BREAKTHROUGH (Love's Not Easy Series Book 2)

by Nicole Rickman

  “I love it.”

  Her dad waited while she got Aiden, Lexi, Jaxson, Colin, and Kelli on video chat. “Now I feel like my whole family is here.” Aimee turned the laptop, so her friends could see her dad. Mattie, Deandre, and the twins joined Aimee in front of the Christmas tree. “I use to read this to Aimee every Christmas as a child. Somehow, we lost the tradition, but it is back to stay now.”

  Her dad read the story of the birth of Jesus, just as he did when Aimee was a child. He was using different voices to make it entertaining and Aimee enjoyed it, just as she did as a child. James commented on how it made him feel like he was back on the plantation. Aimee felt like it took her back too. But, mostly, she felt like her mom was smiling down on them. For the first time in seven years, Aimee felt like she had a family.

  Aimee helped put the kids to bed. She stayed in the room until Mattie fell asleep, then she took her cell and went down to the quite living area to call Aiden.

  He answered on the first ring. “She didn’t want to go to sleep tonight?” He had a hint of joy in his voice.

  “No. She is too excited about Santa and all the fun we had today.”

  “I was so glad to see you smiling and having a good time. After your summer in Virginia, you needed some family bonding.”

  “It is just a shame it took a tragedy to make us realize what we could have had all along.”

  “So, is that what you are calling it now, a tragedy?”

  “It beats the alternative. I don’t want to call it anything. I wish I could block the whole thing from my mind.”

  “We need to not focus on the negative parts of the evening, but the positive things God brought from the tragedy. We raised two hundred thousand dollars for our cause. We admitted we are in love. And you got your family back.”

  “Yeah, those are real positive points to focus on. Can we make a subject change?”

  “Yeah. What time is your dinner tomorrow?”

  “Deandre and I are cooking it, so around four or five. We have breakfast with her mom and dad and the rest of the family before they leave for their Cruise.”

  “So, it is just your immediate family for dinner?”

  “Yes. Unless you want to get on a plane and fly down after your dinner. Deandre has mistletoe everywhere.”

  “That sounds tempting. I wish I could.”

  “Me too.”

  She heard her dad and Deandre coming down the steps. “I gotta go, Santa is coming; I don’t want to be caught being naughty.”

  Aiden laughed. “You don’t have a naughty bone in you. Good night, love.”

  “Good night.” He knew her all too well.

  She helped her dad and Deandre with Santa Clause before heading to bed herself. She would be awoken early by Mattie, that was for sure. That night, she slept so peaceful.

  Sometime during the night, the twins came and got in the bed with Aimee, as did Mattie. She awoke to the kids laying on her in every direction and her dad and Deandre laughing. “I think you were a hit.” He took a picture that he text to Aimee.

  The kids went wild opening the presents from under the tree. Due to the plane ride back to the States, toys were small and minimal. The kids got some new clothing, a stuff animal, and the boys got kids tablets from Santa; while, Mattie got her own tablet, as well. Aimee bought Mattie a new outfit for dance class and some accessories for her tablet. The twins each got a backpack with their favorite cartoon character and some learning toys. Deandre and Clint loved the scrapbook Mattie and Aimee made for them.

  They had breakfast at the lodge with the rest of the family and said goodbye. Her uncle told her that someone called to reserve their chalet and was arriving this afternoon. When they got back to the chalet, Aimee and Deandre started Christmas dinner, while her dad helped Mattie set up her tablet from Santa.

  Dinner was almost done around four thirty. Aimee was wiping the counter, when her cell rang. “Hello.”

  “No Merry Christmas?”

  “Merry Christmas, Aiden.”

  “That is more like it. What are you doing?”

  “Right this second, I am cleaning the counter tops.”

  “Have you had dinner yet?”

  “No, we are almost done. Dad is going to watch the ham and rolls, while Deandre and I get ready.”

  “Well, I will let you go for now. Call me before you eat.”

  “Ok.” He confused Aimee.

  It took about forty-five minutes to get ready. She glanced in the mirror before going down. She knew her dad had the cameras out. She wore an outfit he and Deandre got her for Christmas. The back distress jeans fit her perfect and she loved the country feel of the moss green denim shirt over a white tank.

  She called Aiden as she walked down the steps. He was talking about his parents and the fact they left the Palace after dinner for a tour of the country side of Neahovia. Then, they had a New Year’s Eve party at a church in the country. He didn’t know the exact details, other than he didn’t have to go.

  The doorbell rang just as she reached the bottom step. “Hang on, Aiden, I need to answer the door.” She opened the door and all she could see was someone holding gifts in their hands. “Can I help you?”

  The gifts came down and Aiden, Lexi, and Jaxson stood in the hall. “Surprise.”

  Aimee dropped her mouth. “Oh my goodness. You guys just made a great Christmas even better.”

