Author's note: I really must apologize for not updating this in such a long time. Life gets in the way sometimes. For those of you that still have an interest in this story thank you so much. Each and every one of your reviews is a treasure.
"Can he really do this?" Anna asked over the phone. Matthew was doing his best to keep her calm and answer her question as accurately as possible. But before he could even begin to speak Anna was firing off more questions. "I just don't understand. What is his angle? How will this affect John at work? What does this mean as far as us getting married?"
"Anna, love. Give the man a chance to answer," John was pleading with her. The whole matter set his teeth on edge just as much as it did hers, but it would do neither of them any good to have both of them freaking out right now.
"Yes, he can do this. It doesn't invalidate your restraining order it just means both of you will have to respect the boundaries set forth in the order," Matthew replied.
John ran a hand through his hair anxiously. "Well that doesn't make going to work difficult at all," he commented sarcastically.
"We'll work something out, John," Robert assured. He may have been out of the loop as to what was happening, but Robert could tell the news was distressing to his best mate and Anna. "I do wish you'd catch me up though so I might be of better use."
John shot Robert a rather defeated look and mouthed the word 'later' to his friend.
Matthew chimed in before Robert could respond, "I don't know what the man's angle is, but I can only guess that he's trying to get a rise out of one of you in hopes of either getting custody of Aidan or to scare John off. Maybe both."
"This isn't good is it?" Robert asked.
Matthew shook his head back and forth. "It's not great," he answered honestly. Sensing that this was raising even more questions for his father-in-law, Matthew finally suggested, "You may as well tell him."
Anna spoke before John could, "It's Mr. Green. He's Aidan's father. And up until he came to your publishing house, he didn't know where I was. Henry didn't even know Aidan existed."
"Oh." A moment of understanding passed before Robert gave John a sympathetic glance. He knew right now his friend would be beating himself up for having brought the two together, even if it was unintentional. "My apologies to you both."
Matthew cleared his throat. "Yes...well. This wouldn't be as damaging if John or Anna had gotten their restraining order filed first. But now it makes it look like theirs was done out of retaliation."
"I knew I should have said or done something sooner," Anna chimed in. Internally she was cursing herself for not getting up the courage sooner to say something to John, or even getting law enforcement involved years ago.
"Maybe we have you work remotely for a bit or you take some personal time off until the book deal is closed out," Robert said as he put a hand on John's shoulder.
"John, I'm so sorry," Anna apologized. "I didn't mean for him to cause so much trouble with you and your career."
"I'm not concerned with that right now," John said as calmly as he could manage. "Matthew, does this affect the wedding?"
"So long as he's not in the chapel or within a 100 feet of it I don't see there being a problem," Matthew answered back.
"Quite frankly I don't care anymore. I'm not going to keep letting Henry's actions dictate my life," Anna said sounding irritated.
John turned to Matthew and Robert, "Could you excuse us for a second?" He then motioned for Anna to join him on the other side of the room. Lowering his voice John spoke with concern, "Anna, look I love you with all my heart. And if you want to get married tomorrow in the middle of Times Square I'll make it happen, but I don't want you doing this just to spite Green." He knew he had cautioned her about this before, but John just didn't think it fair to have them marry with such a dark cloud looming over their head. If there was only some way to spare Anna and Aidan of all this stress and turmoil.
"John," she took his hand and stared deep into his hazel eyes. "We are doing this. First we are getting married and then we are facing him head on in court. I'm not letting him take our baby from us. Not even for an hour's visitation. I want Henry out of our lives permanently."
The determination in her eyes actually frightened him just then. John did not have to ponder hard as to how far Anna would go to protect Aidan. Maybe Anna didn't have to stop him from doing something to Henry, but rather he had to stop Anna from doing something to the man who had tormented her. John knew there would be no sense in trying to sugar coat things when things were looking so dire. Anna wouldn't rest peacefully until this whole matter was behind them. The most he could do for now was try and take her mind off of things with a bit of distraction. "Well, then we best focus on the wedding for now," John offered his support. He wrapped his arms around Anna to give her a big hug.
