by Posey Parks
“Sure would.” Sebastian smiled. “I’ll be right back. I need to call this in.”
“No,” Aiden growled.
We turned, staring at him.
“You’re awake,” I smothered his face with kisses.
“Of course, I am. Can’t get rid of me yet.” He winced.
“Sebastian, I’ll call Admiral Cutner.”
“Ok.” He glanced at Valen. “Let’s give them time alone. We need to assess the damages.”
Valen nodded and followed Sebastian out of the room.
I turned back to Aiden, caressing his face. “You saved my life. How can I ever thank you?”
His eyebrow rose. “Oh, I can think of a few ways.”
I pecked his lips. “I’m sure I am out of a job. It would be my pleasure to come over and take care of you.”
“Move into my house.”
“Aiden, you aren’t thinking clearly. You were nearly blown to smithereens and stabbed.”
“I’ve been through worse. I’m coherent. I want you under my roof so I can see that beautiful face until I ship out.”
My smile rose and fell. “Ok,” I whispered gazing into his beautiful green eyes.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
AIDEN
Admiral Cutner sent a team to clean up the mess. Neighbors reported the disturbance to local authorities. Admiral Cutner informed the sheriff we were on a confidential mission. The sheriff expressed his gratitude that the situation was contained and the neighbors were unharmed.
Nadia stood outside the truck. “Sebastian, I look forward to meeting the ladies soon. And Valen, we need to find you a woman.”
He waved her off. “I’ll manage. You take care of my brother. I’ll see you soon.”
Valen wrapped his big arms around my neck, pulling me into a hug. “I love you little brother. You take care of her. Please be safe out there.”
I patted his back. “I will.”
Stepping back, I smiled. “Thanks again, you two.”
“Anytime, Aiden.” Sebastian smiled.
I pulled myself up into the truck and closed the door.
“Buckle up, Aiden. We’re going home.” She smiled bright. The sun set as we drove into the distance.
Nadia’s boss was arrested and charged for conspiracy to commit murder and money laundering. Nadia said she’d ask her father to refer a few clients to her since her employer was shut down. I told her she didn’t have to work. Between the income I made from my dental practice and being a Navy SEAL, money wasn’t an issue. She said the local clients would keep her busy.
A month later, Nadia and I were adjusting to living together. I guess I was set in my ways in some aspects. My clothes had to be folded a certain way in the drawers.
Once a week, she helped prepare dinner. She needed to learn how to cook one or two meals. I wanted her to be able to feed herself something other than that microwave garbage she called food. Also, I didn’t want Nadia depending on her mother to cook all her meals while I was away.
∞
Clutching the bottle of wine at my side, I exhaled outside her parent’s front door.
“Aiden, relax. My parents are going to love you.”
I smirked and peeked at Nadia in the pale pink button-down dress which accentuated her breasts. I ripped it open earlier. The thought of how good she rode my cock, made me want to bend her over the kitchen counter the second we returned home.
“Aiden, don’t lick your lips like that at me. My father is coming,” she stated through a framed smile.
I snapped out of the hunger stare.
The door flew open. “Well, hello. Come in,” he smiled.
Nadia strolled into the house and I followed. Stretching my hand out, I smiled bright. “Good evening, sir. Aiden Wilder.”
He shook my hand firmly. “Larry Kerns, nice to meet you, Aiden.”
“Hang on. I’m coming. Couldn’t let the chicken burn,” the woman stated running into the atrium. She reached up and wrapped her arms around my neck. “Hello, Aiden. I’ve heard so much about you. My daughter won’t shut up about you.”
“Nice to meet you too, Mrs. Kerns.”
She stepped back, grinning. “I’ll take the wine and chill it for dinner. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
Nadia had her mother’s eyes and pretty smile.
I peered down at her parents. “Thanks for having me over for dinner.”
Mr. Kerns patted my back. “It’s our pleasure. Our daughter has kept to herself since we’ve moved here. We had no idea she’d meet a man living right next door. Let’s sit in the family room. Brenda will call us once dinner is prepared.”