  When Mattie noticed them walking into the living area, she came running, showing her gifts. The twins followed. Everyone was so great with the kids. Aiden even promised to take them to the ice skate ring after dinner.

  The dinner was so delicious. Aimee never knew Deandre could cook this good. The atmosphere was so relaxing. Aimee made a cranberry punch toast, to the breakthrough this family had made to come together again.

  The skating rink was not very busy. The twins put on the baby skates and walked around the toddler area, while Mattie took off skating with Lexi and Jaxson. Aimee and Aiden sat on a bench watching the twins play. “Aiden, this is so sweet.”

  “I figure your parents could use a break and the kids would love the skating.”

  “No alternative motive?” She playfully pushed him.

  “Well, you know it was an excuse to be here alone with you.”

  “He took her hand. Aimee, I need to tell you something.”

  Aimee’s heart was pounding. All of a sudden she felt like her nerves had gone crazy. Aiden must have noticed her fear. He put his arm around her. “It’s not bad news.”

  “Don’t keep me in suspense, please.”

  “Ok, but I want you to look at me.” Aimee turned her head. “I have moved out of the flat.”

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  “You did what?” She almost shouted the words.

  “I moved in with James and his roommates. Tyler Duncan is moving in my room, we kinda did a room change.”

  “Why did you do that?”

  “Because that is the only thing keeping us apart. After we exchanged gifts on the beach, I knew it was time for us to date. Aimee, God is ready for us to be together. I feel it in my heart.”

  “I feel the same way, but I am going miss you living at the flat.”

  “Honey, you will not have time to miss me. The other flat is just the place to sleep and shower. It is in the same villa. During the day, we will be in class together and in the evening, we will study and hang out.”

  “When did you move?”

  “The day you left to come here. Lexi and Jaxson went to visit someone in the church that was in the hospital, while Rev. Mark and James helped me move.”

  “Does everyone else know you moved?”

  “No. I wanted to tell you first. Mark and James are the only ones that know. I had a talk with Mark at our Christmas get together at the flat. He helped arrange the whole thing.”

  Aimee sat quietly for a second. She needed to give everything time to sink in.

  Aiden stood and took Aimee’s hand and helped her up from bench. T
hey stood with only inches between their mouths.

  “Aimee Pittman, I would be honored if you will be my girlfriend.”

  Aimee smiled and closed the gap between them and kissed him. He lifted her off the ground as they kissed and then twirled her around in the air. She was laughing hard.

  “How do you know that is a yes?”

  He slid her down to the ground. “Because, Aimee Pittman doesn’t just kiss anybody.” He kissed her again and, this time, the kiss got disturbed when the twins started giggling.

  “Daddy hisses mommy oo.”

  Aiden and Aimee laughed, as they regained some composure. Then, Aimee turned to Aiden “I would love to be your girlfriend.” She slipped her hands in his.

  “Aimee, I cold.” Grant hugged himself

  “Me too, bruter.” Carter did the same.

  “How about we go home and I make you some of my famous hot chocolate?” Aimee bent down to her brothers.

  “Wit da peprdmin?”

  “And da dandy dane?”

  “Yes, with the peppermint and the candy cane.”

  When they got to the flat, Aimee made hot chocolate with peppermint coffee creamer and a candy cane stick. When everyone was done, Deandre took the kids up to shower and get ready for bed. Aimee and Aiden had Lexi and Jaxson join them at the table while they video chatted Colin and Piper. James knew what Aiden was going to say, which meant Piper probably knew as well, but they wanted to tell the group as a whole.

  Aiden broke the news to them easy. Surprisingly, they were all happy and, in unison, replied. “Now you can date Aimee.”

  “You are the real deal.” Colin winked at Aimee.

  “I think so too.” She smiled.

  They ended the call, when the kids came down. They played games with the kids until they went to bed. Then, they watched movies together. Aimee didn’t want her dad to know just yet about Aiden, so they kept the charade of being only friends when he and Deandre were around.

  The next six days were so fun. They skied and snowboarded every day. In the evenings, her dad and Deandre had some kind of family adventure planned. Aimee’s dad and Aiden were bonding. They were doing a good job keeping the fact they were dating from her dad. Deandre suspected that Aiden liked Aimee, but she knew Aimee well enough, that she would not date a guy who lived in the same flat as her; and, since they never told her about him moving, she remained clueless to the fact they were dating.

  Aimee explained to Aiden that, even though she was getting along with her dad and Deandre, she was still afraid they would use his title of Prince to boost her votes in the election. He understood and agreed, for now, they would not tell her dad. He wanted to make sure her dad liked him and trusted him anyway. After what happened with LJ, her dad had become more protective and involved in her life. He was calling Aimee every day and has made several comments about how the next guy she dated will be drilled by him.

  Tonight was New Year’s Eve, the resort was having two separate parties. One for the guest without families and one family friendly. Mattie was so excited to be going to her first New Year’s Eve party. Aimee and Lexi fixed her hair, while Deandre lightly added eye shadow and lip gloss. Then, they got ready themselves.

