Page 105 of Vain

I look up at Aiden in shock. He gives me a soft smile. “Surprise.”

I smile widely before squeezing Zoe tight. When she releases me, I squat—easier said than done in this dress—and look at her.

“You look so beautiful,” I tell her as she swishes the pink layered dress she’s wearing.

“Aiden bought it for me.”

“Oh, he did, did he? Someone’s been a busy bee.”

I reach up and tuck a stray strand behind her ear. “God, I missed you.”

“I missed you too. Want to come sit with me?”

“Absolutely.” I take her hand as an older couple approaches us.

“Hey, Mom, Dad,” Aiden says, making me freeze.

“Hey, baby.” Aiden’s mom leans in to hug him, then she looks at me. Before I can react, she wraps her arms around me. “I’m so happy to finally meet you.”

She pulls back and offers me a wide smile before her husband nudges her out of the way for a hug of his own. “I’m Mark. This is Kelly, otherwise known as Mom and Dad. Welcome to the family.”

I smile, though I’m sure it’s a little shaky. Talk about being blindsided.

“Why do I feel like Aiden never told you we’d be here?” Kelly asks, looking from me to her son.

“Crap, it slipped my mind.”

“Aiden Church, I know I raised you better than that.”

“It’s fine, honestly. He’s right, it’s been a crazy weekend. I’ve just finished shooting a movie, and then we flew out here, went to the fair, did a last-minute interview, and got engaged. We’d have forgotten to breathe if it wasn’t instinctual,” I joke.

“You’re engaged?” Kelly whispers, her eyes dropping to my hand, more accurately, the ring on it.

Mark chuckles. “Oh, shit.” I must look panicked because he rushes to reassure me.

“She’s gonna start getting broody for grandchildren.”

“Engaged?” Kelly whispers again.

“I love him.” Is my simple answer as Aiden’s hand squeezes my shoulder.

“And I love you for him,” she tells me before hugging me again, only this time harder. “I’m so stinking happy I could cry.”

“You are crying, love.” Mark laughs.

“I can’t help it.” She releases me before doing a little jig.

“Is there any chance you can keep this quiet for a few days? Today’s about Callie and Blake.”

“My lips are sealed,” she tells me, but I’m not convinced she’ll be able to contain herself for long.

“You and Aiden are getting married?” Zoe asks, looking up at me.

“We are.”

“Can I be your flower girl?”

“Of course. How am I going to get married without my favorite girl at my side?”