Aiden Harper

Keeping your word

Matt

When I told Raymond I would keep Eden safe from harm, I kept my word. Bringing the kids to my house was the most logical step after Nate called and told me Rueben flew off the handle.

It didn't help when Grayson called and told me Mia had left the hospital against the doctor's orders. Elias and his family were dealing with issues in West Virginia, and we had problems in Michigan.

Eden's mother lied to her about her dad and refused to talk. From what Elias told me, West's mother-in-law threatened Eden's mom if she didn't leave and cut contact with Raymond. Then you had Reuben pretending to be Eden's dad when he wasn't. If Gloria refused to talk, there was more to it than anyone suspected. I had an inkling but needed irrefutable proof.

I got the kids settled into the boys' old rooms while Nora pulled out a fresh batch of cookies. My wife loves to bake cookies for the kids when they visit. She said it was a piece of happiness for them to enjoy. My wife is fantastic. Whatever this woman wanted, I gave her.

After getting the kids situated, I walked into the kitchen and grabbed a cookie before taking a bite.

"Did you get the kids settled?" Nora asked.

"Yeah, they're changing into their PJs before coming into the kitchen for cookies and milk."

"I love it when the kids visit us or stay the night. It makes my heart happy." Nora beamed.

My lips curled into a smile. "You're at your best when the kids are here, even the ones in their sixties."

Nora rolled her eyes. "Elias is still my baby."

"Elias is a grandpa."

"He's still my baby. So are Nate and Deacon."

"They're both grandpas, too."

"Who cares? They're my babies first and grandpa last." Nora waved me off.

"Well, your baby will be home in a few days."

"I can't wait. A month is too long without Elias here."

"Did you forget about when he attended college?"

"No, I didn't forget. But Elias was in the same state. We could drive to him if needed. He's four states away."

"And he'll be home in a few days."

Nora gave me the stink eye. It doesn't matter what I say. The boys are her babies.

*******
Aiden

We got settled and changed into our PJs before heading to the kitchen.

Grammy saw Eden and rushed to hug her, ignoring Diego and me. "Oh, you poor girl." She cupped Eden's face and checked her injuries. "Do you need ice, ibuprofen, bail money?"

Eden pulled in her brows and cracked her mouth.

"Matt, grab my checkbook."

"Why?" Grandpa asked.

Grammy released Eden's face and turned to Grandpa with her fists on her waist. "So, I can bail out Eden when she deals with that schmuck."

Diego and I cocked our heads to the side. Did Grammy call Eden's ex a schmuck?

"Nora, Eden doesn't need bail money. She's not like the rest of this damn family who can't avoid the clink. The Oakridge Police Department has reserved spots with our names on them. Grayson has graced their presence many times," Grandpa said.

"You know I helped Grayson with his wife when he met her. That poor boy got so tongue-tied around her. I had to fire him from the hardware store because he was a terrible employee," Grammy said.