Page 46

“Really? Why?” He opened a new pack of bulbs and moved to the next lamp.

“She thinks she’s in love with Aiden.”

He stopped and looked at me. “What in the hell? Is she crazy or something?”

“No, but she’s crazy about him. They have some kind of connection.” I walked into the room and sat on the bed. “I don’t know what to do.”

“And she knows about the lawsuit? You told her everything about him?” Cole was acting calmer than I expected.

“Mmm-hmm. She thinks I should put that aside and be happy for her.”

“What do you think?” He eased himself on the bed across from me.

His question surprised me. “I told her it was a ridiculous idea. How can I be friends with someone who is dating the man who is trying to take everything away from you?” It sounded absurd.

Cole nodded his head. “Ridiculous, huh?”

My eyes lowered to the floor. “I guess that’s how you felt when I let Aiden stay here, but I was trying to convince him to drop the suit. It was different.”

“Doesn’t matter. Hurt the same way.” Cole’s eyes softened. “You always want to help, Kaitlyn. That’s what you do.”

“What am I supposed to do this time? Let her ruin our friendship? Get her heart broken when she finds out Aiden is just using her?” I felt defeated by the whole thing. I couldn’t lose Mary Ellen to Aiden.

“She’s leaving tomorrow, right?” he asked.

“Yes. Tonight’s her last night.” My stomach kept flipping with nausea. Part of me wondered how much was the beginning of morning sickness. “I don’t know when I’ll see her again.”

“I’m sure you’ll come up with a way to make everybody happy. It’s one of your many talents.” He winked and stood, then hopped on one foot to the dresser. Another bulb needed changing. “Ryan and I are good. If you could convince your brother, you can convince anyone.”

It was ludicrous, but I did have one idea that would bring both my plans together. It would involve convincing Cole, calming rocky waters, and playing peacemaker.

“Cole, before you say ‘no,’ think about this. What if we have Mary Ellen and Aiden over for dinner tonight?”

He spun on his good heel then grimaced as his knee banged into the dresser. “Damn it.” He steadied himself to face me. “You can’t be serious. Aiden in our house?”

I nodded. “I know it will be awkward, but it’s a peace offering I can extend to Mary Ellen, and it’s one more chance we have to try to talk him out of the lawsuit. You’ve never had a civil conversation with him. Maybe you two could talk without throwing punches and come to a resolution.”

Cole shook his head. “Only you would come up with something like this.”

“I’ll do the cooking. I’ll take care of everything. We’ll do it after Grayson goes to bed so we don’t disrupt his routine. All you have to do is be nice and promise not to knock Aiden out.” I waited for an answer. The new lightbulbs might burn out before Cole answered.

Finally, he spoke. “All right.”

“All right?” I couldn’t believe it.

“Yes, but the minute he starts his asshole tricks, he’s out. Agreed? And I get to toss him out.”

I nodded. “Agreed.” I jumped from the bed ready to tackle Cole. I stopped short of the crutches and pecked him on the lips. “Ok, I’m going to go ask Mary Ellen right now. Thank you.” I ran out of the room.

“I think it looks fine.” Cole poked his head out of our bedroom door. He had just showered.

I crossed my eyes and stared at the patio table I had just set.

“I just want it to be perfect.” Not only was this a peace summit dinner, but also our first official dinner party as a couple. There was a lot riding on this dinner.

“Come here.” He motioned me toward the bedroom.

I nestled into his chest as his arm wrapped around my shoulder. Everything felt calmer and safer like this with Cole. I inhaled his aftershave.