Epilogue

It was funny how life had a way of working itself out.

There was a time that Aiden believed that his existence would forever be out of his control. Stuck in a job that he didn’t enjoy, in a relationship that had long since lost its spark, in a family that he never once felt truly a part of, and in a life that he didn’t feel was his. And Aiden would just be left there, floating through his experience, in a routine that seemed predestined for him until his dying breath.

A bit dismal, but when he was in the thick of it—it hadn’t seemed that bad. Just a fact of life that surely everyone on the planet had to experience.

Aiden never once considered he was going to be proven wrong, and all it took were a few decisions.

He never looked back after that day at the airport. They’d eaten McFlurries while recounting what happened to Ryan, who lapped it all up with an enraptured laugh. According to Ryan, this was the most exciting thing that had ever happened to his brother, and therefore they had his complete blessing. That, and he couldn’t help but love the man that “got Finn’s head out of his arse and got him to relax.”

The fact that Bane had called Ryan to rave about the success of the fundraiser and his enthusiasm to invest with them certainly helped the younger brother’s impression of Aiden. Even if the fundraiser itself wasn’t as fruitful with donations as they’d hoped. But with Bane backing them, Adie suggested that the donated cash go toward a thank-you celebration for those involved once the boat was fixed up.

Millie was more than a little on board with the prospect of another party.

Aiden spent the next few weeks liberally borrowing from Finn’s wardrobe. And even when Aiden’s bag was shipped back to him (eventually), he still wore Finn’s clothes. He had a running theory that Finn was secretly dreading the day that his things arrived from Ireland—sent with love by Daire, who was visiting them at the end of the month. But until then, Aiden was in the company of his real family.

Slotting in seamlessly, like there was a space in their lives specially reserved for Aiden, he felt more at home than he ever had. Coffee dates with Adie were frequent, spent trading stories about their partners back and forth.

Because Aiden could use that word now. Partner. Boyfriend. Lover. He still wasn’t sure which one he preferred using, so he tried them all out in rotation.

And as time ticked by, the concept of Aiden living somewhere else didn’t once cross their minds. Their relationship may have moved faster than either of them expected it to, but late at night when Finn tucked his head into Aiden’s shoulder and held him close, Aiden couldn’t bring himself to care.

One of the lessons he’d learned was that a bit of spontaneity wasn’t a bad thing, even if it seemed terrifying while it was happening. And especially if he found home at the end of it all.

Visa application well on its way through being complete, Aiden picked up a job at Tam’s bakery. According to her, he might be shit at making coffee, but he was damn good at organizing and keeping Tam on track. With a lifetime supply of honeycomb cake included in their (verbal) contract, Aiden couldn’t think of a better job. It was certainly a step up from what he had back home, banging his head against the desk as someone screamed down the phone at him for daring to call them.

Aiden soon became less of a blow-in around the town and more “that Irish bloke.”

A few days away from the boat being complete, Aiden was once again in the thick of planning. But this time it was far more laid back, because their goal was to celebrate with the community.

Things were falling into place, and Aiden was happy.

So of course something had to come to disrupt the peace.

When a taxi pulled up outside the house, Aiden was finishing up watering Millie’s plants (a job now designated to Aiden because apparently Finn just didn’t do it right) while she stayed at her mam’s. Glancing up, idly wondering if Finn was expecting someone, it didn’t cross Aiden’s mind who it might be until they stepped out of the car.

Just shy of Aiden’s height, with light brown hair (always meticulously styled), bright green eyes, and a dimpled grin, was Dan.

Aiden once thought he was beautiful, but now all he wanted to do was punch him on sight.

“Dan.” It wasn’t a greeting, rather a confused statement. “What’re you doing here?”

Dan clearly had other things on his mind, taking in Aiden’s appearance—in shorts and another one of Finn’s oversize shirts. Aiden knew he looked different from the last time they’d seen each other. His skin had a healthier glow than it did back when he was with Dan, his eyes brighter, hair curlier. Aiden looked healthy. Content.

And, in Finn’s words, “bloody sexy.”

“Shit.” Dan breathed. “You look great, babe.”

Aiden briefly debated throwing the watering can at him.

“What’re you doing here?” Aiden tried again.

“You wouldn’t answer my calls.” Dan gave him a soft look, as though it was entirely unreasonable that Aiden didn’t pick up. “So I got the address from the postcard you sent your mam.”

“Sounds a bit desperate.”

“Maybe.” Dan smiled in that way that Aiden once thought was charming. “But I miss you, and I really think we should talk.”

“How’s Kat doing?” asked Aiden, crossing his arms over his chest, chin pointed.

“I don’t…” Cutting himself off with a breathy laugh, Dan shook his head. “I can see you’re not in the right frame of mind for this. Is there somewhere we can go, have a chat? I’ll buy you lunch?”

“I’m grand, thanks. Already have plans.”

“You’ve really made a home for yourself here, huh?” Hands in pockets, as casual as anything, Dan took a few languid steps toward him. “How much is it setting you back, renting a place like this? I know these rustic spots can be expensive.”

After being with someone for eight years, it was impossible not to see the way they operated. Aiden might have underestimated his lying abilities—he might have turned an ignorant eye to the affair because he didn’t want to acknowledge the truth—but he could see this from a mile off. Dan was annoyed that Aiden hadn’t thrown himself at him already, so he was resorting to low blows.

