I heard the front door close as I cleared the lunch dishes from the counter to the dishwasher. Mom and Mia had gone outside after they finished eating when Mia mentioned the pond. Whenever someone complimented a piece of my mother’s landscape, she was always excited to take them on a tour of the property. She had many projects to show off.

Waiting for them to join me in the kitchen, I found the dishwasher pods and threw one into the slot before I closed the door. Before I could press the button, I heard footsteps behind me.

“Guess who?”

Hands covered my eyes as I stopped what I was doing and began laughing. I took a minute to feel the fingers on my face and played along with the ruse. “Hmm. I have no idea who could have such cold, bony fingers.”

“Hey! My fingers aren’t bony.”

I roared with laughter again and spun around to face my Aunt Jenny. She dived into my arms and gave me a huge hug. Her face planted against my chest as she took a deep breath. “God, it’s so good to see you, Ayden. We’ve missed you around here.”

“Thanks, Aunt Jenny. I’ve missed you guys too.”

Giving her a heartfelt hug, I eased away a second later. The instant I got a good look at her face, my body prickled. Her cheek and eyes were a pale purple and bluish green color from the bruise that was healing. Uncle Steve had messed her face up before, but this was the most prominent bruise she ever had to show for the abuse.

Touching her cheek, she winced and knocked my hand away. As she backed away, her eyes shifted to the ground and she cupped the side of her face to block my view.

“You don’t have to hide it from me. I already know what happened.”

“Are you going to lecture me too?”

Rubbing her upper arm, I shook my head when she looked at me. “I just want to know if you’re really finished with him this time?”

There was no hesitation when she nodded. “That asshole hurt my baby. That’s where I draw the line.”

Looking past her to the dining room, I scanned it and the sitting room for my little cousin. “Where is Toni?”

“She’s outside with your mom and your new woman.” Aunt Jenny wiggled her eyes at me. It made my cheeks heat.

“Did Mom introduce you?”

“No. I didn’t go toward them. Toni, on the other hand, wanted to go meet the pretty lady with her Auntie.” Aunt Jenny crossed her arms and studied me. “I heard you’re going to be a daddy.”

This time, I beamed at her. “Yeah, I am.”

She shook her head and exhaled. “It doesn’t seem possible. I swear, it feels like it was just yesterday when you, Johnny, and I were sneaking up the hill on the weekends to meet everyone for a bonfire and have a few beers we stole off my dad.”

“Grandpa Jack always acted like he drank the beers whenever Grandma Hannah asked where they went. He knew we were taking them.”

“Dad caught Johnny sneaking them one time. The only thing he said was, don’t be driving, don’t be wasteful, and don’t tell your Mom.”

We both snorted with laughter. I missed my aunt and uncle since I left for Arizona. It was good to be around the family again, and Aunt Jenny seemed to be in a better place. I hope she stayed true to her word and left Uncle Steve.

“So,” she cleared her throat and slid off her jacket. “When’s the baby due?”

“In April. Mia’s twenty weeks along.”

Aunt Jenny held up her finger for me to give her a second while she hung her coat in the closet. When she came back to the counter, she grabbed an apple out of the fruit basket in the center. “Do you guys know what you’re having?”

“Not yet. Mia’s due to have a sonogram when we make it back to Music Haven.”

“I bet you want a son, don’t you? Most men do.”

Tucking my hands in my pockets, I shrugged at her. “I wouldn’t mind having a daughter either. As long as the baby is healthy, I don’t care what we have.”

Aunt Jenny grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge as she listened to me ramble. “I’m so jealous of you guys right now. I’d love to have another baby, just not with your Uncle Steve.”

The smile on her face fell as she thought about her husband. It angered me to know she’d been put through hell by the man who swore to love her. Mia and I had our share of problems before and I sure as hell put her through a lot too, but I never physically harmed her. I hoped I made up for everything else.

“One day, you’re going to find someone who’s going to love you and Toni the way you both deserve. You two should come to Arizona and stay with us for a while. I could introduce you to so many people.”

