Page 140 of Awakened Desires

“It’s the least we can do for a friend.”

“And housemate,” Quinn murmurs. He rests his head against Stefan’s shoulder.

“And then there were three,” Rory says once Stefan and Quinn have gone.

I tidy the designs and leave them in a neat pile on the table. I go to Rory and kiss him before checking on Aidan. He’s sleeping soundly.

I look at my watch. “I’ll need to head to the registry office soon.”

“Are you excited?”

“Nervous. Niamh wants another chat about Aidan once we’ve registered his birth.”

It’s been two weeks since we last saw Niamh. I keep sending her updates and pictures of Aidan. Over the last week, she’s started messaging me first to ask how Aidan is. I’ve taken it as a good sign, but I can’t deny the sadness swirling in my stomach.

“I think she’s going to tell me she’s ready to have him back.”

“How do you feel?”

“I’m going to miss him.” I stare at Aidan. He’s the most precious thing imaginable.

“You’ll still be a huge part of his life,” Rory says gently. “I don’t think Niamh will shut you out.”

“No. I don’t either. But seeing him at weekends and for the occasional holiday won’t be the same.”

“I know. Come here.”

I snuggle into Rory’s arms and rest my head against his shoulder. “I love him.”

Rory sucks in a breath. “I do too.” He rubs my back firmly. “I’ll miss him too.”

I hold Rory tightly. “Thanks for everything these past few weeks.”

“Do I get to be an honorary uncle?”

My chest tightens. “I think everyone in the house does. You…” I shake my head. I’m not sure I dare voice that fragile thought aloud.

“Honorary uncle is fine,” he whispers as though guessing what I’m thinking. “Do you want me to come with you?”

“Would you mind?”

“Of course not. Would Niamh?”

I lift my head and stare into Rory’s eyes. “I doubt it. She knows we’re together. Any decisions about Aidan affect you too.” I stroke his beard. “I love you.”

Since I first said those words, they’ve become more at home in my mouth. They’ve settled into my heart as a permanent truth. I can’t imagine my life without him in it. Perhaps being wrapped in his arms will ease the pain of giving Aidan back to Niamh.

“I’ll get Aidan’s changing bag ready,” I say. “He’ll want a bottle when he wakes up.”

“Is there anything I can do?”

“Keep rocking him?”

Rory chuckles. “I can do that.”

“It’s a shame we can’t take the pram on the tube.”

“We could. It would just be more cumbersome than the baby carrier.”