Widow's Grace

2 - Single and In Demand

Aiden got to the house about two hours after we left the law office. Alexa and AJ had both retreated to their rooms, just wanting to be alone with their own thoughts.

Your room is the first door at the top of the steps. We can go out tomorrow and get you some different colors if you don't like black and red. He didn't speak; we just went upstairs to his room.

"Great, now I have three grumpy kids in my house."

It was early evening, and the house remained silent, everyone in their own rooms trying to process what just happened.

I retreated to the kitchen to check on dinner, everything looked ready to eat.

"Kids, come eat", I yelled from the bottom of the stairs.

The one thing we always did was eat as a family. It got tricky with the kids activities when they were small, but we managed to make it work. There was more I had to say to them but I wanted them all together first.

Aiden and AJ was so similar it was scary, there mannerisms, expressions, down to the amount of food they ate. Cleary I was going to have to get more groceries while they were all home.

"You father wanted us to go to the vacation house for a couple of days. To relax, get away from everyone and get to know each other. We leave Wednesday evening."

"Umm, Tori, I don't know if I can go, I work part time and I don't know if I can get off."

"No worries, just give me the name of your supervisor and I will take care of it."

AJ and Alexa both laughed, and it was clear that Aiden didn't get the joke.

"Mom always gets her way, trust me, just give her what she asks for and watch her handle the rest. It's just easier that way." AJ said. Alexa nodded her head in agreement. I couldn't help but chuckle because he was right; I had a way with people and getting my way.

"OK then, I am texting you the info now."

"It seems you will fit right in around here Aiden," Alexa said.

We continued with dinner as Aiden and the kids talked about their childhood. He and AJ hit it off immediately their similarities were uncanny. They were already in the living room playing the game system. I could see that Aiden was happy with how the kids accepted him. Even Alexa warmed up to the fact that she had a brother, now she wasn't the youngest (she was only nine months older). It gave her someone to try to boss around.

Later that evening Alexa left to spend some time with her friends; AJ went to the movies with some girl. So it was just me and Aiden at home.

A few years ago, we added another level to the house. With that, the top level was now my floor, and the kids had the second level. The first floor had the normal things, living room, dining room, kitchen, etc. And the basement was more of a lounge/game room.

I could hear him coming up the stairs to the master suite.

"Come on in Aiden."

"Tori, Can we talk?"

"Of course Aiden, what's on your mind?"

"I promised them I would explain, but first I need you to see this."

Aiden handed me a picture of his mom, it was uncanny how much we looked alike. Now I see why Aiden and AJ look so much alike. This woman could be my twin. I could feel the anger rise in me as I thought about it, but now wasn't the time, it was hard enough on Aiden, and he was the only innocent party in this whole mess.