Love in Country (De La Fuente Family #4)(23)

Unfortunately.

“I’ve heard them,” I reply, refusing to meet his gaze. That’s another reason why I haven’t gone to talk to him.

“Look, you know how rumors can be wrong, right? I mean everyone thought that I was having affairs with different women when it’s only ever been Matthew…All I’m trying to say, Sarah, is that sometimes people get it wrong. Talk to the man and find out what’s going on because there’s already been too much guessing about what Aiden is up to on your part. Start trusting him.”

I smile. “Thank you.”

“And the rest,” Matthew mumbles, and Greg looks sheepish.

“Rest?” I query.

“I, um, blocked Aiden’s number in your phone.”

I stare at him in disbelief, stunned he’d ever do something like that, or when, considering my phone is always with me. At least it explains why I haven’t had a call from Aiden.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that, but I saw what the rumors were doing to you and I wanted you to have some peace. I’m really sorry, Sarah.”

I should be angry but I don’t think I am. Aiden knows where my practice is, which he’s been to before to see me. He could have easily gone there when I didn’t answer his messages…if he sent me any that is.

“It’s done and I’ll unblock him. See if he’s sent me anything.”

“I’m not sure old messages come through when the number’s unblocked. I think it only affects new messages.”

“Oh. I’ll leave it then. I’ve had enough really.” I avoid meeting their eyes.

“Go talk to him.” Greg smiles, and kisses my forehead. “Don’t let him just walk away after waiting for so long.”

I nod, wanting to just be alone. I’ve had so much going on for so long that I want peace and quiet now. I want to sit out back and relax on my porch while drinking coffee and listening to the sounds of the country.

Smiling, I hug both Greg and Matthew and watch them drive away before I move from my spot in the middle of the kitchen.

My car is pulled around back, and I lock the doors before heading into my pale green bathroom to take a shower and wash away the grime of the day.

Next stop will be a glass of wine and the pasta I purchased earlier from the deli while I sit out back with a good book.

AIDEN

“I swear if you’re not going to do something about Sarah, I’m going to hit you over the head with a bottle of beer,” Rae shouts. “This isn’t like you…and from what I’ve seen of Sarah, she’s faring just as well. I seriously don’t get it.”

“There’s nothing to get,” I add when she pauses for breath.

“You’re an idiot. You need to make sure she’s okay. What if she had to leave town because something happened. You don’t know, Aiden.”

I run my hands over my hair. “There has been plenty of time since.”

Rae pauses and then throws her arms up in the air. “Ugh…men!”

Lounging back on Rae’s new sofa, I rest my feet on the coffee table and close my eyes. Tiredness follows me everywhere these days.

Rae is right, I need to go and talk to Sarah, but why the hell should it always be me? I’ve had enough of doing the chasing. I love the woman and that isn’t going to change anytime soon, but dammit. I’ve messaged her and messaged her with nothing going through, which tells me that she has my number blocked and that pisses me off more than I can say. Why? What’s changed between us?

Many questions run through my mind and I’ve just tried to concentrate on getting Rae settled in Great Falls.

The two-bedroom cabin that she’s bought is perfect for her and her daughter, Andie. It’s the first home that Rae has had since Andie was a few years old and I’m glad that she chose to settle close to me. Of course that has set the tongues wagging yet again. There was a time when we’d both find it amusing, but now it’s more annoying than anything, especially when my own family doubts me…it also makes me wonder what Sarah believes.

In the end though, I’m sick and tired of denying things between Rae and me, and as for Sarah, I’m frustrated with her and myself.

“You know what I think you’re doing?” Rae nudges my feet from the coffee table and sits facing me. “I think you’re trying to give her a taste of what it’s been like for you.”

I frown, wondering what the hell she’s talking about. “Care to explain?”

Rolling her eyes, Rae then adds, “You fell in love with her while she was taken by another man, so…gossip around town is that we’re in a torrid affair and you’re moving in with me. You know this and I think you want her to believe the worst of you for whatever reason that is going on in that thick head of yours.”

“I’m not—”

“Yes, you are, and unless you do something about it, you’ll probably lose her.”

Is that what I’m doing?

“It’s self-preservation, but, Aiden, I’ve never known you to not react.” Rae takes hold of my hands and squeezes. “Please talk to her and ask if she’s okay. Tell her you need to know whether she’s changed her mind and wants to stay with her husband.”

My eyes widen in surprise as the last few words leave her mouth. That isn’t a possibility. He’s gay.