Robert and Matthew stood there unsure of whether they should give the couple a moment of privacy. John finally waved his hand, giving the two permission to leave as he tried to settle his fiancé. Both men exited the room as quietly as possible.
She could hear his heart beating beneath his button down shirt. Anna tried to match her breathing in time with the rhythm that filled her ears, and she found that it calmed her. When he placed a kiss on top of her head Anna almost forgot the troubles they were facing. She smiled against his chest and let the worries of the day melt as the man she loved ran his hand soothingly up and down her arms. "I know you'll never allow yourself to take credit for it, John Bates. But you've changed my life and Aidan's in the very best way possible. I love you more than words can ever begin to express for how good you've been to us."
John released a small breath as he pushed Anna away from him enough to look her in the eye. "You're right," he said with a small smile and laugh, "I would never allow myself to take credit for it. But not for the reason you think." John gave his future bride a rather sympathetic look as her eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "You don't give yourself enough credit, my darling. You speak as though you and Aidan are so difficult to love, when the truth is quite the contrary. Any man worth his salt would treasure you both and love you fully. I was just lucky enough to meet you before anyone else could come to that realization."
Anna beamed back at him through her tears. "I can't wait to marry you."
"Thankfully we only have a few days left. I'm equally eager to make you my wife, and make us a family," John said before leaning in to kiss Anna.
"How are you doing with your suit pal?" John asked as he knocked on the door frame of Aidan's bedroom. He walked in to find Aidan's suit still laid out on the bed and the boy nowhere to be found.
They were due to leave for the registrar's office in less than a half hour and John began to panic. His bride-to-be had left early that morning before he woke up to get ready at Charles and Elsie's home so she could keep her dress a surprise for their big day. John was usually the first to wake but he'd been so excited about their pending nuptials that he'd stayed awake all night and finally fell asleep sometime in the early morning hours. Anna had left a note on her pillow beside him on the bed. It was a lovely reminder to wake up to in her absence, demonstrating just how much she loved him and how excited she was to be marrying him. He kissed the paper and carefully folded it up for safe keeping in his bedside table drawer.
Now fully dressed, showered, and shaved John's only task left was to get his best man ready. Part of him felt badly that he wasn't able to ask Robert, but he knew this was the right decision to strengthen the bond between him and Aidan. John didn't want the boy to think he was being downgraded or replaced somehow but that the three of them were becoming a team. Of course he'd have to find the lad first. Grabbing the suit he made sure to have it ready for when he found Aidan.
"Aidan? Come out, come out, wherever you are!" John called out as he peeked in the boy's closet. "We don't really have time for games this morning, buddy," John said as he checked under Aidan's bed and was only met with scattered toys. He tried to avoid the mine field of Legos strewn about before him, then did a lap around the house trying to lure the child from his hiding place. "Your Mummy is going to be upset if she arrives at the church and we aren't there. You wouldn't want that would you?"
"No," John heard in a slightly muffled voice from the other side of the house.
"Where's he at boy?" he asked Jasper. The family dog had been lying on the living room couch, having made himself quite comfortable. At the sound of John's question he rolled onto his back and exposed his belly, seeking a bit of a reward. "You help me find him first or no belly rubs," John negotiated. At that the dog rose to his feet and began sprinting down the hallway.
John smiled an impish smile as an idea crept into his head, and changed the tone of his voice to sound more like a monster. "Has anyone seen my son?" he asked while stomping around loudly. The gate of his walk was made to look more exaggerated as he growled and snarled. Just as John entered his and Anna's bedroom he heard a nervous giggle come from the blanket chest at the end of the bed. Jasper's nose ran along the seam of the chest. "I should have known my little one would be hiding underneath my nose." He quickly popped the chest opened and shouted "Boo!"
Aidan let out a shrill scream followed by a long laugh. "You found me, Daddy!"
"I did. And thank goodness for that. We are going to be late if we take any longer."
"How did you know where I was?" the boy asked as he stood at attention.
