Page 52 of Worthy

Telling Aiden my story wasn’t easy, but deep down, it felt right. My feelings for him have been growing day by day, and his compassion only made me stronger and braver. In the past, I had contemplated sharing everything with my friends, but I don’t think I could have done it without letting my anger rise to the surface. Now that I’ve forgiven my mother, the anger isn’t there. It has been replaced by pity. I never asked Gretchen why she treated me the way she did, but I’ll get my chance soon.

Aiden and I walk slowly back to the house, holding hands along the way. I can’t keep the shy smiles from emerging, but that’s in part because Roger is behind us, whistling a happy tune.

When Roger starts in on the next song, I burst out laughing. “Are you seriously whistling The Search is Over by Survivor?”

“What? It’s better than belting out the lyrics. Trust me, that would not set the ‘mood’ for either of you. My singing voice can make the happiest of babies cry,” he replies.

Roger continues serenading us until we reach the house. When I walk inside, I see a bunch of smiling faces. I don’t understand why everyone looks so happy until I notice what their gazes are locked on—Aiden and my clasped hands. Aiden brings them up to his lips, smiling at me.

“I think they’re happy for us,” Aiden says.

Jessie wraps her arms around us both, “Happy doesn’t begin to describe it. This is cause for celebration. Group hug!”

Penny wants to get in on the action, so she ducks underneath Jessie and squeezes our legs as tight as she can.

Jerry taps me on the shoulder, “Anna, can I speak to you for a moment?”

I follow him out of the kitchen and into the living room. “What’s up, Jer?”

He places his hands on my shoulders and stares deep into my eyes. He does this for at least half a minute before I finally ask, “What are you looking for, Jerry? Do I have a booger?”

He chuckles. “No, you don’t have a booger. But do you know what else you don’t have?”

“Patience?”

“Ha! You’ve never had that! But no, I’m referring to your baggage. Did you lose it out by the water?”

“Yeah. Up until a few hours ago, Ethan was the only one I’d ever confided in, and at the time, I had so much anger. This time, telling Aiden my story felt cathartic and freeing. I can’t explain it, but I was at peace by the time I was through. Aiden listened and didn’t run. He didn’t get disgusted with me. He was pretty amazing.”

Jerry does his grunting thing. “I have to admit, Aiden is a decent guy. You’re different around him. Your sparkle is brighter, and your smiles are genuine. I hope he makes you happy, Savvy. If he doesn’t, then you let me know. I’ll sic Jessie on him.”

“Aw, Jerry, are you going soft on me?”

Jerry lifts his shirt, showing me his six-pack abs, slapping them hard. “Nope. Not an ounce of softness to be found. I plan to keep it that way for as long as I live.”

“Don’t say that! I know there’s a woman out there who is going to break through that tough exterior and melt your heart.” I shut my eyes and touch my temples, mimicking a psychic. “I can see it now. You’re going to fall in love with a woman and have six kids!”

Jerry looks horrified. “You take that back! Words have power, and you’re going to speak it into existence! Do I look like the type of guy that can handle six kids?”

“I’m tellin’ you. Your days are numbered!” I tease and begin humming the Jeopardy theme song.

The smile falls from Jerry’s face, only to be replaced by a more solemn demeanor. “Seriously, Savannah, don’t get in the way of your own happiness. Embrace the fake engagement, and maybe down the road, it will turn into something more.”

“It’s already turning into something more. I can feel it. But my life isn’t here, Jerry. It’s back in New York. I can’t expect Aiden and Penny to leave all this just for me,” I say, gesturing to the beautiful home we’re standing in.

“That’s the thing, Savannah. You don’t see what we all see in you.”

“And what’s that?”

Jerry’s lips quirk up ever so slightly. “That you’re absolutely worth it.”

The remainder of the week goes by quickly, with Aiden having practice on Wednesday and Saturday with back-to-back home games on Thursday and Friday. Roger has been working with Scott, Jeremy, and Jack not only to protect Aiden but also to help them hone their skills. I’ve dubbed them the “Shaw Squad,” while Jerry, Jessie, and I are the “Penny Patrol.”

Since we couldn’t attend the games for safety reasons, the family watched from the living room on the big-screen TV, listening to the commentators trash Aiden for not playing as much as they thought he should. The pundits speculated whether the additional bench time was due to an injury or if Coach Dorn was keeping Aiden in reserve for the playoffs.

We all groaned as Swank played abysmally, even when Aiden was on the ice. It wasn’t so much that his puck handling was bad; it was his attitude. Swank started several fights, which resulted in major penalties and time spent in the penalty box. Aiden and the rest of the team had to pick up his slack since those infractions caused the Rockets to play with a man short each time. Both games ended with a loss for the Rockets. Suffice it to say that Aiden was not a happy camper when he came home each night, and Saturday’s practice was merciless.

Aiden’s attitude is much more positive and upbeat this morning since today is a day of rest for him, having neither a practice nor a game scheduled. With church service only an hour away, the whole family is buzzing with excitement.

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