out a long breath and waited for their reactions.
My mother’s voice broke the silence. “That’s a wonderful idea. Shawn would have loved it.”
“So would Ally. She had a generous heart.” Aiden’s lips curled up at the corners as he thought of his sister. But then his face grew serious. “I’d agree to that on one condition.” He turned and took both of my hands. “If you’ll head up the foundation?” It took a moment to realize he meant me, but once it sank in, I knew I could do it.
“Of course. I might need a bit of legal help.” I glanced at Layne Connor who stepped forward.
“I’d be honored to help so there wouldn’t be any conflicts of interest. Pro bono, of course, to honor my dear friend’s daughter.”
I patted the man on the back as he shook Aiden’s hand. “Thanks, man.” Aiden glanced to my dad for his reaction and Dad held out his hand, and the two of them shook on it. As the lawyers discussed how to go about setting things up, Aiden walked to the window.
“What are you looking at?”
“That tree. See it there.” He lifted a finger and pointed to the corner of the building. It was a huge oak, strong and sturdy, its branches extending in all directions.
“It’s beautiful. It reminds me of the ones at your house, only a bit smaller.”
“That’s because it’s not that old. I planted it when I was a kid. You can see the top of Allison’s from my office.” I wondered what made him take a glance out at that tree, but figured it was a special memory of him and his sister.
“Mattie has been telling me about trees,” he continued, as if to answer my silent question. He shrugged and stepped away from the window as the others finished their conversation and Mr. Blanc excused himself from the room.
“I’m so happy you’re happy, Lexa.” Mom brushed my hair away from my face and tried to smooth down my cowlick. Her lip curled
as she gave it a curious look. But then she caught my expression. “What?”
“You called me Lexa.” It wasn’t often that she did and when I heard it come from her mouth, I knew that things were okay between us.
As we walked out together, leaving Layne to figure out the next steps for setting up the foundation, Aiden put his arm around me. “I’d like to take the two of you out for dinner tonight with Lexa and me.”
Mom and Dad exchanged a glance, and then Dad gave him a pat on the back. “We’d like that very much. I know I’d like the chance to know you, and I hope we might earn a better impression from you.”
“How about six at Soto’s?”
Mom’s eyes lit up; I knew it was one of her favorites. “That sounds perfect. You two have fun, and we’ll see you then.” Mom and Dad walked out, standing a bit taller than I’d seen them in months. We followed arm in arm until we got to the Shelby.
Aiden opened my door and leaned in to whisper in my ear, “I can’t wait to get you alone.”
“I do need a nice long shower.” I smiled as he closed the door and then turned to greet him with a kiss as he slid into the seat beside me.
“I think I’ll join you. I’m sure I missed a spot.” With a wink, he started the car, and the roar of the engine sent a vibration that shot a tingle right to my core.
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Aiden
The afternoon hadn’t gone exactly how I expected, but any time with Lexa was time well spent. I’d brought her to her apartment which was much smaller than I’d expected, but more private. She had told me she liked it that way and with her job, she didn’t need a huge place. Her life was in and out, and I could tell that by the minimalistic approach to decorating it. There wasn’t much that had to be dusted, and everything was in its place. Made sense.
I’d helped her undressed and walked her to the shower, but before I could get her good and soaped up, my phone rang. It had been Layne telling me that things were underway and then, of course, he’d wanted to talk. I’d cut him short, but she’d finished up without me.
I resigned to drying her off and took her to the bed where I put my mouth to work, kissing, licking, and talking. I’d have kept her spread out beneath me if it hadn’t been for her flat tummy growling like a bear, so I did the right thing and took her to grab a small bite. We caught up on the days we were apart and worked through it until we were both content that we were all better. I understood her side of things and made sure she understood that she could tell me anything.
I glanced over to where she sat in the Shelby, her skirt barely touching her knees, texting Bre.
“She wanted us to stop by later, but I told her we’re on the way to see Mom and Dad for dinner. She said she can’t believe it and wished you luck.” She let out a giggle. “You know Bre actually told my mother off over the whole lawsuit ordeal?”
“She did? Wow, she’s got some balls, that one. I was surprised to see her at the bar. I think Glen was, too. He knew what was up and what wasn’t.” We exchanged a laugh, and she let out a sigh.
“You two will get along great now that things are better. She’s always been a little protective.” She typed more words, and I changed lanes to get ready for our exit.