Page 54 of Aiden & Lily

“The veterinary clinic. I help out with the animals. So does Jazz.”

Parker’s eyes drifted to Jasmine. “Cat or dog person?”

Jasmine tilted her head thoughtfully. “Probably dog. I like the idea of an animal being capable of protecting my kids.”

Parker’s brows shot up. “You have kids?”

Lily laughed again, drawing a confused look from Parker. “No, she doesn’t have kids. But she wants them. She just doesn’t want to have to deal with the drama of finding a man first.”

This time, Jasmine gaped. “Hey! You make it sound so much worse than it is.”

Before she could explain herself to Parker, he spoke.

“No, I get it. Relationships can get messy. And for people who know they want to start a family, it’s hard to put your faith and trust in someone enough to build one with them when they’ve been burned before.”

Jasmine pointed at him. “Exactly.”

The speed of her agreement made Parker smile.

“Have you considered scratching that itch by volunteering?” he asked.

“Like…?” Jasmine prompted.

Lily’s focus bounced from Parker to Jasmine and back. A small smile tugged at her lips, and she leaned toward Aiden. “I could totally see them becoming something more,” she whispered.

Aiden glanced across the table, then back at her. “Don’t let them hear you say that.”

“Like Big Brothers Big Sisters,” Parker continued. “I have a little brother through the program. It helps satisfy that craving to be there for someone, even when I can’t have any of my own.”

“Why not?” Jasmine asked.

“Jasmine,” Lily admonished. “That’s personal.”

Parker waved a hand. “It’s fine.” Then he turned to Jasmine again. “I’d wager my reasons are similar to your own.”

He left it at that, not offering any deeper explanation. Perhaps he’d been hurt before. Or maybe he was tired of trying to find someone with similar values.

Either way, he and Jasmine were clearly speaking the same language. Not many people could connect with Jasmine on those views, and Lily could see how much it meant to her twin to be understood on a deeper level without being mocked or corrected.

Jasmine picked at the edge of her napkin. “Maybe I’ll look into it.”

Parker nodded. “You should.”

Lily tucked herself into Aiden’s side as she allowed the conversation to flow. It was moments like this when she could see her future with Aiden so clearly. Her twin getting along with his brother made the picture feel warmer. More possible.

But not effortless. They still had people to tell. Trust to rebuild. Hard conversations waiting for them outside this house. Lily rested her head against Aiden’s shoulder. For tonight, though, it was enough to know they weren’t carrying everything alone.

Even if her overbearing cousin still had no idea about her and Aiden.

15

AIDEN

“Ican’t believe you made me bring you,” Aiden muttered.

Parker grabbed him by the shoulders from behind and gave him a little shake. “You know I can never pass up a chance for free food. Besides, I’m Mathew’s friend, too. Sort of.”

“This isn’t Mathew’s baby shower,” Aiden grumbled. “It’s Penny’s, and you haven’t even met her.”