Page 3 of Waggs

“Chick at reception is asking for you.”

Waggs frowned. “Asking for me?”

“Well, she asked for Aiden, and as you’re the only Aiden I know, I figured it’s you.”

Waggs felt his heart beat wildly in his chest for just a second until he wrestled it under control. It couldn’t be her, surely, but she was the only person who called him Aiden. Certainly, none of the handful of women he’d been with since he’d hit the UK five years ago knew him by that name.

Lopez lifted his pint and drank. “You going or what?”

“Yeah, of course.”

Waggs stood and hurried to the reception area and stopped dead. There, dressed in faded jeans, a pink t-shirt, and a grey cardigan was Willow. She had AJ in her arms, and he looked as if he were asleep.

Panic assailed him, and he rushed toward her as she looked up, and he swore he saw relief on her face. “Willow, what’s going on?” He took her elbow and guided her to a bench seat at the side, sitting down beside her and feeling the heat coming from her body. She looked exhausted, like if she didn’t sit down, she’d fall down. His hand rose, and he stroked the soft curls of AJ’s head.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t know where else to go.”

He saw her lip wobble, and it was so unlike her, he felt worry crowd out the surprise. “Talk to me, honey.”

She looked up at him with big brown eyes, and he saw fear, real fear. For herself or her son, he didn’t know, and he didn’t care. He’d protect them both with his life.

“I’m in trouble, Aiden, and I didn’t know where else to go.” Her lip trembled, and he saw tears flood her eyes, and he could no more stay remote from her than walk to the moon.

Reaching out, he gently pulled her towards his chest and wrapped her and AJ in his arms. The second his hand touched her skin, he realised she was burning up. “Jesus, Wills, you’re burning up. Are you sick?”

“It’s just a cold. I’ve been a little stressed lately.”

“Hmm, we’ll get to that in a bit but first, let’s get you home and into bed.”

Willow pulled away and looked up at him with big doe eyes. “But it’s your friend’s wedding, and I really don’t want to spoil it. I can wait here for a while until you can leave.”

Waggs cocked his head. “Gunner will understand.”

“Gunner will understand what?” Gunner appeared at his shoulder with Lacey and blinked when he saw Willow.

“This is Willow, my brother’s fiancée, and my nephew.”

Gunner looked at him with a thousand questions but not surprise, and he wondered how much his friend knew. “I didn’t know you had a nephew, Waggs.” Lacey slapped his arm and sat down on the other side of Willow. “Hi, I’m Lacey and this is my husband, Gunner. It’s so good to meet you.”

Waggs watched as Lacey took Willow’s hand in her own and shook it, and it felt like all his worlds were colliding.

“I’m so sorry to barge into your wedding.”

“Nonsense, the more, the merrier, and if it weren’t for Waggs, there wouldn’t be a wedding. So a friend or family of his, is friends of ours.” Lacey looked back at Gunner. “Right, sweetie?”

Gunner observed him as if asking him what he needed him to do, then nodded.

“Of course. Please stay and have some food and drink. Feel free to dish all the dirt on Waggs that you want.”

“I was actually going to take Willow home. I think she has a fever.”

Lacey lifted her hand and placed the back of it on Willow’s forehead. “Oh, honey, you’re burning up.” She looked up at Waggs. “Take her home and call us if you need anything. You’re officially off the hook.”

Lacey stood and moved back to Gunner’s side where he instantly pulled her into his arms, as if even that tiny amount of time apart was too much.

“Is anyone in there sober? I need a ride.”

“No, please. I don’t want to cause problems.” Willow stood, and as she did, she swayed so hard Waggs had to grab both her and AJ to stop them from hitting the floor.