TWENTY-SIX
Since Miami was the city Aiden listed as that of his main residence, and because it was where he and Brynn had originally married, it was to that city he went to deal with divorce court shortly before Thanksgiving. He hadn’t expected quite so many reporters to show up, but he supposed part of it stemmed from the fact that they were following up on the tabloid tales that had been bandied about the other month.
Cat had opted to stay home rather than attend divorce court with Aiden. Though he would have enjoyed having her for moral support, she’d felt it would be tacky in the extreme, and most likely would show up in some tabloid or other, if she decided to come along. Which wouldn’t make the Whitney name appear in any better light than it did right now.
Aiden loved the way she was always trying to look out for him. She would have made a good public rep manager if she’d wanted to. In fact, though he hadn’t mentioned the idea as yet he was actually thinking about telling her so. But he figured those discussions could wait until they were finally married and having a discussion about their future.
But they did have one plan in place already, and that one had Cat blushing constantly. Since they’d been neglecting to use condoms, and pretty much fucking like rabbits, it was not a great surprise that they’d just learned two weeks ago that they were expecting a baby. Aiden was determined that nothing that happened in the courtroom today would burst his happy bubble over that bit of news, not even being forced to see Brynn face to face again.
Brynn showed up in the courtroom with Art, which Aiden found quite surprising. She was well aware that the prenuptial insisted on her fidelity during the marriage, so she would have been smarter to come there alone. One of his lawyers pulled him aside and asked if he wanted to rescind the agreement since she was clearly with another man, but he shook his head no.
“It’s all been settled between us already,” he insisted. “As long as her people don’t attempt to change the terms, neither shall mine. It’s just too bad Cat didn’t know about this, or maybe she would have come along.”
“Well, sir, we may as well get to our seats then,” he replied. “The judge is due to arrive any time now.”
Aiden sat through the hearing, which only took about fifteen minutes and went just as smoothly as he’d expected it to. It felt almost strange for seven years of his life to be over without any sort of a fight, but relief washed over him along with an unexpected sensation of emptiness that lasted all of about thirty seconds before it gave way to excitement.
This was the beginning of his new life, and he was going to make the most of it. As they all left the courtroom, Brynn stepped over to Aiden, smiling. “I suppose you’re off to your resort now that the worst is over? I have to admit, now that I’m not so angry about all of this, that it was really somewhat nice there. I’ve been thinking about making another booking.”
“I’d rather you didn’t, all things considered,” Aiden admitted stoically.
Brynn snickered. “I’m only kidding. Key Largo is one place I never intend to visit again.”
“So, friends?” he asked tentatively, holding out a hand.
With a bit of reluctance, Brynn took it and gave it a slight shake. “How about—acquaintances? I think I could at least deal with that amiably.”
“Great, then, Cat and I will put you on our Christmas card list, and maybe even give you an occasional post card,” said Aiden dryly. Then he turned and shook Art’s hand also. “Shall both names go on them then?”
“We’re—taking things slow,” Art replied.
Aiden nodded and gave him a little wink. “I don’t blame you. Good-bye, you two. I’ve got a few other things on my list today. Taking care of a few things before I head down. I hope your flight back to California is comfortable.”
“Yeah,” Brynn nodded. “See you around.”
“Well, that was strange, as far as conversations go,” said a familiar voice behind him as he watched them go.
“Cat, you’re here?” he chuckled.
“You looked so disappointed about my refusing to go that I caught a flight out here with a couple of other characters you know,” she replied, grinning.
Looking behind her, Aiden saw Kevin and Bob grinning at him.
Bob said, “Well, I would say we should go out on the town to celebrate your freedom, but we can’t very well do that since you’ve conveniently already selected a new ball and chain.”
“Yeah, and I don’t think she’d like it if we got him a stripper either.”
Aiden laughed as he drew Cat to his side. “This one’s no ball and chain, boys. She is my anchor. And she’ll be perfectly willing to celebrate too.”
Cat chuckled. “Two drinks maximum, of course.”
“God, couldn’t you find out about the baby after today?” Kevin complained.
“It is what it is, boys,” she chuckled. “So, look at it this way. After you all get plowed, you’ll have somebody along who is still able to drive home. Including you, my lover, because if you’re going to be drinking, you won’t be able to fly.”
“See what I mean, boys? A complete and total anchor,” Aiden said, winking wryly.
“Be nice!” Cat told him as she took him by the arm and they all started walking. “I’m the mother of your child.”
Aiden brought her hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles. “For which I will be grateful my entire life. However, since we’re in Miami and intending to imbibe, we need not feel the need to drive anywhere. We’ll all stay the night at the house in town. And while we’re up here this time we may as well shop for your wedding gown.”
Cat chuckled when Kevin rolled his eyes.
“You really don’t like being single, do you, Whitney?” he groused. “So, what’s next then, “Will the two of you elope over the weekend?”
“Certainly not,” Cat scolded. “I’m looking forward to the whole nine yards.”
“Yes, me too,” said Aiden with a dreamy smile. “I can’t wait to get you out of your wedding gown.
“Don’t you think you should get her into it first?” teased Bob.
“You fantasize your way, and I’ll fantasize mine,” said Aiden.
About a week later, Cat and Aiden found time to go down to visit her father and Tilly. They had not told him about their engagement or their baby because Cat wanted to tell him everything in person.
“Girl, I told you the man was a keeper, but I didn’t know you’d be keepin’ him quite so soon,” Tilly teased her. “He must have knocked you up practically as soon as you two met. Mm, mm, mm, but I suppose sometimes that’s just the way it goes. When you find that special someone, it’s always no holds barred.”
Del and Tilly grinned at each other then. “So, we might as well tell you our own news, while we’re on the subject of weddings,” he said then. “I’ve asked Tilly to be my wife, and she has accepted.”
“That’s great, Daddy!”
“Well, now you simply must let me help you get that hotel up and running,” Aiden insisted. “You managed to evade me last time, but since we’re all about to be family, I feel even more inclined to help you out.”
“The assessor already deemed it a total loss, Aiden,” said Del, grimacing. “All we got now is the deed to some land. The whole building’s got to come down.”
“Well great, then,” said Aiden. “Now we can rebuild something really special. Don’t worry about a thing, Dad, together we’ll get you right back on your feet.”
“Dad?” he chuckled, grinning. “Well yes, I suppose so.”
“I hope you two are hungry,” Tilly said then. “I’m cooking up a really big meal. We need to start that baby off right, you know. He’s gonna need to grow and grow and grow. Just like your love, children. It’s a beautiful sight to behold.”