Begin Again novel Chapter 209

Aiden was out like a light even before they left the dispensary, but Liam refused to put him in his car seat, insisting on holding him for the entire ride home.

"You know he'll be okay, right?" Eden assured him for the millionth time.

Liam nodded just as many times. "I know. I just want to hold him and never let him go. And when we get home, I want to hold you, too."

"That sounds nice," Eden sighed dreamily and rested her head on his shoulder. "I can do with some holding right now. I was so afraid."

"Me too," he admitted. "I don't think I've ever been so terrified in my life, and from now on, I don't want anyone near Aiden. I'm getting him a sterilised bubble like the one from that Bubble Boy movie."

Eden chuckled. "He can't live in a bubble. He needs human contact."

"Either that or I die before I'm thirty. You choose, Princess."

"That's an unfair choice," she mumbled through her very loud yawn.

"Guess it's settled then. I'm placing the order as soon as we get home," Liam decided, his arms tightening around Aiden when he remembered his horror earlier. He never wanted to go through something so unbelievably crippling again.

His big-ticket purchase and any cuddling he may have had in mind would have to wait, though. When they finally made it back to the penthouse, his folks and sisters had made themselves at home in his living room.

"There he is!" His mom screeched and rushed to his side the moment they closed the door behind them, and the room was instantly a hive of activity as they all exchanged pleasantries and introductions with Brenda.

While Clarke asked the nanny a million questions to make sure she was truly qualified to look after his grandson, Lois hugged Eden once more, kissed Liam on the cheek and demanded to hold Aiden.

Liam didn't want to hand him over, but his mom made it very clear she didn't drive from Glen Eagles just to sit and fold her arms. She wanted to hold her grandson, and she wanted to hold him now.

"I've raised three children, you included, Liam. I do believe I'm more than qualified to hold my grandson!"

"Mom, I know that," Liam grunted as he carefully placed a still-sleeping Aiden in her arms. "But I told you he's not feeling well."

And their little family squabble was Brenda's cue to make herself scarce.

"I'll be upstairs," she told Eden as she excused herself.

They both watched her trudge up the glass staircase, looking dejected.

"I'll go talk to her," Eden volunteered. "She hasn't been the same since we left the aquarium."

"Yeah, you should," Liam agreed. "She really took it hard."

He pulled her in for a quick kiss before she could dash after Brenda.

"You seem much happier than you were the last time I saw you," Lois sighed while she snuggled Aiden to her chest.

"I am," Liam confessed, a huge smile lighting up his face. "I don't think I've ever been so happy, Mom. I love her."

"I know," Lois nodded. "I can see that. Make it official soon, then."

Liam tensed up at her words. He was all for marriage. But once Eden was on board. And he knew she was a long way from there.

"The engagement party is coming up soon," Lois reminded him. "You have to propose before that."

"Propose what?" Eden asked, her eyes wide with apprehension as she hovered near the stairs.

"Nothing," Liam shook his head. "Just a business proposal. Nothing for you to worry about. How's Brenda doing?"

"She's still blaming herself for everything, but I convinced her to have a quick nap." She replied, her eyes narrowed his way.

Liam was so sure she'd push and prod, and they'd end up having it out in front of his parents, but she surprised him when she turned to the kitchen to grab water from the fridge.

Her eyes still glued to Aiden, Lois gushed, "he's so beautiful, Eden. You've made me the happiest grandma in Rock Castle."

Taken aback by his mother's high praise, a tongue-tied Eden blushed and wrung her hands in front of her, seemingly at a loss for words.

"Take extra security with you," Clarke suggested, and it wasn't long before everyone had an idea or two about his safety.

Liam listened to them until he couldn't, and he was mildly relieved when Aiden stirred to life in Lois' arms, giving him a much-needed break from all their worry.

His sisters and father huddled around him, gushing about his gorgeous hair, rosy cheeks and vivid eyes.

"What's that?" Liam asked, pointing at the tons of shopping bags in front of the fireplace.

"They're Aiden's. We couldn't come empty-handed," Holly explained.

"Thank you," Eden murmured. She looked drained again, the circles under her eyes darker than before. And Liam wondered if she was still feeling under the weather—

"—You're welcome," his little sister carried on as she took a quick selfie with his son. "I admit I didn't like the idea of being an aunt at first, but after meeting Aiden, I think I don't mind babysitting."

"No thanks," Liam was quick to shoot down her offer. "He has a nanny and don't even think about posting my son's photos everywhere."

Holly waved him off with a flick of her wrist. "Lighten up. It's for my private collection."

Two minutes into meeting his grandparents and aunts for the first time, Aiden began to fuss, and Eden quickly swooped in and took him from Lois.

"I'm sorry," she apologised. "He's still feeling crabby from the medication. I'll go settle him down for the afternoon."

"No need," Clarke brushed her off and promptly took him from her.

Liam expected Aiden to scream his head off since he's fearful of strangers, but he was surprised and mildly intrigued when his son smiled sweetly at Clake and touched his stubble beard, chuckling as he pulled his hand away. He did this a few times, where he'd touch his father's chin and jaw only to pull away, and each time Clarke would growl at him, pretending to be a monster.

"You don't like your grandpappy's beard?"

"No," Aiden shook his head and laughed.

Dave came in then and called them to the patio for a late lunch.