I said, either meet them where they’re standing, or leave ’em alone and go on your way. Your mother isn’t even what I’d call a horrible person, but she is damaged to the point that any denial on her part makes it all the worse. She runs from her problems and isn’t happy with herself, so she needs validation from everyone else. No matter how sweet, loyal, and kind you are to her, it’s never enough.
“She’s a big void that can never be fed. She was never the right woman for me, because that would have been someone who already had a ‘can do’ attitude and took responsibility for their shit. A woman who knew herself, liked herself, understood herself, but was willing to grow right along with me. She wouldn’t take any shit, but she’d be nice when throwin’ down that gauntlet. That’s Lauren.”
They sat there for a while, drinking their beverages, looking into one another’s eyes.
“Mom said you hurt her too, Dad.”
Aries considered that statement.
“I’m certain she believes that. I don’t agree with it, but nobody is perfect. I believe she’s convinced herself of this so she can sleep better at night, despite knowing all the harm she’s caused. But Aiden, this isn’t a blame game. There’s enough of that to go around in the world. My main take-away from dealing with your mother was fear. I had to give up the fear of getting hurt again, and feeling that pain. I was okay being alone, with no relationship. I was just fine focusing on work and you, but then, I realized I was fine yet not content. I realized I deserved to have all that life has to offer. A woman brings something to the table nobody else can, Aiden, and when you get older, you’ll realize it, too.”
“Boobs. They bring boobs.”
“You’ve got a one track mind, you know that?” Aries picked up a napkin from the table, balled it up, and threw it at the boy’s head as he fell into a fit of giggles. Aries smirked at him and shook his head. Just then, the doorbell rang.
“Is that Lauren?”
“Yes it is.” Aiden drew serious and slowly got to his feet.
“Dad, I know she makes you happy. Go ahead. Ask her to marry you tonight.”
Aries stood up and ruffled his son’s hair.
“Not tonight. But I will soon. And Aiden?”
“Yeah?”
“Nothing and nobody is coming between you and me, ya hear?” The boy’s cheeks reddened as he smiled and nodded. “Nobody can replace you on this whole, entire Earth, and Lauren, if she doesn’t already, will love you as much as me. I would never bring a woman into your life who would harm you, do you understand me?”
“Yes, Dad.”
“You’re not losing me. You’ll gain extra love. And who can be angry about that?”
Aries smiled and threw up his hands as his son launched himself at him, embracing him tight, as if he never wished to let go. Aries hugged him just as hard and kissed the top of his head. Loving every bit of him, squeezing him, needing him close. The doorbell rang once again.
“Comin’, baby!” Aries hollered. “Why don’t you do the honors and let her in? Oh, and no slip ups. Keep this marriage talk to yourself, all right? I want it to be a surprise.”
“Cool.”
“It’ll be our little secret…”
They winked at one another. The deal was sealed.
CHAPTER TWENTY
You’ve Got Mail
“We’ve got all the letters now, except one.”
“I know, but the only place we haven’t searched that’s left is his house. There’s nothin’ in there. I’ve checked all over, even had Aiden help. Like I told you, I finally got a decent offer for it so the house is empty.”
“There’s got to be some other property then.”
“Nope. I double and triple checked, baby.”
“Are you worried you won’t find the final letter?” she asked as he pulled away from the parking spot, left the campgrounds check-in area, and headed to where they’d be setting up a tent. Stone Mountain was such a nice area. Despite it not being far away from home, she seldom stopped here. It was a treasure she simply took for granted. Aries had a way of making her re-connect with her roots. She loved that.
“No. If I do, I do; if I don’t, I don’t. I’m not going to be turning the world upside down playing this cat and mouse game with a dead man.”
“I think it’ll bother you if we don’t try.” She noticed his jaw tightening. She was quite aware