He shrugged. ‘I’d rather know the truth.’
‘Bear in mind your mum was jet lagged and upset.’
‘She didn’t sound upset. You don’t have to make excuses for her. I know what she’s like.’
That hurt to hear too. The last six years must have been so difficult for Aaron. I decided to switch to what I hoped would be positive news.
‘So, I’ve been thinking about our conversation last night and the logistics of ensuring you don’t miss swimming and I have a proposal for you. How would you feel about moving in with me at my parents’ house?’
His eyes lit up. ‘I can live with you?’
‘Yes. We don’t know how long it’ll be for and I have to be honest and say I can’t guarantee I’ll be home every single night because?—’
‘You’ve got Tara,’ he said. ‘I like her. She’s cool.’
I smiled. ‘She is, although I’m a bit worried about you two getting together. I said I’d give swimming in the sea a try – just the once – and I don’t think she’s listening to theoncepart. With the two of you on my back, I’ve got no chance.’
He smiled at that. ‘You’ll love it.’
‘It’s cold.’ I emphasised that by shuddering.
‘It’s refreshing.’
‘Hmm! Jury’s out on that one. So, do I take it that you’d like to move in with us?’
‘Will I still be able to see Grandma and Grandad and the twins?’
‘Absolutely. They wouldn’t let you move otherwise and it’s important you know that they don’t want you to move out but they’re just being realistic about what’s best for you. They’re not getting any younger and… well, you know the score.’
‘Can I move in tonight? I haven’t got much stuff. It won’t take me long to pack.’
‘I don’t see why not. If I help you, weshould be done for when my parents bring the twins back and you can spend some time with them before we get you settled with me.’
‘Okay.’
Helping him pack his belongings into a suitcase, my heart lifted that I was about to get what I’d always wanted – my son home with me – but my stomach also churned. At what cost? This was what I’d dreamed of but this was not the way I’d ever have wanted it to happen.
Aaron pulled a face at thegirlyduvet cover – white with red cherries on it – but seemed pleased with his new room otherwise. Many of the items Erin had wanted shipped over from Aus were still piled up in boxes in the corner of the room ready for when we moved into our own place. She had most of her clothes and day-to-day essentials at university with her so there was plenty of space in the drawers and wardrobe for Aaron to store his belongings.
Once everyone had settled in bed, I FaceTimed Tara and gave her a full update on the evening.
‘I’m so sorry,’ I said. ‘I want to be with you but I need to be here too. The timing’s so bad – not that there’d ever be good timing for what Ingrid’s done.’
‘Don’t stress about me. Hercules and I both miss you and we wish you were here but Aaron needs you. I know we’re not going to be able to see as much of each other over the coming weeks as we’d like but it’s not going to be forever.’
‘It could be. If Declan takes her back, I’m sure it’ll be on the condition it’s her and no kids and, from what Billy said, she’ll accept those terms.’
‘If it is forever, then we’ll find a routine that works for us all.In the meantime, just keep me updated and we’ll see each other when we can, even if that means a quick catch-up on the cobbles in a quiet moment.’
I smiled gratefully at her. ‘This week will probably be chaotic but one thing I promise is that I’ll be there on Wednesday night.’
‘You don’t have to be, Jed. Carly will be here so it’s not like I’m going to be on my own.’
‘No. I refuse to miss the opening night of The Friendship Pod. I’m looking forward to it and I’ve already told Aaron about it and got Dad lined up to take him swimming. I’ll be there.’
‘Thank you. I do want you here but if anything kicks off at the eleventh hour, Iwillunderstand if you need to dip out.’
‘Could anything else kick off?’ I really hoped not. The past four days had been more than enough.
