Aiden Harper

Getting proof

Aiden

After speaking to Tino, I convinced Eden to submit a sample for a paternity test. It didn't take much on my part since Eden agreed to provide a sample. I called Grandpa Nate and explained things to him. He, in return, called Nash O'Neill and spoke to him. It didn't take long for Nash to arrive to collect a sample. A quick swab of the inside cheek was all he needed.

Nash put the sample in a tube before sealing it in an envelope. "I wondered why I received calls from the family about a paternity test. Now, it makes sense. Bailey is overnighting the over-sample. I should receive it tomorrow."

"How long before I know the results?" Eden asked.

"It usually takes a week. But I'll put a rush on it. I should have the results in a few days."

Eden knitted her brows in concern while sitting in a kitchen chair.

Nash looked at her empathetically. "I understand this news is a lot to take in. But it will provide you with concrete answers. From there, you can choose what to do with it."

"I want proof when I confront my mother about her lies." Eden's lips turned downward.

"The truth isn't always pretty. But at least you'll have the truth."

Eden nodded in agreement.

Nash gave her a reassuring nod before leaving with the sample. If anyone can prove paternity, it's Nash. Heaven knows our family needed the proof.

After Nash left, so did the others except me. I stayed put and took Nash's place in the seat he vacated. I refuse to leave Eden alone after the detonated bomb thrown into her lap today.

"My life turned into a shit show," Eden muttered.

"Yeah, it did."

Eden gave me an incredulous look. "Seriously?"

I chuckled. "It doesn't mean it will stay that way."

"Easy for you to say. You didn't have a sibling implode your world today."

"I don't have siblings, so that point is moot."

Eden scoffed.

I held Eden's hands in mine and rubbed their back with my thumbs. "Today was information overload for you. No one would fault you for reacting as you did. But you're not alone. You have Marissa and her family, my family and me."

"I keep asking myself why you're doing all this for me. We haven't known each other for that long. Why are you going out of your way for me? But it all leads to one thing."

"What's that?"

"It's what you do when you love someone."

"Eden, I won't lie and say I wasn't sure what I felt for you at first."

Eden tried to pull her hands away.

But I kept a firm hold on them. "However, I realized I needed to work through my issues about my ex. You're nothing like her. For that, I'm grateful. I can deal with your issues with your family. I can't deal with someone keeping things from me. I need you to tell me the truth no matter what happens."

"Can you handle the truth?"

"More than you know."

"Okay. I thought you were an ass when we had coffee together the first time."

My lips curled slightly. "Okay. I wasn't expecting that answer. But I can't fault you for it."

"You gave me whiplash. I thought I would need a neck brace."