“Mom, I’ll set the table.” Nadia darted into the dining room.
I sat on the long theater sofa next to her father. He grabbed the remote, lowering the volume.
“Aiden, I want to be frank with you...”
“Excuse me, guys.” Mrs. Kerns appeared in the doorway. “Here are two bottles of beer.” She placed them on the table, then scurried off.
“Like I was saying.” His dark brow deepened. “Nadia had her share of problems in the past I think she’s overcome. Did she inform you of her troubled past?”
“Yes, sir. Nadia told me she was hooked on drugs.”
“She’s only ever brought a few guys over to dinner. They were seeking an education but dabbled in recreational drugs frequently. Nadia was hooked on opiates and occasionally cocaine.”
My heart plummeted. I kept a straight face. Nadia never mentioned what type of drugs she was hooked on. Shit.
“Aiden, you look like you have your head on straight.” He stared me in the eye. “Are you sure she is the woman you want to date?”
Nadia cleared her throat, standing in the doorway. “Dinner is ready. I’ll be in shortly.” Her eyes glassed over.
She tore down the hall.
“Mr. Kerns excuse me please.” I stalked toward Nadia swiping her off her feet and continued into the living room.
Her body shivered in my arms. “Are you going to leave me?” she cried.
I lowered us on the sofa, sitting her beside me. Nadia’s sad eyes stared into mine.
“No, baby. I am not walking away from us.” I palmed her soft hands. “Yes, you should have told me what drugs you abused. I also should have asked.”
She dropped her gaze. I inched her chin up with my index finger until our eyes met.
“You’ve been clean for almost four years. That’s difficult for many people in this world.”
“But if I become pregnant, the doctor would have to deliver our child naturally, because I don’t want narcotics in my system.”
I caressed her face. “That’s a difficult task. I’ll ask your mother to keep an eye on you. If that time ever arises, I’ll also ask my mother to stay with you while you recover, if I am not here. Ok.”
She nodded.
I crushed her lips. “You are most important in my life. Never forget that.”
“I won’t.” She swiped the tears from her eyes. “We can wash our hands then join my parents.”
“Lead the way.”
We washed our hands, and I cleaned Nadia’s face.
“Take a deep breath. We’ll face your parents together.”
She exhaled. “All right.”
Gripping Nadia’s hand, we walked into the dining room, keeping a united front. I glanced into her parents concerned faces as I pulled out the chair for Nadia. Silence choked the air.
“Sorry, to keep you both waiting. But I needed to make sure Nadia was ok,” I stated sitting at her side.
A slight smile formed on Mrs. Kerns lips.
“Daddy, would you lead us in prayer?” Nadia asked.
“Yes.”
We locked hands around the table while her father blessed the food.
Our eyes popped open as he ended the prayer.
“I’ll carve the duck. Aiden, can you open the wine?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Aiden, Nadia
tells us you are from Atlanta. She found herself a country boy.”
“Yes, ma’am. I love the country. The second piece of property I purchased was a cabin in Bonners Ferry. The cabin sits on three acres.” I piled the scallop potatoes on my plate and a few slivers of duck.
“Wow. Impressive.”
“How do you two like retirement life?”
Mrs. Kerns smiled. “I love it. Larry on the other hand hates it. He volunteers at tax time preparing the neighbors taxes for free.”
I grinned. “That’s generous of you, Mr. Kerns.”
“Yeah, we’ll what can I say I love number crunching.”
I glanced at Nadia. “Now, I see where she gets her love of numbers.”
Laughter erupted around the table.
Nadia sipped the red wine.
“Mr. and Mrs. Kerns, I would like you both to know, I understand Nadia battled an addiction to drugs.” I gripped her hand.
“I am not going anywhere. Sir, you can place Nadia’s house on the market. She doesn’t need the money from the sale. She lives with me. I am adding her to my mortgage. It will become our home. I understand I am laying a lot on you both in one evening, but I don’t have a choice. Not sure if Nadia mentioned my position in the Navy.”