John set the suit aside and lifted Aidan up and planted him firmly on the ground. "Jasper gave you away."
"Jasper!" the boy scolded the dog playfully. Aidan became slightly distracted as he began petting the dog and smothering Jasper with kisses.
John wanted to make sure he had Aidan's attention. "You know what today is, buddy?" He asked as he helped Aidan into his dress shirt and buttoned it up.
"Yup. You and Mummy are getting married today," the boy said matter-of-factly. Aidan slipped out of his pajama bottoms and put his hands on John's shoulders for balance as he lifted his legs one by one to get his dress pants on.
"That's right." He then held out the suit jacket for Aidan to slip his arms into and turned the boy to face him. "Do you know what that means for us?" John inquired.
"It means you'll be my daddy, and that we'll be a family," he answered. Aidan's bright blue eyes were so full of honesty and understanding that they almost seemed to look right through John. "Like how Elsie is our family now," Aidan added.
John stood there silently for a moment looking the child over, except somehow Aidan seemed to have aged before his eyes in a matter of seconds. It appeared the lad had a better understanding of the situation than they thought. "Yes, exactly." John barely got the words out as he felt his emotions begin to get the best of him.
"Are you okay, Daddy?"
That one did him in. John could now feel the tears building in the corners of his eyes. "Yeah, pal." John answered back as he began to work on Aidan's tie.
"But you're starting to cry," Aidan pointed out. "Are you sad?"
"Sometimes it's okay to cry," John said. "When you are hurt, when you're sad, and when you are really happy."
"And you are happy?"
"I've never been more happy in my entire life," John answered back. "Today I get a whole new family. Not just you and your mummy; I get Elsie and Charles, too. That's not a bad lot to have in your corner."
"And Jasper too!" Aidan said excitedly.
"Jasper, too," John said with a laugh. "Come now, we best be off."
"Oh Anna," Elsie said with a sigh, "just wait until John lays eyes on you. You look lovely dear." The older woman took in Anna's appearance through the reflection in the wooden, floor length mirror. Since they weren't having a traditional wedding in a chapel and the dress she chose to wear was a white tea length gown with an A-line silhouette. The design of the dress sported a sensual vintage look that was reminiscent of the 1950s. It featured a Queen Anne neckline and beaded lace adorned the bodice and illusion back. The hemline sat just below the knee and the skirt of the dress billowed out like a ball gown, with layers upon layers of tulle and lace.
"I agree. It's not quite what I would have picked for myself, but you pull it off splendidly," Mary comment.
"That's because no one could ever afford to pick out what you would have," Gwen added.
"Besides, that's not our style. John and I don't care about extravagant things or money. We only need each other," Anna said.
"Yes, and that's sweet and all but a lady should still look at her best on her wedding night so I got you this." Mary handed a light blue bag over to Anna. "I know your courtship hasn't been the most conventional, or traditional even…" Anna rolled her eyes, hoping her friend would get to the point before she thought better of having her as one of their wedding guests. "But I figured this could count as your something new."
Anna reluctantly tore through the tissue paper and her jaw slackened at the sight of what her friend had gifted her. "Mary...you really shouldn't have…" Anna said as she removed the piece of white silk lingerie that was adorned with little light blue ribbons at the hem. The corset had little heart patterns stitched into it and the top of it provided push up support to make her breasts appear larger than they were and with easy access for John's enjoyment. Anna had to bite back a wicked grin as impure thoughts raced through her head. She imagined he would have quite the time with her tonight when he caught a glimpse of this, but still she hadn't expected to open this in front of her stepmother and friends.
"Oh, it was nothing. And well, at least now John can never say I didn't do anything for him," Mary quipped.
"Be that as it may," Elsie said trying to change the subject, "here is your something borrowed." The older woman's hands moved swiftly towards Anna's neck, already prepared to bestow her gift upon the girl she had always loved like her own daughter. "This is a necklace your mother left to me before she passed away. I thought you'd like to borrow it for the day so it could be like she was here."
