Page 67 of The Vow We Made
I won’t lie, she’s taken me by surprise. “I don’t understand. How does that help with negotiations?”
“If I have to go on Vickie’s behalf and do all this extra work, I can’t leave her on her own.”
I sit and think for a minute. Being together twenty-four seven is a big step, especially as we’ve only just started dating again. I don’t want to push her too soon which is why I’m slow to respond. I’m pretty sure my hesitation gives Victoria doubts because she’s quick to say, “I could go to Mum’s.”
There’s a unanimous, “No” and identical grins from Steph and myself.
“It would only be for a few days and wouldn’t be worth troubling your mother again,” Steph tells her.
“I agree and I’m due some time off work so you’ll never be on your own.”
“You two have it all worked out,” Victoria says as if we’d planned it this way.
Steph pushes herself up from her seat. “It has worked out rather well. Shall we have some tea to celebrate?”
Faith is busily making notes. “I’ll call and make an appointment to see Roddy in the next few days. Would that work for you?” she asks while following Steph out of the room which leaves me to gaze at my beautiful and much happier girlfriend.
Her eyes shine. “This is amazing, thank you.”
“The girls are doing all the hard work. Taking care of you is easy and an opportunity to prove I’m not a complete idiot.” I lean over, claiming her lips while the girls are out the way. When I pull back, I notice Victoria’s complexion explode with colour and her face dips as she turns her head in the opposite direction. Running my finger along her jawline, I pull her focus back. “What is it?”
“Nothing. I’m embarrassed. I can’t—”
“Come on. You can tell me.”
She chews the inside of her cheek nervously on one side before continuing. “Are you sure you’re alright with this. I mean, you’re dropping everything to take care of me.”
“I want to do it, okay? Nothing is more important than getting you back on your feet and I’m here to help in any way I can. The moving in part was unexpected that’s all, but it does make sense.”
“Then why do I feel as if you’re being pushed into it?”
“I’m not being pushed into anything Vick, but you have to admit, it’s early days and I have a lot to prove. You’re about to see the best and worst parts of me for two or three days solid.”
“It’s not just you Aiden.” She laughs while I smooth the back of my hand along her cheek. “Somehow Victoria, I don’t think you’ll give me any trouble. In fact, I can’t wait for us to have these few days alone. I’m the luckiest man to have a second chance with you and I’m looking forward to showing you just how much it means to me.”
“Funny, I think it’s me who is the lucky one.” Her beautiful smile makes me feel like a total fucking fraud when my mind skips backwards and I swallow hard with the memories of lilac dresses and a young bride with hopeful eyes. I’ll do whatever it takes to be the man she deserves and I’ve got these next few days to prove it.
VICTORIA
I’m so grateful to have my support network. Steph has always had my back and with the help of my fantastic assistant Faith, they are flying to Scotland for three days to save my business. My heart is almost full for my friends and all they do for me, but I’ve also made room for another. Aiden has been incredible which is why there is a special place in my heart reserved only for him.
Steph would have taken this trip regardless of Aiden’s offer to help, and my parents would welcome me home again in a millisecond, but this way I get to spend time with the man who is becoming more important to me with every day that passes.
Andy was the first person I gave my heart to. Even if I wanted to, I could never forget him and I’m sure when I tell Aiden the truth behind my first and only heartbreak, he will understand why it’s taken me so long to talk about it; at least, I hope he will. The fact is, I’m falling for Doctor James and I have been since the first time I bumped into him.
Faith waits by the door while Steph runs up the stairs, talking to herself. “Bloody charger, I forgot my bloody charger.” Before I suggest she takes the spare out of my room, she’s back down again. “It must be in the lounge,” she mumbles.
“We’ve got to get going if we don’t want to miss our flight.” Faith calls down the hall.
I’ve propped myself up by the door frame using my crutches while waiting for her to go for at least ten minutes. “Come on, you old bag,” I shout, “get a wiggle on.”
I hear the sound of Will’s car horn out front telling her the same thing and then Aiden chimes in by poking his head out of the kitchen door. “Will you hurry up woman?” He winks at me, sending a flurry of butterflies to my stomach.
He arrived at the crack of dawn to take up his nursing duties and he’s been incredibly attentive since the day we agreed to give things another go, but I hate sensing his guilt. I understand committing to anyone you hardly know is difficult and my lingering foot injury is a pain in the arse. We’re limited to what we can do plus he’s with sick people every day and this whole situation probably feels like a busman’s holiday to him.
“Got it,” Steph puffs, while holding the little white plug in the air by the wire.
“Great. Can we go now?” Faith says while reaching over and kissing my cheek. “Rest up you.”