Her parents glanced at each other across the table then back at me.
“I am a Commander in the Navy. And I am also a Navy SEAL. Soon I will return to active duty.”
Her father’s eyes widened. “Thank you for your service, Commander Wilder.”
I nodded.
“Did Nadia tell you her uncle served in the Navy?”
“Yes, sir. While yes, they may ship every Sailor off to war, there is never a doubt I’d return often than others because I am a SEAL who fights the war on terror.” I sighed.
“I would like to ask for your daughter’s hand in marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Kerns.”
Her mother gasped.
“What?” her father muttered.
“I understand this is sudden. I return to active duty next month. If I died serving my country Nadia would be well taken care of. She’s set either way because I was practical in life so I’ve invested well. I also own a dental office in downtown Coeur d’ Alene. She’ll handle the books for my practice and manage the office part time. She understands I may or may not return from duty. We live every day as if it’s our last. I’ll do everything in my power to get back to her.”
I tangled our fingers. “Those big beautiful eyes stare at me as if I’m all she ever wanted. I never knew a woman could love me so deeply. Sometimes, I watch her sleep and I whisper in her ear, professing my love for her. I love her so much. She’s the love I didn’t think I deserved.”
Silence again. Nadia kissed my cheek and caressed the nape of my neck. “I love you, Aiden.”
I turned my attention to her and planted my lips against her forehead. “I love you too, Nadia.”
“Oh, my, Aiden. You don’t hold, back do you?”
Her mother lightened the mood.
I straightened my back in the chair. “No ma’am. I had no intention of ever falling in love. My career is dangerous. I didn’t want to worry about a woman bolting because I was away for months or leaving a wife behind. Nor did I think I deserved love because of my dangerous job. But Nadia helped me to see different.”
Her mother crossed her arms staring between Nadia and I. “Well, I’m sold. You two have my blessings.”
I smiled. “Thank you.”
“Is Nadia pregnant?” Her father rested his hands on his stalky arms.
My eyebrows wrinkled as I met his gaze.
I honestly didn’t know the answer to his question. She could be. We hadn’t used protection.
“Sir, not that I know of.”
Nadia clutched my arm. “He’s not asking for my hand in marriage because we are bringing a child into this world. We haven’t discussed the possibility of us being pregnant. We love each other. And I want to live out the rest of my days with this stubborn grizzly bear. Aiden makes me happy. In a couple of weeks, we’ll tie the knot at the justice of the peace.”
“You’ll do no such thing,” he growled.
“I will talk to the pastor at our church. You’ll have a small ceremony with a few people there cheering you both on.”
Gripping my heart, my smile widened. I hopped out of my chair and wrapped my arms around him. “Thank you, sir.”
“You’re welcome, Aiden.”
“Congratulations.” Mrs. Kerns tapped my back.
I turned pulling her into my embrace. “Thank you, so much.”
I stepped back all smiles.
Nadia smiled ear to ear, embracing her mother.
“You did good, Nadia. You did good.”
My heart warmed and I exhaled. Having their blessing meant the world to Nadia and I.
Nadia stood before me staring into my eyes. “I’m marrying the man of my dreams.” She swiped her hand across my hair, pecking my lips.
I held her tight never wanting to let go.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
NADIA
My hands swept along my curves as I stared at my reflection in the mirror. The form fitting, white spaghetti strap, embroidered wedding gown flowed over my feet. My mother insisted on purchasing the expensive wedding dress three days after Aiden asked for my hand in marriage. I loved being primped and pampered for my wedding in the church’s bridal suite. My dad wanted to make my big day special.
“Nadia, you look beautiful,” Aiden’s mother Mary-Anne stated with a thick southern drawl.
Her big brown eyes glassed over as she kissed my cheek, clutching my shoulders. Mary-Anne’s hair was swept up in a bun. The pale pink chiffon dress fell below her knees.
“Thank you,” I bit back the tears.