  The gentlemen waited for the women at the foot of the steps. Each had a rose for the girls. The twins gave theirs to Deandre, while Aimee’s dad gave his to Mattie. Aiden could not take his eyes off of Aimee. As always, she was a vision of beauty.

  The party started at ten. Aiden held Aimee close during slow numbers. He danced with adorable Mattie, while Aimee danced with her dad and Deandre danced with the boys. Aimee and Mattie taught everyone some dance routines; and, during freestyle, the girls laughed so hard at Aiden and Colin teaching Clint and the twins some moves.

  Around eleven fifty, Aiden took Aimee out to the deck. The light from the full moon shined on the snow. He played with the loose strands of her hair. “I love those earrings.”

  “Oh really? Thanks, they were a gift from a really special guy I met in Neahovia.”

  “Hmm…I’m not sure I like the idea of guys giving you gifts. What does this guy look like?”

  “Well, let me see. He is about as tall as you. His hair is the same shade of blonde as yours. He has the same blue eyes and a smile that drives me crazy. He has a body that shows he loves to work out and take care of himself.”

  “Well, he sounds familiar. It is amazing how many things I have in common with him.”

  “Yes, it is. There is just one more thing I need to see if you are as good at as he is.” Aimee wrapped her arms around his neck as he put his around her waist and pulled her close to him and kissed her.

  Aimee grinned when they stopped kissing. “I think you could use a little more practice.”

  They heard the countdown starting inside. Ten… nine… eight…. seven…. six… five….

  Aiden moved in when the crowd yelled three and kissed Aimee until well after they heard the crowd shout one and the kids blew their party blowers. “Happy New Years, my love.” Aiden kissed her again.

  “Happy New Years to you as well. I think this may be the happiest year of my life so far.”

  “I hope so. You deserve it.” He kissed her once more. Mattie swung open the door. “Aimee, you are missing all the fun; we blew our party blowers, everyone yelled Happy New Year, and confetti fell from the sky.”

  Aimee hugged her little sister. “Sounds fun. We will be there in a minute.”

  Mattie ran back in. Aimee turned to Aiden. “I have her beat because I saw fireworks.”

  Aiden laughed. “Me too.”

  ♥ ♥

  A Letter from the Author

  Thank you for taking the time to read the Second Book in the Love’s Not Easy Series. I hope you enjoy reading about Aimee and her friends as much as I have enjoyed creating and writing them. I am so thankful God has allowed me to fulfill this dream of mine. God has taught me a lot about my life while writing. I hope you take the time to listen to what God tells you.

  The Bible verses I use in my books are from the KJV of the Bible. I pray for God to give me verses that will reach my readers. The sermons, are some I have heard over the years being preached at church. I tried to write them as best I could remember. They are not word for word what the preacher said, but what I took from the message. They moved me and I hope they move you.

  I never attend to offend anyone with my books. I do pray that God speaks to my readers through my work and I have to write what he tells me to. I feel that we are living in a time that being a Christian is as much a minority, as any other minority group,

  we need to band together to spread the word of God’s love.

  God Bless You

  Nicole Rickman

  Discussion Questions

  1. Aimee was upset when she found out the Deandre was telling people she had adopted Aimee, and was referring to herself, as Aimee’s mom. How would you react if someone did that to you?

  2. When Aimee learns her dad is letting people believe the lies about Deandre, and thinking of using her mom’s accident as a sympathy vote she felt betrayed. How would you feel?

  3. When Aimee goes to Lilliend Rose for the rest of summer she learns that she is now the majority shareholder to two major corporations and that she will take over CEO whenever she feels she is ready. Could you handle that stress? How would you prepare yourself for such a task?

  4. Aimee started dating LJ when she returned to Neahovia. Would you have dated him after dinner with his family?

  5. While reading her mom’s diary she learns about her wedding to RGA. How would you have handle reading that?

  6. When and how should Aimee break up with LJ?

  7. How would you react if someone tried to violate your friend?

  8. Aimee and Aiden share a sunrise kiss then went back to the friend’s zone. Could you return to friend zone with someone you love?

  9 How would you react to Deandre telling you she was sorry for the way she had treated you?


  10. Did Aiden make the right decision by moving out of the flat?

  About the Author

  Nicole Rickman is 39 years old and lives in Eastern Kentucky with her husband Bill and their son Luke. Luke is their nine year old miracle that God gave to them after the doctors said she couldn’t have children. Every time she looks in his blues eyes and sees his face that is a combination of her and her husband she remembers how God is in control. She feels the Lord has called her to write Christian Fiction. She is inspired to write books that will inspire the youth. She wants the readers of today to see we can have good books to read that is not full of profanity and negativity. She wants to touch them with stories of situations they can relate to. She prays they find a piece of them in the book