“That’s never going to happen,” Ace said with steel lacing his voice. “I promise you, no one is taking Aiden away from us or going to hurt him.” He pulled back and cupped my face.
“You believe me, right?” I asked. “I wouldn’t make any of this up. I can show you the calls Reyes made to my phone.”
“I trust you, baby.” He kissed my forehead. “I’m sorry for flying off the handle again.”
I squeezed him back. “I get it.” With the way I left last time, and the way I responded the day at the river when he’d asked me to drop the divorce, I understood.
Although I didn’t want to, I pulled back from his embrace. “I’m sorry for laying all of this on you.”
He frowned. “Are you out of your mind? This is the type of shit you’re supposed to lay on me. Anything this big that affects our family is never to be handled by yourself. You don’t have to take on anything alone, Savannah.”
My body relaxed in relief, but only so much.
“What are we going to do? Reyes still knows about Aiden, and Flores could find out about him.”
“We’re going to get the best damn PI in the state of Texas to help us.”
He kissed my forehead again.
“Nothing will happen to you or Aiden. You have my word on that.”
CHAPTER27
Savannah
“Do you need any help in the kitchen today, Mama?” Aiden asked as he came down the stairs.
It was early afternoon, the day of Thanksgiving. I’d just gotten off work and planned to finish cooking the numerous dishes I’d started preparing the night before.
“Yeah, we’re here to help,” Ace said as he came down behind Aiden, placing his hands on his shoulders.
I grinned at the matching Air Force pajamas they both wore. I’d left them that morning, sleeping in bed after Aiden had crawled in to show Ace something on his tablet.
“No.” I waved them off. “Besides, I see both of your eyes roving over toward the television anyway. I know the game is on,” I teased.
“Thank God,” Ace said in relief. “Come on, kid.” He pushed Aiden by the shoulders in the direction of the living room.
I laughed and started for the kitchen.
“Hey?”
I turned back to face Ace. He wrapped his arm around my waist and pulled me into his body for a kiss.
“Seriously, do you need any help?” His eyes traveled over my face.
“No.” I slid my arms around his shoulders. “Really, I’m good. You two would just be in my way.”
His smile grew.
“All I ask is that you both shower before our guests arrive. They’ll be here around four,” I reminded him.
“Not a problem.” He squeezed my behind and kissed me again before releasing me.
I watched him head to the living room and lift Aiden, tickling him before tossing him around on the couch. I had the urge to tell them both to be careful, but bit my tongue.
I knew Ace wouldn’t hurt Aiden. He loved him as much as I did. That I knew from the bottom of my heart.
I turned on my Christmas playlist and started cooking. I danced and poorly sang along with all the songs on my playlist as I did my best to push out the fears that still hung over our heads.