When I saw another smile creep onto her face, it relieved me. She untwisted the lid on her water bottle and brought it to her mouth as she replied, “I may take you up on the offer. You don’t think Mia would mind having a five-year-old around?”

“Are you kidding?” I chuckled. “There are kids all over Music Haven. This place is like its own community, and the people are great. I think you and Toni would love it there. Trust me. Once you meet Mia, you’re going to love her.”

“Isn’t she related to your ex, the one that cleaned out your bank account?”

No matter how much better my life became, I would never live down how stupid I was when Izzy and I dated. My family saw the red flags long before I did. It was Aunt Jenny who came to my apartment and helped me pack up Izzy’s stuff. She wanted so much to find her there and give her a good ol’ fashioned ass kicking, but Izzy was too much of coward to show her face.

“Yes, she’s Izzy’s older half-sister, and they’re polar opposites. Mia is one of the kindest people I’ve ever met. To know she fell in love with me . . . Sometimes I don’t get it. She could have anyone she wants.”

Aunt Jenny smacked me in the arm. “Listen, don’t cut yourself short, Ayden McAllister. You’re a sweetheart who deserves someone good. Any woman who gets you better realize how lucky she is.”

“Trust me, I do.”

Both Jenny and I turned around to see Mia, my mother, and little Toni standing just outside the kitchen. I’d been so consumed in our conversation that I hadn’t heard the front door open. Neither had my aunt. Her cheeks turned a light shade of pink as she gave me a sideways glance.

“You must be Mia.” Aunt Jenny moved away from the counter and walked toward my fiancée.

Mia nodded. She stuck her hand out to shake my aunt’s. “You’re correct, and you are Ayden’s aunt. It’s Jenny. Right?”

“Guilty.” Both stared at each other a moment as things grew awkward. After they ended their handshake, Aunt Jenny pulled Mia in for a hug. “It’s good to meet you, Mia. Get used to hugs. This family is big on them.”

Both women chuckled as they patted each other’s back and eased away. “I love hugs so I think I’ll fit right in.”

Aunt Jenny nodded. She looked as though she were about to say something else, but a loud squeal drew everyone’s attention to little Toni. Her cheeks dimpled as big, blue eyes fixed on me.

“Ayden!”

She ran to me as fast as her little feet would carry her and jumped into my arms when I opened them. “Toni. What are you doing, my little munchkin?”

“Nuffin.” Her sweet voice sang to my heart. The instant I saw her bright pink cast, my anger resurfaced. Damn my Uncle Steve. What kind of a man could beat on his wife and child? No man would. It took a coward, someone too afraid to take on another man in a fight. I wanted to beat him senseless for what he did to my aunt and cousin. Aunt Jenny was more like a sister to me than an aunt, and Toni was more like my niece.

Since the day she was born, I’d been fascinated by her. She was the first baby I held, the first one I fed, and the first I ever babysat. Whenever Aunt Jenny and Uncle Steve would fight, my mom and dad would bring Toni to the house. Over the years, the fighting increased, as did Toni’s visits. From the time she could walk, she became my little shadow, but I never once complained. I enjoyed her company. She was a smart child, one who was all for telling you the absolute truth, even if you didn’t want to hear it. She was also my biggest fan.

“You sure look pretty today.” I flipped her little, blonde pigtails around, making her chuckle. Her cheek dimpled as she cackled at me.

“I missed you.”

When she wrapped her arms around my neck, my heart melted. I met Mia’s gaze, noting the moisture collecting in her eyes. She smiled at me when she realized I was looking at her. As I stared at her and held Toni, I wondered if this was what it felt like to be a parent? I couldn’t wait until I held our child in my arms.

Toni finally broke her embrace and pulled away. “I like your friend.”

“You do?” This time when I glanced at Mia, she and Aunt Jenny were smiling at each other.

“My daughter is a great judge of character. If she approves of Mia, everyone should.”

