“I saw you trying to play darts with Sheriff Franco earlier,” I said. “One of you with a cane, the other still bruised. How’d that go?”
Aiden huffed a quiet laugh. “He wants to retire around Christmas. Says I should think about what comes next.”
“Whatever you decide is fine with me,” I said. “No matter what happens.”
He looked down at me, blue eyes warm. “You sure?”
“Absolutely. I’m the one who keeps finding trouble.”
“Finding it?” he teased. “You chase it down.”
Probably true. “I’m in, whatever you decide.” I felt like he needed to know that.
“Yeah, I know.” He leaned closer. “But no more orgasms in hospitals, okay? We could’ve been caught.”
My mouth fell open, heat rushing to my face. That had totally been his fault. “Aiden.”
He just grinned, eyes glinting with wicked humor, and kissed me.
I tried not to laugh against his lips. Brickhouse bounded over then, his huge Rottweiler body nearly toppling my chair. He barked once, tail wagging, before shoving his head into my lap.
“Hey, gorgeous boy.” I scratched behind his ears. “Have you been playing with Knox’s dog?”
Brick wagged harder, his tongue lolling.
“Good boy. Go on.” I gave him a pat, and he trotted off toward the cluster of kids running circles around the grill.
The Albertini barbecue was in full swing, with kids laughing, music playing, and burgers grilling. Family was all around us.
Aiden watched the chaos with a faint smile. His gaze found Donna again, and his expression turned protective. “I hope Cormac doesn’t charm her.”
“I kind of hope he does,” I murmured. “She could use a little fun.”
“We’ll see,” he said, already sounding like an older brother. I didn’t comment. Not when he looked that content.
I nudged him. “Just enjoy the moment.”
“All right.” He kissed me again, slower this time, the world narrowing to warmth and quiet breath. When I finally pulled back, I caught him glancing at my jeans, and I shook my head. “Don’t even think it. We’re not in the hospital.”
He laughed quietly. “Fair enough.”
Across the yard, Clark and Tessa engaged in a fierce match of lawn darts, each accusing the other of cheating. Everyone else had gathered near the tables, plates piled high. The evening sun dipped lower, painting the river copper. The breeze carried just enough chill to make me grateful for the heater at my back.
“I think Brooke’s all in with Henry,” I said, having checked on them both earlier that day. Brooke was taking over Gloria’s store to help out her uncle. “The process server who jumped in front of her. Kind of heroic.”
“Yeah,” Aiden said. “I don’t think she and Clark were ever right for each other anyway.”
I sighed. “Me either. Still, it’d be nice to find Clark someone.”
“Clark can find his own dates,” Aiden said, smirking.
He wasn’t wrong. Both of my grandmothers adored Clark, which meant they’d find him a date whether he wanted one or not.
I sipped more wine. “You have to let people find their own paths, Aiden. I saw you and Dad conspiring about Cormac. Don’t interfere with Donna’s life.” She might be the sweet one, but she was also brilliant and didn’t like interference.
He raised a brow. “We weren’t conspiring. Just chatting.”
“Uh-huh. You two together are a scary duo.”
“Good,” Aiden said easily. “I like that.”
“So do I.” I leaned into him, resting my head against his shoulder as the sun melted into the river. For the first time in a long while, everything felt right. “I love you, my Irish hottie.”
He chuckled, low and warm, and pulled me tighter against him. “I love you, angel.”
The world around us carried on with laughter, the clatter of dishes, dogs barking, and someone starting another round of darts. For that heartbeat of a moment, it all felt perfect.
