“Excuse me?” Aria’s jaw dropped in shock. “Are you seriously laying claim to my child after denying her your affection. I’d tread lightly on that subject if I were you.”
And for the first time since Aria’s arrival, Neeta said something worthwhile, “She’s right, Meena. You gave up your rights to Prisha the day you allowed Aria to take care of her. You’d have a hard time in court proving otherwise given you slept with Aria’s husband.”
“Oh, shut up, Neeta.” Meena glared at her cousin. “She’s welcome to this house and that damn child. I want nothing.”
“And where will you go?” Tiny asked.
Meena spared her sister-in-law an irritated glance before searching out her sister. “Is it okay if I move in with you, Rosie?”
Rosie shook her head. “I don’t have the room.”
Meena turned to her cousin. “What about you?”
“I’d have to ask Tony first,” Neeta said, referring to her husband.
Aria listened to the interchange with a smile then said, “Funny how the people you thought loved you, aren’t the perfect family after all, isn’t it, Meena? Why don’t you go live in Jay’s house where you helped him abuse those innocent women?”
Her stepmother gaped at her in stunned silence and subsequently answered Aria’s question of who’d helped Jay with Leila.
Shockingly, Neeta confirmed Aria’s thoughts. “I told you not to help him, Meena. Just taking food to that girl he locked up, makes you an accomplice.”
“Shut up, you idiot.” Her stepmother paled. Aria wasn’t sure but could’ve sworn the woman looked ready to cry. A serious first if it happened. Meena, however, turned away. “I don’t need any of you.” With a huff, her stepmother mumbled under her breath and sidestepped Aria. She grabbed her handbag on the table and shot out the main door.
“Meena, wait,” Neeta ran after her cousin. Without a word, Rosie followed.
Good riddance.Aria grinned as her aunt sidled up to her.
“Sweetheart, it seems in my old age I lost the ability to tell right from wrong.” Tiny rubbed Aria’s forearm lightly. “If there’s anything you need, don’t hesitate to call me. Although, from where I stand, it appears the Almighty has already blessed you with a man as loving and caring as your father. I don’t think you’d need anyone else’s help.” Her aunt lavished Reece with a broad smile. “Take care of her, son.”
“Oh, I’ve every intention of doin’ so.” Reece wrapped his hands around her waist from behind and pulled Aria snug against his chest. He dropped a soft kiss to the top of her head.
She grinned as her aunt waved goodbye before she left. Aria turned in his arms, smiled, and linked her fingers around his neck. “Thank you.”
He cocked his head. “For?”
“Being you and for everything you’ve brought into my life.”
“Babe, you ain’t seen nothin’ yet.” He kissed her with a wholesome tenderness.
“Eew, not again,” Prisha’s soft cry of disgust made Aria break the kiss.
Reece chuckled while Aria blushed. She stepped out of his embrace and hugged Betsy, who stood beside Prisha. “It’s so good to see you, Betsy.”
“Reece, c’ mon.” Prisha tugged on his wrist and pulled him out the door.
“I’m very happy for you, Missy.” Betsy held Aria at arm’s length. “He’s a keeper.” The older woman nodded toward Reece. Aria laughed.
She glanced outside as Reece pretended to throw a squealing Prisha into the pool. “He is, isn’t he?”
“A very handsome man. Your Papa would’ve been happy.”
“I can’t agree with you more.” Aria laughed. She grabbed the old woman in a one-handed hug. “I’m happy, Betsy. For the first time in I don’t know how long, I’m truly happy.”
“I told you once, your turn at happiness will come.”
Betsy had continuously reminded Aria that everything she suffered remained God’s test of her willpower. One day he’d reward her with enough joy to make up for all the days of sadness she’d endured. Although she believed their beloved helper, Aria held no hope for it to come true. At times she gave up praying her circumstances would change. Now, she looked back and firmly believed Betsy’s nagging. Everything in life transpired for a reason. Her reason happened to be the gorgeous hunk of brawn pushing her daughter on the swing next to the pool. The man was, indeed, Godsend. Reece waved and gestured for her to join him. With a quick smile to Betsy, Aria stepped outside.
Five minutes later, Betsy summoned her. “You have a visitor, Missy.”
