Page 10 (1/2)

Preface

Glancing at the clock on the car’s dashboard, E day at the spa had run a little late Okay, thirty minutes wasn’t exactly a little late Noas only an hour before she and Aidan were supposed to be at his co to have to drop Noah off at Aidan’s niece, Megan’s, house since she had graciously offered to baby-sit for them

When she rolled to a stop at a red-light, she dug her phone out of her purse Her fingers flew over the keyboard as she typed Five minutes from the house Hair stylist was behind So, so sorry She didn’t kno es had gone unanswered, and she was afraid to call the house in case Noah was still napping

He had surprised her that ift certificate to Spa Sydell where she could spend the day getting pa her hair and make-up done for the party Now that she was a stay-at-home-mom, she relished anytime she could have a day just for herself It had been thethe day having “man” time with Noah

But now E ready for the party with Noah crawling around and getting into everything All she had left to do was slip into her cocktail dress, but when she had left Aidan and Noah earlier in the day, Aidan was in his ratty sweatpants and hadn’t showered or shaved

She whipped the car into the driveway and eased into the garage Grabbing her purse, she hopped out and hurried into the kitchen Beau uess Daddy is pissed and not speaking to h “Okay, let uys?”

He wagged his tail before turning around and heading out of the kitchen “Okay, I’ll follow you then” Glancing into the living-room, she saw the television was on “Aidan?” she questioned as she started down the hallway Beau sat outside thehis tail on the floor Eood boy Thanks for letting me knohere they were”

When E on one side of the bed, Aidan was sleeping soundly with his right arm draped over his head Next to him, Noah lay in the same position A smile curved on her lips, and she couldn’t stop the warht of the two people she lovedher phone out of her purse, she tip-toed over to the bed She snapped several shots of the es of father and son

Now she knehy her texts had gone unanswered He wasn’t upset—he was dead to the world Easing down beside Aidan, she leaned over and kissed his cheek and then planted a chaste kiss on his waret ready for the party,” she said against his lips

While Aidan barely stirred, the sound of her voice caused Noah to stretch his fists over his head and kick his legs E his cheek, she said, “Hey angel Did youones his father had A srin formed on his lips, which caused Eers over her cheek She kissed each one of the to nibble the to ood care of you, and you’ll get to play with Mason”

Noah cooed in response, reaching for the strands of her auburn hair that he loved to twist between his fingers

At Aidan’s snore, Emma shook her head “Come on, let’s wake up Daddy” She sat Noah next to Aidan “Go on Wake hirin, Noah immediately reached over and smacked his hands over and over on Aidan’s chest “Dada!” he cried

Aidan’s eyes flew open, and he gazed wildly around the roo in Emma His mouth opened in a wide yawn before he spoke “Now there’s a wake-up call Just glad he wasn’t close tohis eyes

E you, but you wouldn’t wake up”

With his trademark sexy smirk, he replied, “Damn, I hate I missed that one” He started to move closer to her, but she pushed him back