BREAKTHROUGH (Love's Not Easy Series Book 2) (19 page)

“Not whatever, just the diary.”  She smiled, because right now, what she really wanted, was for him to hold her and tell her everything is alright.

Aiden returned in no time with the diary they were currently on and the next volume.  “We are near the end of this one.”

“I want to read.”

“As long as it is out loud, I am fine with that.”

Aimee turned to the page they left off on last week.  They were up to the end of July, 1989.  So far, her Gran came home and they buried HAL’s son.  No one has seen MAL for a year and things were starting to calm down enough that her mom could enjoy life with RGA. Whom Aimee now knows, his first name was Ryder.

July 31, 1989

RGA and I went for dinner tonight; it was the first time we left mom alone at OBO.  I worried about my mom all through dinner; what if MAL is watching us or having someone else watching us? When we returned home, we found mom safe and sound talking with M&M. She and RGA seemed to not be able to get the two gentlemen out of the room fast enough.  Apparently, tonight’s dinner date was to keep me out of the loop.

Aimee looked at Aiden.  “M&M, any thoughts on who those two men could be?”

Aiden grinned.  “Myers and Montgomery.”

“My thoughts exactly.”

I watched as they escorted the men out.  I waited for them to return to the living room.  I sat on the sofa, my arms folded. “I don’t like being treated like a child. Especially when one of the people treating me as such is my husband.”  He tried smoothing it over with his smile and sweet talking, but I was mad.  I wanted to know what they were up to.  I understood why the Neahovian M was here.  He had worked for my father for a few years.  It was the American M I didn’t understand.  Was mom selling the company my father and his family worked so hard to establish?

She denied that.  She said she and RGA are merely protecting the family from the Radicals.  She stated that she had my best interest at heart, and for now, it is better if I just trust that she knows what she is doing.

I went upstairs, angry with mom and RGA
. 
I had half a mind to lock him out, but that would be a childish thing to do and I was trying to prove to them that I was not a child.  How embarrassing to have to prove that you are not a child to your husband. I could think of a thing or two to show him, which would prove to him that I am not a child, but this diary isn’t the place for those thoughts.

Aimee stopped reading because of Aiden’s laughing.  “Stop laughing.”

“I am sorry, but that entire last paragraph is so much like you.  And just for an FYI, when I marry you, I may get you that angry just to see if you have a thing or two to show me.”

Aimee threw a pillow at him.  “We can’t even date and you’re talking marriage?”

Aiden turned serious.  “Aimee, you remember the first diary entry we read and your mom talked about how she had wanted to date RGA for some time, but the time wasn’t right?  With them, it was an age difference.  With us, it is sharing a flat. I know you see the fact that we live in different countries a problem, but I don’t because God will lead us to live in the country He desires, not us.”

Aimee was speechless. “Aiden, I keep thinking about the obstacles my mom had to come over to follow her heart.  She could have very easily told MAL she would marry whoever he chose for her.  But, if she did that instead of listening to what God put in her heart, a lot of lives would be different.  I may not even be here.  What I am saying is, when God tells me it is time, I am not going try to control or question my heart.”

Aiden grinned.  “That is a big breakthrough for you.  Not controlling how our relationship goes, but handing it to God.”

“It is.  I think last year was a year of finding things out about me and this year is about the breakthroughs I make because of the things I am finding.”

He took the diary.  “Let’s find out what your mom puts in here.”

August 1, 1989

RGA and I had our first fight as a married couple last night.  He never raises his voice to me, but last night he did.  He was furious about how I reacted about the gentlemen that were here.  He was furious I didn’t trust him or my mother.  He wanted to argue they were taking care of me.  I retaliated by saying that no one needs to protect me.  My mom and I did just fine on our own.  He took the remark to the heart.  He slept in the guest room.  I hope we can resolve this today because, the truth is, I have come quite accustomed to sharing my bed with him.

August 1, 1989

Today has been a roller coaster for me, my emotions are everywhere.  RGA and I made up.  Mom explained that they were simply securing our finances. She was trying to make sure that no one can touch our money or business.  It seems that a Mr. E has inquired about buying our orchard.  He mentioned something about how two women should never be in control of a company like this.