I walked toward my fiancée as I carried Toni in my arms. Once we reached her, I knelt in front of Mia and pressed my hand to her shirt. “Toni, do you see Mia’s round tummy?” She nodded at me. “Do you know why Mia’s tummy is so round?”

“No. Why, Ayden?”

“Because there’s a baby inside it.”

Toni’s eyes widened as her mouth formed a perfect ‘o’. She pressed her tiny hand against her cheeks and made the most shocked expression. “There’s a baby in her tummy?”

“That’s right. Mia and I are having a baby. She’s also going to marry me soon.”

“Yay.” She raised her hands in the air. I wasn’t sure if she knew what I meant by getting married, but she seemed pleased by the news.

“Okay, kiddo.” Aunt Jenny approached us and motioned for Toni to come to her. “We need to take a nap. Mommy’s beat and you’re going to be a terror this evening if you don’t get some sleep.”

“I don’t wanna.” Toni crossed her arms and leaned into me. I knew she’d missed me. Maybe she thought I would disappear if she went to sleep.

“Listen, munchkin, you have to listen to your momma. Don’t worry though. I’ll be here when you get up. If you’re a good girl, maybe your mom will allow Mia and me to take you to the Christmas parade in town?”

Aunt Jenny chuckled. “If she’s a good girl, I don’t think that will be a problem.”

“Okay, Mommy. I will nap.” Toni practically nosedived into her mother’s arms. She waved at me then laid her head on Aunt Jenny’s shoulder.

“We’ll catch up with everyone in a little bit. Mia, I look forward to getting to know you better.”

“Likewise.”

Once my aunt and cousin disappeared upstairs, I pulled Mia into my arms. We had so much to look forward to. Toni was a perfect reminder of why we were here in the first place. Children were special. They were part of us, part of our future, and the greatest gifts God gave us. We’d do anything to protect them. It’s why my Aunt Jenny left her husband and was staying with her sister and brother-in-law. She was protecting her child.

To a point, I understood what she was going through. She was willing to take whatever violent behavior my uncle unloaded on her, but when it came to their daughter, she knew Toni could never handle that level of abuse. She had to get Toni out of a bad situation. I’d done the same for Mia and our baby. I had no problem taking whatever Izzy could dish at me, but I refused to let her hurt Mia or my child.

I only hoped that when all of this was said and done, we could return to Music Haven and live out our lives in peace.

The screen door to the main house opened as I moved enough that Ayden could walk inside the house. Little Toni was fast asleep as he carried her inside. She’d been a good girl at the Christmas parade, spending most of the time on Ayden’s shoulders as she clapped at the floats and animals we saw.

Seeing the wonder and delight on her face was worth the trip into town. When Santa came past, Toni squealed with delight. She kept the arm that was injured by her side, but she used the other to wave at the jolly man in the red suit.

Half the trip home, she and Ayden discussed the parade, as well as her Christmas list. She wanted everything from baby dolls and tea sets to a horse and a new house. Yet the moment she told us that she wanted Santa to bring her mommy someone to make her happy, both Ayden and I choked up.

When I noticed Ayden struggle with a response, I told Toni some gifts took longer than others but not to give up hope. It was enough to pacify her. She smiled at me and held her stuffed reindeer toy close. A few minutes later, she was asleep.

Ayden’s aunt came out of the kitchen to see us walk through the sitting room. “All tuckered out, is she?”

“She had a blast,” he whispered.

“Do you want me to take her?” Jenny reached for Toni, but Ayden shook his head.

“I’ll put her in bed. It’s been a while since I had the chance.”

Nodding at him, she said nothing else as Ayden made his way upstairs. He motioned for me to follow him when he was midway up. Following, I met Ayden in the hallway at the top and proceeded behind him until we reached a door on the right.

Once inside, he made his way to the twin sized bed. I went to the other side, pulling back the pink and white zebra striped bedspread and sheet. Ayden eased Toni against the mattress then helped me cover her with the sheet and comforter.

Our hands touched as we tucked his little cousin in bed. When I glanced his way, his eyes burned into me. They held so much adoration and compassion. “This is going to be us soon.”

