CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
(part three)
A little boy pressed passed the policewoman followed by a little girl. They threw themselves at Aden. Aden
held them both in a tight embrace.
Watching Aden with his kids, Sandy felt a strange pang in her heart. The children were crying and talking at the same time. These three people, the two children and their father, just fit together.
The Police stopped to speak to Aden and Big Sam before leaving. They didn’t find drugs. Yes, Aden would be available for questioning. No, he wasn’t going anywhere. His children hung on him the entire time. When the police cleared out, Aden took Noelle and Nash to their rooms.
Jill and Sandy set to work. The Park Hill bungalow had been turned upside down by the Denver Police. Together, the women righted the furniture, straightened what was amiss and swept up what was broken. By the time, Sam came for Jill, the house was in order.
“I’m going to leave my car,” Jill said. Sandy’s attention jerked to Jill. “You can go home whenever you want.”
“I’ll go with you. I’m sure Aden would like to be with his kids,” Sandy started.
Jill shook her head then hugged Sandy.
“I think he’ll need your special help,” Jill said in Sandy’s ear. “You know what it’s like to come home from an awful experience. You could really help. I bet Aden will need you when the kids get to bed.”
Jill gave Sandy the Lexus keys.
“Your car?”
“Yeah, I just found that out. I guess Jacob bought it for me for our non-date.” Jill hugged Sandy again. “I’m going with Sam. Love you Sandy.”
Sandy stood at the front door to Aden’s house and waved. When she closed the door, Aden came running from the back of the house. Seeing Sandy, he skid to a stop.
“Will you stay? The kids are exhausted. Noelle’s already asleep. Nash should be out in a moment. I could really use… a friend.”
Sandy nodded.
“Good.” Aden kissed her. “Thanks.”
~~~~~~~~
On the living room couch of Aden’s Park Hill bungalow, with her leg tucked up under her, Sandy felt a part of her unwind or melt. Her soul listened to this man talk about his life. His eyes and mind turned to her with an open caring she’d never imagined coming from a man. She craved more - more connection, more warmth, more of Aden Norsen. With her head on his shoulder, she fell asleep on the couch. He woke her then insisted she stay in his guest bedroom.
Sandy came out of the small guest bathroom to find Aden asleep on the twin guest bed. He’d waited for her to say good night. His eyes opened the moment she was close.
Denver Cereal continues tomorrow….