The man and his son want to demolish the orchard and put in a resort. RGA did some research and the men give funds to the Radicals.  It was their way of silently supporting the Radical Movement.

Aiden looked at Aimee, her face was white as snow.  “I don’t think that it is a coincidence that we are battling with Mr. Edward and his family and then we read about a Mr. E in my mom’s journal.”

“It is another God thing.  I think God is letting us know what we are exactly dealing with.”

Aimee looked at her watch, it was only eight thirty, so she called Mr. Small and told him about the diary.  He didn’t find it a coincidence either.  He told Aimee he and some of the other partners would look over that contract with a fine tooth comb. Aimee suggested that we draw up our own contract and have them sign it.  There is no reason they have to make the contract.  Mr. Small laughed at her and asked if she was sure she was only nineteen.

Then, she made a call to her dad, while Aiden called his.  He wanted to make sure his dad was aware that the Edward family may have funded the radicals. If that is true, the country may be in more danger.

Clint told Aimee to be careful when it came to that family.  He liked the idea of having Mr. Small draw up the contract and that Aimee keep the upper hand.  They don’t know what she found out today and he told her to make sure she keeps it that way.

Aiden came in the room when he hung up the phone.  “My father says that a lot of men with power and money funded the Radicals under the table.  They have a few suspects as to who, but never any concrete proof.”

“My dad told me not to let them know that we know.”

“I agree, I think everyone who needs to know knows.”

“Aiden, do you think it is possible that Mr. Edward knows who I am and that is why LJ kept asking about the business issues?”

“I think they know you inherited Roseednay and I think that was why LJ took an interest in you.  I think Mr. Edward has never given up his dream of turning Orchid Orchard into a resort.  I also think that Mr. Edward found this out after he first met you at the freshman dinner last year.”

“I think you are right.  I know I am glad I trusted my instincts and didn’t talk business with LJ.  This explains why he was rude all the time.  He was frustrated because I wasn’t given him the information he needed for his dad or get anything in return for his work.”

Aiden put her in a side hug.  “Your right. We need to relax before the others get back and ask questions.  Let’s watch a movie.”

Chapter Twenty

The months of October and November flew by like a breeze.  LJ agreed to the terms Aimee had put in the contract her lawyers drew up for her.  She had not heard anything from him or his family.  She was so glad that part of her life is now history.

Aimee just finished her last test before Christmas break.  The test was hard.  They had two hours to complete the exam and it took Aimee one and half hours to complete.  Now, she was sitting on a bench outside the classroom, waiting for Aiden.

She and Aiden still can’t date and she is finding it harder every day to pretend she doesn’t love him.  She started praying for God to guide her and Aiden in the path He has made for them.  She wanted His will to be done and she was not interfering.

Her friends helped her with an American Thanksgiving feast again this year.  James surprised everyone by proposing to Piper.  Their old roommate, Sophia, even came down from her culinary school to join them.  Josiah video chatted with them.  He was doing great at the recovery center.  In fact, he told them he started taking some online courses for his teen substance abuse counselor major.  It was amazing how God could change a person from something as evil and controlling as alcoholic and guide that person to become a counselor to help teens.

Christmas break begins tomorrow and Aimee was flying to the French Alps to meet her family at a skiing resort.  It was rated the number one resort in the French Alps for its family friendly atmosphere.  They even have Santa and his elves on the slopes for the kids.  Aimee booked a two hour play time on Christmas Eve with Santa and all of his helpers including, Mrs. Clause for Mattie and her little brothers.

Tonight, everyone was meeting at the flat at eight to exchange gifts and have a Christmas Party.  Aimee was finishing wrapping her gifts, when her cell phone rang to the tone she had set for Aiden.  “Hello, Aiden.”

“Aimee, can you meet me on the back patio?  The others have not arrived yet.”

“I just finished with my last present to take with me to the ski resort. I will be right down.”