Anna felt her breath hitch, the gesture by her mother's best friend left her overwhelmed with emotion. She was doing everything she could to hold back tears, the last thing she wanted to do was ruin her makeup before seeing John. This was supposed to be a happy day. Anna didn't want to focus on what was missing from today, she wanted to focus on what she had. And right now there was so much to be thankful for. She'd never felt so blessed to have a father like Charlie, a mother figure in Elsie, the Crawley family that she loved like her own, her baby boy, and now John.
"Thank you, Elsie," Anna said. She leaned in to give Elsie a hug and dabbed at her eyes before her tears made her face look blotchy. "This is more than I could have ever hoped for. I didn't think there would ever be a right man out there for me and Aidan."
"Oh my dear girl. I prayed so hard that someone that complimented you and treated you right would come along. I've never been more confident that that person for you is John. He loves you ever so much. And you'd be hard pressed to find another who loved that boy like his own."
"I couldn't agree more," Mary chimed in. "Shall we head to the registrar's office then?"
"Yes. Let's get me married," Anna responded enthusiastically.
"Is it weird that I'm nervous?" John asked. He adjusted his tie for the millionth time but couldn't seem to get it quite straight. John seemed more than a little agitated as he struggled to get the fabric to cooperate. This wasn't just any other day. This was the day he was going to marry Anna and she deserved to see him at his best.
"Here let me help," Robert offered. He removed the tie from John's neck before his best friend choked himself. "What would you have to be nervous about? You love Anna. And she adores you. Your future in-laws seem like big fans, and I've never seen anyone be as big of a hit with Aidan as you are."
John responded with a contemplative sigh. "I just feel like I brought these troubles to her doorstep with Henry and now I'm asking her to choose to spend her life with me."
"John," Robert said as he fixed the tie and looped it back around his friend's neck. "Anna's troubles were there long before you came around. It would be nice to think it could have been avoided. But rather than seeing yourself as an anchor, perhaps you can try seeing yourself as a lifeboat or a buoy, hmmm?" Robert responded with raised eyebrows. He turned John so he could see his reflection in the mirror and smiled. "Now who wouldn't want to marry that handsome devil?" Robert asked with a smirk and a wink. "If I weren't married to Cora…" Robert began to tease.
John couldn't help but contain the laugh that escaped his mouth.
"There he is. All smiles and not a worry in sight," Robert added.
"Just promise me you won't let me screw this thing up," John requested with a lopsided smile. "I'd hate to let Anna or Aidan down."
"I promise," Robert answered back seriously, "but I don't think you'll need my help. I see the way you two look at each other and it's not like before with… well… you-know-who. I see love and respect. I wish you both every bit of happiness."
"Thanks, Rob." The two men shared a brief hug before things got too emotional for either of them. Their bond went beyond friendship; it was more like brotherhood. John began to tear up, but managed to keep his emotions in check. "My goodness, that was strong talk for an Englishman."
"Uncle Rob!" Aidan shouted as he ran towards Robert and slammed into his leg. Aidan nearly knocked the wind out of him, but Robert was just grateful that the lad hadn't hit a more delicate region.
"Hey there, kiddo!"
"Grammie Elsie and I just spotted Mummy."
"I bet she looks amazing," John commented. "What do you think, Aidan?"
"Yeah. She looks beautiful."
"Of course she does," John replied as he gave his soon-to-be son a wink. "Now come on,we don't want to keep your Mummy waiting much longer."
It was one of the biggest audiences for a wedding at the registrar's office. The few people waiting in the queue behind them must have wondered to themselves why they hadn't just booked a church for such a gathering. And John suspected that many onlookers had the thought cross their mind if this was a shotgun wedding and if a baby Bates was already in the works. But he paid them no mind. He knew in his heart of hearts that his feelings for Anna were real and of pure intentions. Had Henry not been in the picture he would have gladly waited to give her the wedding she deserved and wanted.