Aiden and I Face Timed with his parents weekly. His mother was ecstatic we were getting married. A big wedding would have been nice, but an intimate ceremony is just as sweet. Sebastian introduced me to Sydney and her cousin Samantha on Face Time. The first time we talked for an hour.
Samantha who’s a party planner insisted on planning a huge reception for us at a later date. She wanted to attend our wedding but couldn’t. They said I have to visit while Aiden’s away.
“Nadia, are you ready?” My mother smiled, stepping into the room. Her short salt and pepper hair gave her a youthful look.
“Yes.”
She lowered the veil over my face.
HOOKING MY ARM THROUGH my fathers, he smiled and kissed my cheek. “You look beautiful. He’s a lucky man.”
“Thank you, Dad.” A wide smile spread across my face.
“Are you ready?”
I exhaled. “Yes.”
The ushers opened the double doors to the large sanctuary. My eyes landed on Aiden standing at the altar. My heart skipped a beat marveling his muscled tall frame in his Navy dress uniform. My lips twitched. Licking my lips at the sexy grizzly bear awaiting me was at the forefront of my mind. I snapped out of my day dream and peeked at the sea of white uniforms gracing the aisles. Aiden’s SEAL buddies accepted me into their military family. Yesterday afternoon, our home overflowed with visitors from out of town. Our parents cooked and grilled. I heard an abundance of Aiden stories. Each one only made me love him more. I knew who I was marrying. An alpha who would die to protect me. My alpha grizzly turned teddy bear. I smiled at my brother who stood and kissed my cheek.
Aiden stepped forward taking my hand from my father. I mouthed hello to Sydney who arrived late. I asked her to be my matron of honor and stand in for my best friend Katie who passed away. She said she’d be honored. Even though we hadn’t known each other long, we talked or texted every other day since Sebastian returned home. She became like a sister. Sydney winked and smiled. I placed my bouquet in her hand and kissed her cheek. “Sydney, thank you for being here.”
“I wouldn’t miss this day.”
Aiden led my steps before the minister. I peeked at Valen and mouthed hello. He stood behind Aiden gr
inning in his Navy dress uniform.
I would have never guessed I’d be standing at the altar marrying my brooding neighbor. His soft green eyes roamed my body. His black hair was cut low on the sides. The front of his hair swept to the left. I couldn’t wait for his large hands to wrap around my waist and those pink lips to kiss mine. I could barely keep my eyes off that angular jaw, begging to be touched.
Aiden flashed his white teeth, clutching my hands. My nerves kicked in as we prepared to exchange our vows.
AIDEN
NADIA, I DIDN’T THINK I deserved happiness. Fighting for my country was a privilege and an honor. But something was missing. You.
You showed me I deserve love. Now I couldn’t imagine life without you. Tomorrow isn’t promised, but I vow to treat each day like it’s our last. Where ever I am in the world know when the sun rises and set’s I will be reminded of our love.
NADIA
AIDEN, WHEN WE FIRST met you wanted nothing to do with me. Not because you didn’t want me, but because you were afraid to fall in love. I never met a man like you. Without hesitation you laid your life on the line for mine. You are my protector. It wasn’t easy, but I finally opened your eyes to the beauty of us. Our love is endless. Know that I too will be reminded of our love when the sun rises and sets. I vow to treat each day like it’s our last.
I glanced at my beautiful oval diamond ring and gleamed as the minister pronounced us husband and wife. Aiden raised the veil over the beaded bun on my head. He gasped and swept me up into his arms, crushing my lips. Our guests cheered.
“I love you, Nadia Wilder. I’ll protect you until my dying day,” he stated against my lips.
His eyes were full of warmth and love.
Tears threatened to burst forth. I choked down the tears. “I love you, Aiden. I’ll always be by your side.”
I turned to Sydney.
“Congratulations!” Her beautiful brown face lit up as she placed my bouquet filled with pink, white, and lavender lily’s in my hand.
Aiden and I kissed our parents before we walked out of the church.
The sun shined bright on the eighth of September. I glanced at the cloudless sky and smiled.