Page 45 of Trusting You

Melinda

When I awoke the next morning, I saw firsthand exactly what Aaron meant about it getting crazy. We slipped into his parents’ house early, and everyone was already over at Nick’s. There was a note taped to the microwave saying that Brooklyn was a perfect angel, and Emma was watching him until we were able to come over.

“See?” Aaron flicked his finger at the paper. “Mom and Dad are already in party mode. The Sutters are famous for their beach parties. I’m sure Mom has something crazy planned for later. I’m the first kid to graduate college in our family,” Aaron laughed as he turned to lead me down the hallway to the bathroom.

When we stepped inside, he closed the door behind him. “What are you doing?” I glanced at where his hand was turning the lock on the door.

“Making sure no one walks in,” his chuckled. “I don’t like being on display, despite what you might think.”

“No, I mean what do you think you’re doing?” I eyed his hand again as he reached for the knob to turn on the water.

“Showering,” he grinned as he kissed the tip of my nose. “I need to get all this sand off before I get dressed up for today. You see,” he paused as he smirked at me, “this girl that I kinda like convinced me to have sex with her on the beach last night. She got me so worked up that I forgot where I was, and now I’m covered in beach grime.”

“What if your parents come back here? Won’t they be mad if we’re in here together?” I backed away from him a little.

“I’m twenty-two, they can be as mad as they want. I’m an adult, and other than staying here this weekend, I have my own place. Dad was just flexing his parental muscles. He didn’t really mean it. They knew I lost my virginity years ago. Hell, my dad is the one that gave me my first box of condoms,” he shrugged like it was no big deal before stepping in the shower. “You coming?”

“Maybe I better wait,” I murmured as I looked around. The truth was I would like nothing more than to climb in that shower with him. I’d dreamed about being able to do this one day, but after Brooklyn was born I assumed it would never happen. The few men that knew about him had always bolted right away. Aaron was different though, and I didn’t want to ruin that by pissing off his parents.

“Melinda Brooks!” he narrowed his eyes on me “Get your ass in this shower before I drag you in.” He pointed at the tile beside him. I swallowed before watching the stern expression begin to melt away.

“I just don’t want your dad to hate me,” I sighed.

“He won’t. Now come on,” he wrapped his fingers around my wrist and gently pulled me into the shower. “You worry too much,” he mumbled as he moved us under the spray and kissed me.

“I’m sorry,” I sighed as I pulled back. “It’s just that I don’t want anything to ruin this. I feel like I waited so long for it to work, and now that it is I don’t want anything to take it away.”

“Nothing will take me away. Promise,” he gave me a lopsided grin before reaching for the shampoo. “Now, let’s get cleaned up so I can go to this monkey show before I get you dirty all over again.”

Traffic and parking were nuts the closer we got to the arena. Since a huge golf tournament was going on the same day, Aaron had suggested that we carpool. Both Nick and Cam worked at the university, so fortunately we were able to park in their employee spots, but this did mean a pretty good walk to Trask Coliseum.

“Mommy, down!” Brooklyn squirmed in my arms as we walked across campus.

“Sorry buddy. Mommy’s carrying you today. We have to go fast,” I grimaced as I tried to hold on to him as well as the diaper bag that kept falling off my shoulder.

“No!” he kicked his little feet making it even harder. “Down! Now!” tears began forming and I was praying that I didn’t miss the ceremony because I had a toddler throwing a tantrum.

“I got a better idea,” Nick came to my rescue. “Want the best seat in the house?” I smiled at Brooklyn as he held his arms out. Brook nodded vigorously as he slipped from my grip and into Nick’s. I watched as he lifted Brook over his head and slipped him onto his shoulders. Brooklyn’s fingers threaded into his hair as he grinned. “Don’t pull too tight, K?” Nick patted Brooklyn’s leg before striding up to walk with Leah.

“Thanks,” I called out as Emma stepped up beside me.

“No worries,” Nick waved me off. “Ryan was the same way when he was little. Very independent.”

I watched with amazement at how well Brook was fitting in with this family. They seemed to accept us, and want to make us feel welcome. Well, everyone except the one person I wanted acceptance from… Aaron’s dad, Cam.

“I think he’s preparing for when Brock and I have a baby,” Emma whispered as she hugged me.

“No, I’m not,” Nick called out, causing both Emma and I to laugh.

“I swear he has super power hearing,” Em giggled.

“Your dad is great,” I sighed.

“So is Uncle Cam. They have a lot going on right now. You know Aaron’s mom has been calling Uncle Cam for days. She saw the announcement in the paper about graduation. She wanted to see him,” Emma’s voice was getting quieter with each word that slipped from her lips.

“How did you know this?” I gasped.

“I overheard Mom and Avery talking this morning. It’s really been bothering Uncle Cam. He worked really hard to keep Aaron away from her. They don’t want her dragging any drama into his life. It’s a messed-up story that Aaron will have to tell you about, but I think you being here is just bad timing with Uncle Cam.”

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