John's eyes shifted down to look at the little boy standing beside him and knew that none of this would be possible had Aidan not brought them all together. He smoothed the boy's hair one last time before Anna entered the room and took stock of their friends and family that were in attendance. His mother who, he never thought would live to see such a day after the sham of a marriage he shared with Vera, was sitting in the front row. She had been his greatest supporter and advocate, and as she smiled back at him now he knew he had done her proud in being her son. Sat beside Margaret was Robert and Cora, followed by Sybil and Tom, Edith, and Anthony. Daisy had come, too, with her new beau Andy. On Anna's side of the aisle sat Elsie, Mrs. Patmore, Mary, and Matthew.
John handed Aidan the ring before Anna emerged from the hallway. Even though they weren't having the big, traditional wedding, John was adamant that Anna got to wear the white dress, have her father give her away, and that they got to exchange vows.
When Anna emerged she couldn't have been smiling any wider or brighter. Her boys looked like quite the pair with their matching light beige suits and boutineers. She had her arm hooked through Charles arm; he looked the picture of pride. He smiled over at her fondly with tears in his eyes before escorting her down the short aisle. Ever so proud of the woman and mother she had become, and even happier to know that she finally found love. How his Alice would have loved to see this in person, he thought to himself. He'd have to cherish the memory for the both of them now. Who would have thought that the little girl who had stolen his heart all those years ago would love him as a daughter and bestow him the honor of giving her away? As he stared at his wife waiting for them at the front of the room he could see her going through the same cycle of emotions. A mixture of happiness and nostalgia was written on Elsie's face as a tear slipped down her cheek.
Anna and John didn't need to exchange words for her to know how he was feeling. The look on his face said it all. He was in awe of her. John was besotted and absolutely smitten with his bride. She looked like an angel floating towards him. As many times he had imagined this, it had not fully prepared him for the overwhelming feelings floating through his mind. John could feel his heart near ready to beat out of his chest, sheer joy and anticipation was taking over him. The realization suddenly striking him that he'd be leaving here today not just a married man, but a man with a family. He felt happy tears welling up in the corner of his eyes and did his best to brush them away quickly.
When Charles arrived at the front of the registrar's office with Anna in tow he gave John's hand a firm shake and exchanged a smile before handing off his daughter. Anna handed off the bouquet of wildflowers to Gwen to hold for her; the flowers had been hand picked by John himself and given to Charlie to surprise just before the ceremony.
"You look stunning," John said in a whisper of a voice.
"You look quite dashing yourself," Anna commented back.
They shared a loving smile between them. John gave her hand a small squeeze before weaving their fingers together. The registrar began to officiate the service and Anna knew it would be short and sweet so she took in every detail that she could and tried to commit it to memory. She wanted to always remember the way John smelled of her favorite aftershave and how he had combed back his hair so smartly. Anna marveled at how much Aidan seemed to mirror John's looks and mannerism after having spent so much time together. She loved the look of the light blue, hyacinth flower on his lapel. It was a color which he picked specifically for its meaning of constancy. That was above all else, the most important promise John wanted to make to both her and Aidan; that his love for them would be constant and that he'd always be there for them no matter what. Tears still sprung to her eyes as she recalled him informing her of the meaning behind the flower color.
Just before the officiant had the happy couple say their vows John turned to Aidan to have the boy stand between them and hold his and Anna's hand. Their hands now forming a chain as this was a vow they were taking together as a family. The audience and the registrar were all moved by the gesture and smiling with tears in their eyes. John's mother was snapping away photos on her camera.
The registrar instructed them that he would be leading them in the vows. He took a deep breath and began to speak, "I, John Bates."
John was mesmerized by her beauty. She was the most beautiful bride he had ever seen; he was pinching himself at his good fortune to be marrying such an incredible woman. "I, John Bates…"
"Take thee, Anna May Smith."
John gave Anna a boyish grin as if he couldn't contain his excitement before proceeding. "Take thee, Anna May Smith…"
"To be my wedded wife."
Staring at his wonderful bride his heart swelled with pride. In his wildest dreams he never thought this moment would be one to call his own. Never again did he think he'd find himself married or being a father. And he never thought it possible to be so content with his life as he recited the next words, "To be my wedded wife." The two of them shared a smile at the sound of that phrase.