“I know. It’s hard to believe.”

The warm smile he gave me set my soul ablaze. When he gazed at Toni again, it was easy to see the love he had for her in his eyes. Watching them interact today had been eye-opening. Ayden played with the kids around Music Haven on more than one occasion, but he went beyond that with Toni. He was crazy about her. I could only imagine how he would be with our child. Everything in me said he would be a remarkable father. I felt blessed to know our baby had him in his or her life.

I joined him at the end of the bed and laced my fingers with his. We closed the door behind us, doing our best not to wake Toni. We were a few feet from the staircase when Ayden stopped and backed me against the wall.

He leaned in closer, not stopping until his lips covered mine. Scorching hands slid down my sides to the curve of my hips. Then he clenched the pants I wore. Each pass of his lips made my head dizzy. He had a powerful effect on me, always had.

When he eased away, I swore I was floating. My eyes opened to the sexiest smile I had ever seen. “That’s just a sample of what’s in store for you later.”

I bit my lower lip and glanced at him. “Promise?”

One affirmative nod from him had my body reacting. It tingled from head to toe. I couldn’t wait to be alone with him later. Hopefully, it wouldn’t be much longer. I wasn’t sure how late his parents stayed awake on the weekends, but I had a feeling his aunt would be up for a while.

After we made it back to the main floor, voices carried from the dining room. A few minutes later, everyone was laughing. Ayden hesitated a few feet shy of the doorway and shook his head. “My Uncle Johnny is here. That was his SUV in the driveway. He’s a handful.”

“What do you mean?”

Ayden chuckled. “Remember how forward my Dad was the other night about you being pretty and smart?” He waited until I nodded to continue. “My Uncle Johnny is twice as bad. It’s all in fun though. He’s a good guy.”

“He and your Aunt Jenny are twins, right?”

“Yup, and they’re both crazy as hell. I mean that in the nicest way possible.”

We both laughed this time then made our way into the dining room. Both Kay and Holden were sitting closest to the kitchen. Jenny and who I assumed was Johnny sat closer to the window but facing the door. Both looked our way when we entered.

One look at Jenny and Johnny next to each other and the resemblance was undeniable. I’d never met a set of fraternal twins that looked so much alike. Both had dark brown hair and bright blue eyes. From what I could tell, Johnny was taller, but I didn’t think it was by much. Then again, Jenny was above average height for a woman. Both were in their early thirties and from what I could tell, in great shape. Johnny’s build reminded me of Ayden’s. It was toned and broad, but not bulky. He didn’t overdo it at the gym.

“Ayden. Damn, boy, it sure the hell is good to see you.” Johnny stood and met Ayden halfway across the room. He gave him a big bear hug and slapped his back a few times.

“It’s good to see you too, Uncle Johnny.” When they broke their embrace, Ayden stepped back to me and grabbed my hand. Once he pulled me closer, I heard him say, “I have someone I want you to meet.”

Johnny’s eyes fixed on me as soon as I stood next to Ayden. He looked back and forth between us a few times before shaking his head. “Wow. How the hell did someone like you end up with someone this damn beautiful?”

My cheeks warmed a little, but I refused to get embarrassed, not after Ayden gave me fair warning about his uncle’s behavior. I laughed when he punched Johnny in the arm then wrapped his arm around me. “Don’t be jealous because you haven’t found anyone to put up with your ass yet.”

Johnny smirked. “Good thing you put a ring on her finger, Ayden. If not, I would have to steal her away from you.”

“Yeah, well, respect the ring and we’re good.”

They grinned at each other a moment, then Johnny shook Ayden’s hand. “Seriously, man, congratulations to you both, on the engagement and the little one.” Johnny motioned to my belly. “I am jealous, nephew. Maybe one day I’ll get lucky enough to find a special someone.”

“Good luck with that,” Jenny piped up. “Most women want a man who doesn’t work twenty-four seven.”

“I’m getting better, thank you. I work because I’m bored.”

“Yeah, yeah.” Jenny stood and grabbed her empty glass from the table. “I need another drink if I have to deal with you for the rest of the evening.”