Aimee checked her hair and make-up before going down to meet Aiden.  She checked herself in her floor style mirror.  She was wearing a pair of jeans and a deep purple sweater that brought out her hazel eyes.

Aiden was waiting for her in the kitchen. The smell of the food was making Aimee hungry; Sophia came down earlier in the day and helped the girls fix the food.  She wanted to stay, but she had some kind of bake off tomorrow.

He held the door open for Aimee as she wrapped her coat around her arms.  Aiden couldn’t take his eyes off her.  “Feel up to a walk down to the beach?”

“Yeah.”

They held hands and walked the path that lead to their secret spot on the beach. When they reached the spot, Aimee sat on the blanket and looked out over the ocean.  “It will be dark soon.”

“I have a light in my pocket.”  He sat behind her and wrapped his arms around her.  When his hands met hers, he handed her a box.  “Merry Christmas, my love.”

Aimee opened the box.  Inside was a locket couple necklace.  One stone was a ruby for her birthstone and the other was an emerald, his birthstone. She took it out and admire it.  He handed her a second box.  It held the matching ring and earrings.

She turned to Aiden.  “This is too much.”

“Nothing is too much, Aimee.  I could buy you all the presents in the world, but nothing will ever touch how much I love you.”

Aimee kissed his lips. It was the sweetest kiss she ever shared with anyone. “Wow. That’s a first.  You initiated the kiss.”  Aiden commented after she broke the kiss.

Her face blushed.  “I got caught up in the moment.”

“I love to see you blush.  It is so sexy.”

“Stop it.”  She took out his gifts from her pocket.  “These are yours.”

He opened the first, it was a designer 10 karat gold business watch.  “Turn it over.”

Aiden turned it over and read the engraving. 
I will love you until the end of time, Amelia.

Aiden pulled her into his lap.  “I love you, Amelia Roselyn Pittman.”  He gave her another sweet kiss.  Then, she handed him his last two gifts, a set of ¼ karat diamond cuff links, with his initials engraved on them.  His final gift was a designer pair of sunglasses.  Which caused him to laugh when she told him they were for hiding from the paparazzi.

He wrapped her in his arms until she stood and dust the sand off her backside.  “Aiden, we have to get back to the house.”

“I know.  I wish we didn’t have to sneak to give each other gifts.”

“I like that we exchanged our gifts in private.  It made it more memorable.”

“I know you can’t wear your couple jewelry yet, but it won’t be long.  I think our time is nearly here.”

For the second time that night, Aimee initiated the kiss.  “When LJ had me in that room, I prayed that God spare me.  I was so afraid of what was going on.  I told myself and God that day that I was not wasting my time dating guys I have no feelings for. I wanted to date the guy who I know is my real deal and who knows I am his real deal.”

Aiden kissed her.  “You have come a long way, Amelia.  I am proud of you and you are my real deal too.”

The others walked through the front door, just as Aimee came back from her room.  They spent the evening eating and exchanging gifts.  The gifts Aiden and Aimee exchanged were less personal.  Aimee noticed that Mark and Tessa were eying her and Aiden, like they could tell that tonight they made a breakthrough by admitting the time was close for them to be together.

Piper clanged her glass to gain everyone’s attention.  “We have some announcements to share with our family and friends.  The first announcement is why we wanted my mom and dad here tonight.”

James took her hand.  “We set a wedding date for the twenty fourth of June.”

“What year?”  Her mom ask.

“In like seven months from now.” Piper grinned

“Piper, you will still be in college for another year.” Her mother was not happy.

“I know, but James graduates this year and he already has job offers.”

James kissed her cheek.  “I promise I will take care of her and she is finishing college.  We both agree on that. The next announcement we want to share is that I have been called to preach God’s word.”

Tessa looked at Mark.  “You knew this and didn’t tell me?”

“I couldn’t, this was his to tell, honey.”

“I am announcing it at church on Sunday, but since all of you will be gone, we wanted to tell you guys first.”

“Wow, Piper is going to be a preacher’s wife.” Aimee smiled and hugged them both.

“Watch out Ancaster University.”  Colin teased.