Aiden knew that his job at the call center hadn’t exactly been as lucrative as Dan’s profession in property, but he’d been able to hold his own with the rent. He’d stand by that, even if Dan was happy to try and undermine that right now.

“I get by,” Aiden replied with a smarmy smile. “Are you done?”

“Your mam’s worried about you, Aid.” Dan switched tactics, a softer look on his features. “She thinks you’ve had a meltdown or something.”

“Mam knows I’m fine. I was talking to her last night. Did you know she’s taking salsa classes now?”

Aiden still might not be incredibly close with his mother—certainly not as close as she was with Kat—only reinforced by her belief that they should “put aside their differences and make up,” like the issue was nothing more than Kat taking the last chocolate bar. Definitely a lot less dramatic than what he’d been secretly hoping for. But a phone call here and there and plans for her to come over later in the year was good enough for them both.

“Kat’s worried.”

This time, Aiden spread his arms wide—indicating a clear lack of Kat in the vicinity. “Then where is she?”

Mouth opening and closing, Dan faltered, caught out. “We didn’t work out.”

“It’s okay,” Aiden said. “I’m not expecting anything from her. From you, either, for that matter.”

That should be it. Curtain closed, Dan getting back in the taxi and—

The taxi drove off.

Dan raised his chin, seemingly triumphant.

“What are you doing out here?” Dan said, lips momentarily pursed together. As though he was looking on Aiden with pity. “You can’t run from your responsibilities forever. Life is waiting for you back home. It’s time you got back to it.”

“My life is right here.” Aiden surprised himself, how firm he sounded about that—in the face of someone he hadn’t spoken to since hearing frantic apologies as Dan tried to pull his underwear on. “So please fuck off.”

Dan didn’t fuck off. He did the opposite, taking a few more steps toward Aiden.

“You know you’re making a mistake.” Dan’s voice was low, cocky.

How imperceptive had Aiden been to Dan before? How unwilling he was not to have his own way, how childish he could be if someone said a simple no.

“I’m really not. I can call you another taxi if you want.”

“Don’t worry about it, babe. I’ve just called one,” Finn said, strolling from the house with his phone in hand. Shirtless—Finn’s favorite way to be around the house—dishcloth draped over his shoulder, and a polite smile on his face. Finn looped his arm around Aiden’s shoulders.

Instinctively, Aiden relaxed into the embrace.

“Everything all right?” Finn asked then, pressing a firm kiss to Aiden’s temple.

He knew exactly what Finn was doing, and, as ridiculous as he should find it, Aiden didn’t say anything—just tried his very best not to laugh.

And why should he say anything? He had every right to be smug about Finn.

Dan, seemingly subconsciously, took a step back from Finn’s looming figure before he spoke again.

“You’re joking, right?” Dan asked with a raised brow. “You run off on holiday and shack up with a knock-off Hemsworth?”

“You know me.” Aiden curved his arm around Finn’s hip. “I always love a good bargain.”

“This is ridiculous.” Dan let out an incredulous laugh, casting his eyes around the garden as though expecting to see a camera crew and a presenter obnoxiously informing him that it was all a prank. “And completely unreasonable.”

Before Aiden could open his mouth, Finn plastered a pleasant smile on his face and said, “Seems more reasonable than fucking his sister.”

Aiden snorted out a laugh that he couldn’t possibly contain, covering his mouth with his hand as Finn drew him in even closer. Aiden shouldn’t be laughing, really. He shouldn’t. It was a screwed-up situation that Aiden still couldn’t quite believe he’d gotten wrapped up in.

But, fuck, he did love how blunt Finn could be.

“I think we have everything cleared up,” Finn said casually, not giving Dan a moment to possibly recover. Glancing down to Aiden, who only nodded in agreement, he continued. “Great. You wanna head for a dive? Water’s nice and calm today. We’ll get a great view of the reef.”

Aiden grinned, no longer terrified by the concept of swimming in open water. He knew that Finn would never let anything happen; he had Aiden’s back. Slipping his hand into Finn’s to tug him back into the house, Aiden managed a passing glance to Dan over his shoulder.

“Have a nice flight, yeah?”

Aiden’s tone indicated that he hoped the exact opposite, and as petty as that may have seemed—he really didn’t give a shit. Smiling sweetly all the same, Aiden continued inside with Finn in tow and closed the door firmly behind them.

Then, for good measure, locked it.

“Are you all right?” Finn asked the moment they were alone, hands now on either side of Aiden’s face, bright eyes searching for signs of distress.

“More than,” Aiden said with a broad, almost erratic grin. “We should fuck.”

Finn’s eyes grew comically wide. “Right now?”

“Right now.”

Finn didn’t utter one word of complaint.

Not that Aiden expected him to. Finn was always eager to please in that department.

And if Aiden had an ulterior motive in mind, then that was his business.

Dan had always been incredibly nosy, and he had a good while to wait until another taxi hauled ass all the way out here. If Aiden had to walk in on Dan fucking his sister in their bed, then Dan could certainly put up with the sound of Aiden getting the best sex from the love of his life.

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