ODDS OF LOVE - SEASON 14

Episode 55

As one of the servers Lee Lee went around refilling the wineglasses  they all dug into the roast chicken and grilled vegetables on their plates while chatting with each other.

Alice Rose was busy smiling and beaming from ear to ear as she gazed at her new husband Bernard who couldn't stop staring back at her. She said softly," I would like you all to meet my daughter Aurora Rose Van Owen.  Or A.R. as she has called herself since law school for some odd reason. Of course Aiden and his son already knows her. He grew up with her after all ! "

Richard and Nigel glanced at each other wordlessly. They were both unsure how to react to the fact that the custody case judge was sitting a few seats away from them. And , that she was actually in a way related to Richard through his father. The fact that the woman kept avoiding both of them was especially disconcerting.

DuBuis looked up from his chicken and said," That's an interesting name. Aurora Rose. I don't think I ever met any Auroras. "

A.R. looked up at the Black doctor who sat by the handicapped man currently feeding a laughing young child in a oak wood high chair. She smiled coolly as she sipped at her glass of imported water. Not her favorite brand though, she sniffed internally as she replied," Ask Mother how I got my name. She loves boring people with it. The oft told tale of how she and Father found me wandering in a park near their house. I was only two in a dirty diaper and had no idea what my name was. I didn't even talk. They took me to a hospital to get checked out and then to their home. Mother called me Aurora after some character in a book she liked and put her middle name with it. "

" That's better than being named by the butler because," Joe said casually as he picked through his vegetables idly," your mother was too sickly to name you and your father didn't care enough to. "

Spencer looked up from wiping Miracle's face. " It was a  nice ceremony. Richard, you did a very good job for your first wedding. "

Most everyone agreed fervently ,  especially Andrew and Nigel ,  as Richard flushed red with a lot of great embarrassment.

A.R. swept her inpersonal glance from Richard to his father Andrew to her mother and new stepfather. " It was suitable. Of course it was very short notice. Mother is always one for living on the edge. As a child she would make such unrealistic spur of the moment plans for us all. Like taking picnics to the park or whatnot with a hour's notice. "

Aiden murmured ," The picnics were fun though. "

Paul whispered in his ear," I love picnics."

Aiden smiled back at him and A.J. glared at both of them.

Bernard kept smiling at Alice Rose who looked sadly at her daughter's cold face. " I think that sounds nice. I haven't had that type of adventure in my own life in many years. "

" I'll say," Winston muttered under his breath.

A.R. focused her stare on her mother. " So where are you all going to stay now? Is Judge Arnett moving into Aiden's house? "

Aiden looked at his grandmother with curiosity shining on his own face.

Alice Rose looked at Bernard who said gruffly," We have discussed it and decided that my home in Upper Marlboro is very suitable for our needs and wants as a married couple. I even have a housekeeper that comes in once a day. "

" Granny is moving out? ," A.J. asked while shaking their head in much disapproval. " Not fire. "

A.R. shook her head as well at the teen. "I always believe that children should be seen and not heard. "

Aiden glanced at his aunt. " Some adults should as well. "

A.R. was about to respond when her cell phone buzzed with a notification. She glanced down at it and smiled genuinely as she read the text message.

Senator Gregory Jacobs : Care for dinner tonight at my condo? I happen to know your husband is out of town on lobby business or some such thing.

She texted her older seventy something lover back," Of course, darling".

Then as she hit send the doors to the party room flew open and in strode an older confident and very handsome man that bore a striking resemblance to both Aiden Norris and Andrew Norland.

" Daniel ! ," Alice Rose said in shock as she widened her eyes at her younger son. " I thought you said you couldn't make it ! "

Daniel Norris grinned at his mother and sauntered over to plant a loud wet kiss on her cheek. " I decided to surprise you. Friend of mine gave me a ride in her helicopter. I wouldn't miss your wedding for the world, Mom. "

Aiden mumbled," You missed mine. Dad."