“Is that so? Well, grab me a beer on your way back through.”

Jenny mumbled something as she disappeared into the kitchen. A second later, she cursed loudly. She came to the archway between the dining room and kitchen, glancing at Kay. “The bottle we were drinking is empty. Did you say you had more in the basement?”

“Yes. Do you want me to get it?” Kay was about to stand when Jenny motioned her to remain seated.

“I’ll go grab another bottle. Be right back.”

Johnny glanced at Ayden as soon as Jenny was out of hearing range. Both pressed their lips in thin lines, but it was Ayden who shook his head. He motioned me to join him in the chairs across the table from Johnny.

“So when is Uncle Steve’s hearing?”

“Next week. Tuesday, I believe. His parents wouldn’t post bail for him this time, so he’ll be sitting in county lock-up until then.”

“Good to hear his parents are no longer enabling him,” Ayden scoffed. “It’s a shame it took their granddaughter getting her arm broke before they acknowledged the problem.”

“Agreed.” Johnny lifted his beer as if he were cheering Ayden. “Trust me. I will do all that I can to make sure that asshole gets locked up. He won’t be hurting any more women or children.”

“So who’s down for playing some darts?” Holden asked as he and Kay stood from the table.

“You know I am.” Johnny stood too. “Ayden beat me last time. I’m getting my redemption.”

Ayden shook his head. “Is the board still in the basement?”

“Yes. Do you want to run down and tell your aunt to stay put?”

“Sure thing.” Before Ayden left the room, he glanced at me. “Are you coming?”

“As soon as I hit the restroom. The baby is on my bladder tonight.” I cupped my belly as his eyes lowered to it.

“Okay. Be careful coming down the steps.”

“I’ll make sure she gets down safely.” Johnny patted his chest. It was enough to satisfy Ayden. He rushed off toward the door that led to the basement.

Kay and Holden went to the kitchen to grab a few drinks and some chips. Once I finished up in the bathroom, I walked into the hall and spotted Johnny standing by the basement door.

“Ready to head downstairs?”

“I sure am.” As I joined him by the door, he didn’t move away. Instead, he glanced down the steps a moment and then back to me.

“I’m sure I don’t have to tell you that my nephew is a stand-up guy. He’s never been one to tolerate a man hitting a woman.”

“Believe me, I know. Ayden came to my aid not long after he arrived in Arizona. My ex ended up hitting me, and Ayden punched him before it was all said and done.”

Johnny nodded his head as if he knew what I was talking about. Maybe Ayden had spoken to him after the incident with Wesley. Or perhaps Kay or Holden had told him. I wasn’t sure, but I knew he was aware of how impassioned Ayden was.

“He’s a hell of a guy, but as a member of the law, I can tell you that I’ve seen good guys like Ayden go down because of assholes like my brother-in-law. Do you think you can promise me something, Mia?”

“I will do my best.”

Johnny glanced down the staircase again. When Ayden and his aunt stood near the bottom,talking about something I couldn’t discern, Johnny looked back at me. “I don’t know you well, Mia, and I hope to change that in the future, but I know one thing. The way you look at my nephew says a lot about the kind of person you are. You love him, don’t you?”

“Of course.”

“Then promise me that no matter what happens, you’ll always be there as a voice of reason for him. Promise you’ll always be there to pull him back.”

“I will. I promise.” After we shook hands, Johnny was about to head downstairs, but I tugged on his arm until he stopped and turned toward me. “Can you promise me something too?”

His brows drew together. I wasn’t sure if it was from confusion or curiosity, but he nodded his head in response to my question. “Can you promise that if Steve doesn’t go to jail that you’ll make sure Jenny and Toni visit us in Arizona?”

I didn’t miss the way he cocked his head to the side, as though he were contemplating what to say. A second later, his lips curled up, and he nodded. “That’s one promise I will definitely keep.”

I was glad to hear him say as much because if I got my way, I’d make sure Jenny’s husband never laid a finger on her or Toni again.