Page 90 of One Timer With A Wingman

It leaves me in a state of awe when she says things like this. My parents are the complete opposite.

“Thanks,” Aaron says. He pecks his mom’s cheek.

“I’m taking Briar to Saugatuck for the weekend,” he says.

“You kids have fun. It’s so beautiful there,” she says, and her grin almost seems mischievous.

“Thanks,” Aaron and I say in unison.

He goes off to shower and I continue watching the soap opera, reveling in how good life can be.

CHAPTERTHIRTY-TWO

Aaron

“We lucked out with the weather,” I say as we lounge on the bow of the yacht. Briar is in a black string bikini. She is just so pretty. Her stomach is full and round and she looks so happy and relaxed, which is something I don’t get to see often.

“I could get used to this,” she warns.

“You should, if you like the yacht, we can get one when I start working,” I suggest.

“There you go, talking about us like we are permanent,” she says.

I lean over and kiss her. “We are permanent.”

My cell rings, which sucks, because we are out in the middle of the water sunbathing and enjoying the day. There are no boats around us right now, and I was planning on having my way with Briar.

“Shit, it’s my dad,” I blurt and answer the call. “Hi, Dad.”

“Aaron, I had to take your mom to the hospital. I wanted you to hear it from me,” he says.

“What happened?” I sit upright. “Should I come home?”

“Relax, she had a little fall. She broke her ankle but she’s fine,” he says. Mom isn’t fine. Her muscles are growing weaker and weaker. She is slowly withering away.

I pinch the bridge of my nose and close my eyes. I won’t cry. She is still here with us and I am grateful, but for how long? Watching her deteriorate is torture.

“Aaron, it’s just a cast. Six weeks and she’ll be as good as new,” Dad continues. I don’t know if his optimism is denial or he is trying to stay strong for Mom.

“Okay, thanks for letting me know.”

“She’s okay, I just didn’t want your aunts or uncles calling you and asking you questions without you knowing what’s going on, but it isn’t serious. I don’t want you worrying.”

“Thanks, Dad. Tell Mom I love her. Hope she feels better soon,” I say and my voice cracks.

“Will do, Aaron. Love you, Son.”

“Love you too, Dad.”

We end the call. I update Briar on what happened.

“I’m sorry, Aaron. We can go back to your parents’, if you like,” she offers.

“I want to stay here with you. Dad said there was nothing I can do. I just feel sick inside, watching what’s happening to her.”

Briar shifts and gets on her knees. She reaches over and hugs me. I hold her in my arms and bury my face in her neck, taking in the scent of her coconut sunscreen and something distinctly her. She’s become my peace. Holding her in my arms settles me.

When I pull away from her, I look into her eyes. “I’ve fallen in love with you.”

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