The rest of the evening was talk of wedding plans and James preaching.  He wanted to make sure Aimee and the others would be at church before he preached his first message.  Around eleven, everyone who did not live in the flat went home.

The kitchen was clean before the others left.  Aimee went to her room to finish packing and admire her gifts.  She took out her locket and opened it.  He put the picture Lexi took of them on the night they went to their first year dinner. In the top of the box she found a note.

Aimee, as much as I denied it to myself, I have loved you ever since I first saw you singing with a towel on your head.  And no, that is not why I broke up with Ava. I respected you too much for that.  Ava and I split because we wanted to go different ways in life.

You have showed me what life is really about, even when you don’t know you are doing it.  If not for you, I would be lost spiritually and in life as a whole.  You make me laugh and feel good about being in the world.  You never look at me as if I am the spare. The only other people in my life that do that are my parents.

I know that God sent you to me.  I thank Him for that every day.   I read the following verse the day after I bought your gifts.  Proverbs 31:10 - Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price [is] far above rubies.

Love you,

Aiden

Aimee folded the note and placed it in the box.  She put the jewelry in her carryon bag.  Tonight, she went to bed full of mixed emotions.  She loved Aiden so much, but until God spoke to them, telling the time was right, they were both stuck.

Aimee’s plane left at eleven.  She had all her bags ready and at the doorway by nine thirty.  She had to be at the airport in twenty minutes to go through customs. Aiden arranged for a car to pick him, Lexi, Aimee, and Jaxson and take them to the airport.  Once she had boarded the plane, Aiden had lined up a private jet, to take the others, to the palace.

Aimee’s plane was on schedule and she enjoyed the short flight to France.  Her dad was waiting for her at the airport.  He arrived two days ago with Deandre and the kids.  They took a cruise to France for the first part of Mattie’s Christmas Break.

Mattie was waiting for Aimee at the door, when they reached the chalet she jumped into Aimee’s arms.  “What do you want to do first, Aimee?”

“Unpack and then I thought we could go visit the chocolate factory if that is ok with dad and Deandre.”

Deandre looked up at Aimee.  “That is fine, all she has talked about for days is seeing you.”

Aimee went to her room to unpack.  When the door opened she turned to see Deandre standing by the door.  “Can we talk?”

“Sure.”  Aimee sat on her bed, while Deandre took the other.

“I owe you like seven years of apologies.  I have not been a good person to you, let alone a descent stepmom.”

Aimee wanted to say that it was ok, but she was shocked.  She just looked at her with wide eyes.

“When your dad told me what happen at the Ball, I was sick.  I was ashamed that I was never there to teach you the things you needed to know as a lady.  I had told myself those fancy schools your mom had set up for you was doing that job.”

Aimee could tell Deandre was sincere. “Deandre, I never came to you to ask for guidance. I realized that when I was trying to figure out how to dump LJ.”

“Over the summer, you brought to your dad’s attention to how little time he spends with his other children.  I am sorry we were not there for you.  We got caught up in the world and forgot what really matters.”

“Thanks.  I think we all got caught up in our own world.”  Aimee was crying and so was Deandre.  “This is the first time we have ever bonded, Deandre.”

“I know.  I want us to start over today. I am glad God opened my eyes because there are so many things I want to share with you.  I wish we had enough time on this trip, but in case you didn’t notice, there is no Nanny on this trip.”

“Wow. I can help you with the kids. If you and dad want a date night, let me know.”

“Thanks, Aimee, I will let you unpack.  We are going out to eat tonight, but Christmas morning you and I are going to fix our first Christmas dinner.”

Aimee was in shock when Deandre left the room, she called Aiden to tell him what had happened.  He laughed.  “Prayers work.  I have prayed for months that God fix your relationship with Deandre.”

“Well then, I thank you for caring enough to pray for us.”

“Aimee, honey, have you not got the picture yet?”

“The reception is fuzzy, like we have some sort of small issue that needs resolved.”

He laughed.  “Well, when that issue is resolved, I will make sure you get a clear picture.”

Aimee laughed.  “I found my letter last night.”

“You did?”