Filed to story: The Girl He Craves Book by Demiah
I lift a mocking brow. “And if he wasn’t?”
“Let’s not play that game Sophie. You know how it ends up.” He sends me a warning stare that let me know exactly what he was referring to. I shivered, blushing under his stare. “Come on Ash bug, let’s leave daddy to do the cooking.” I outstretched my hands for Ashton and he jumps into my arms.
I kissed his head and turned around to head to the living room when I felt a firm smack on my bottom.
“You’ll pay for that batter tonight. Just know that soon to be miss Xavier.” Aiden promised, his tone hefty with fire.
I trembled, biting my bottom lip.
I am about to respond when the buzzer goes off.
Aiden looks confused and I spotted the same expression.
“Maybe Mila forgot something.” I voiced with a shrug and made my way over to the door.
As I pried the door open, my eyes fall into brown eyes. I’m stunned to see her. And she’s even more stunned to see me.
“Sophie?” Mrs. Xavier uttered in shock taking a step forward out of her husband’s arms.
“Who’s at the door baby?” Aiden calls out but I’m too stunned to speak. I hear his footfalls nearing and then slowed when he must’ve seen his parents. “Mom? Dad?”
Sophie’s pov
“What are you two doing here?” Aiden asked as he struts over until he was beside me and Ashton.
His mother’s eyes left mine and Ashton’s to peer at her son. They glisten:
“Why didn’t you tell me we have a grandson Aiden?” She whispered brokenly, making my heart ache.
“Mom I-
Aiden’s voice is shaky with surprise and pain.
“Love,” Aiden’s dad called out to his wife and enveloped her in a warm hug. He sends Aiden a disapproving stare.
She sniffles. “I’m fine Grant.” She reassured him even though the sound of her voice said otherwise.
“Aiden,” His father starts, his voice tight with disapproval. “You better explain this mess!”
Aiden looks completely lost, his eyes sweeping from my mortified expression to his father’s tight and disapproving stare.
“I-
“It’s my fault.” I butted in quickly before Aiden could tell them anything. I knew he’d take the fault for my stupid decision so I had to do something.
I couldn’t stand there and act innocent.
His mother pulls away from her husband to peer at me in confusion.
“Sophie-
Aiden warned, looking at me fixedly and telling me silently to keep my mouth sealed.
I tear my eyes away from his and focus them on his parents.
“I’m the reason he hadn’t told anyone about Ashton. He also hadn’t known about him until a couple of days ago.” I rip my gaze from Mrs. Xavier and set them on the floor in shame as I continued.
“I kept the knowledge of his son away from him. If there’s anyone to be blamed, it should be me.”
It’s so quiet after my words that you would be able to hear the sound of a pin dropping to the floor.
It’s silent and awkward for a few, making me shift on my feet, praying for someone to break the uncomfortable silence. My prayers are answered a few seconds after.
“Well then,” Mrs. Xavier breathed out. “Now that we got this out of the way. I’m sure you already know me Sophie, I’m Meredith but you can just call me Mere.”
An outstretched hand comes into my vision. I’m stunned not only by her passiveness but by the fact she hadn’t asked why I kept Ashton from Aiden.
“I had an inkling the mother of my grandchild would have been you Sophie. I just knew it in my bones.” Her voice wasn’t shaky like it was minutes ago. Now it was lighter, more airy and filled with a bit of happiness.
I can’t seem to fathom the fact that she even has a bit of happiness to see me. The last time we saw each other, I was on the stand and she was in the crowd with tears in her eyes.
I thought she would hate me. Loathe me and not want to be in the same room with me, but she was proving me wrong.
Aiden nudged me a little with his elbow and I let out a light giggle and took her outstretched hand.
“Oh come here you,” She voiced when her hands clutched mine. She tugged me into a hug, Ash in the middle of us.
He squeals and Meredith pulls away. “And what’s this little handsome boy’s name? Please don’t let it be Grant junior.” She asked while playing with Ashton’s finger.
I couldn’t help but smile at hearing her elated tone. “It’s Ashton.”
“Oh thank God. Such a handsome name for a handsome boy.” She cooed and pinched Ashton’s cheeks. “Thank God you weren’t named Grant huh?” She joked, blowing him strawberries.
“Hey! I thought you loved my name!?” Mr. Xavier whined, playfully glaring at his wife’s back as she cooed at Ashton.
“You have it all wrong my handsome. I love you, not your name.” She corrected him without sparing him a glance.
Mr. Xavier rolled his eyes and settled his irritated glare on Aiden and me. “You two still need to explain why you decided not to tell us sooner about Ashton.’
“Oh leave them be Grant. They’re young, God alone knows the drama and trials we went through to be what we are today. We wouldn’t be Xavier’s if we didn’t have a bit of drama in our lives.” Meredith winked at me.
“Besides your son is a pain in the butt just like you. Poor Sophie must’ve gone through so much.” Meredith sighed.
“Thanks a lot mom for thinking the worst about me and not being on my side.” Aiden uttered sarcastically as he looped his arm around my waist.
“You’re welcome.” Meredith grinned widely making me giggle.
“Dad a little help here?” Aiden looked at his father for some help. Mr Xavier walks over to Aiden and taps him on the shoulder.
“At least you got the girl son.”
Aiden beamed, his shoulders straightening and his chest puffing out. “She was a bit difficult to catch but I managed to get her.” He said while winking down at me.
“Men and their ego.” Meredith uttered with a roll of her eyes.
“Come on Sophie let’s talk about wedding plans.” Meredith winked, clutching my hand and practically dragging me away from Aiden and his father.
“Poor Sophie,” I heard Mr. Xavier uttered behind me softly while his wife guided me to the sofa.
We spoke about wedding plans for a few hours, and though. Meredith had not taken a single breather, I kind of weirdly enjoyed talking to her about it.
She was eager to see me wed her son, I could tell by her voice and the way she looked at me.
“Son by this rate your mother will have you bankrupt.” Mr. Xavier joked as he took a sip of the beer Aiden gave him.
“Oh hush Grant! Our baby will only be married once to the love of his life. Everything must be grand!” Meredith argued, sending a sharp scowl at her husband who looked at her amused. “Grand isn’t always good. The kids may want a small wedding love.” Mr. Xavier voiced.
“I forbid!” Meredith argued.