The registrar then turned his attentions to Anna, "I, Anna May Smith."
Anna spoke softly as she fought back happy tears and beamed at her groom, "I, Anna May Smith…"
"Take thee, John Bates…" the registrar continued.
As she stared at her softy of a man, with his teddy bear-like stature she noticed that his eyes were also welling up with happy tears. She ran her thumb in soothing circles of the back of his hand and shot him one of her radiant smiles. "Take thee, John Bates…"
"To be my wedded husband."
Her voice was shaken with emotions but she was the epitome of confidence as she said, "To be my wedded husband."
"And now the ring," the registrar instructed.
John and Anna both looked down at Aidan as the boy fished the ring out of his pant pocket. Aidan gave the ring to John, and he in turn gave Aidan a wink and a hug before returning his attention to Anna. How did she always manage to take his breath away and make him love her more? How had he managed to make her his?
John released Aidan long enough to hold Anna's hands. He held the dainty ring just within reach of her delicate finger as he eagerly awaited the next part.
The registrar didn't want to keep the groom in suspense much longer. "With this ring, I plight thee my troth."
John held her hand with such tender care as he cleared his throat and stared deeply into her eyes. "With this ring, I plight thee my troth…"
"As a symbol of all we have promised."
John smiled at her, his hazel eyes filled with love as he repeated the vows. "As a symbol of all we have promised."
"And all that we share."
"And all that we share," John said as he slid the ring onto her finger all the way. He lifted her hand to his lips and pressed a kiss to her knuckle of her ring finger. When his eyes returned to meet hers the two of them beamed at each other. He mouthed the words 'I love you' and she did the same back in return.
Finally the registrar said the words they had been waiting for. "It, therefore, gives me great pleasure to say you are now husband and wife together."
The two of them stepped forward to share in a triumphant series of kisses. His hand cradling the back of her head as John held her close. Their family and friends began to clap and cheer for the both of them. They were only snapped out of it by the feel of Aidan tugging at Anna's dress. "Are we done now, Mummy?"
"Yes, my love," Anna said followed by a small laugh.
"Are we a family, now?" Aidan inquired.
John swept the boy up into his arms and gave him a squeeze and a kiss on the cheek,"Yes, my boy. We are a family now."
"Yay!" He cheered.
Anna and John mirrored his excitement.
"Alright you three," Robert instructed, "look this way so we can get an official photo of the Bateses." When the three of them all turned to smile, Robert snapped the picture.
After they had signed their marriage license and taken their formal pictures outside of the registrar's office the small gathering set about to having tea together. To anyone that saw them, it was clear just how happy the Bates trio made one another. Robert had made a lovely toast to their new family unit and to their future happiness. Margaret gushed at being able to see her son finally have the family he had been deprived of for so many years. And she was all the more grateful to have a daughter-in-law that she could love like her own and have inherited a grandson in the process. And though she didn't want to pressure or rush them, she was very much looking forward to the prospect of having more grandchildren in the future. Though she suspected that would still be a while down the road. For now, she was more ecstatic than words could express.
"Anna, darling this is a gift for you," Margaret said when she was able to steal a moment with her new daughter-in-law. "They were my mother's, and I want you to have them. Maybe one day you'll have a daughter to pass them onto," she said sweetly.
Anna blushed at the thought and opened the small jewelry box to reveal a set of sapphire earrings. "Oh Margaret, this is too much," Anna began to refuse.
"Nonsense. You're family now, dear. I always wanted a daughter and now I have one," she added before hugging Anna.
"Thank you," Anna cooed. Her fingers traced over the intricate design of the dark blue stones, "They really are quite lovely."
"I'm so happy for you and John. I'll never be able to tell you just how grateful I am that you and Aidan came into his life. I guess this is just my way of showing my appreciation and welcoming you into the family."
"We're lucky to have found each other," Anna said simply.
Aidan happened to run up just then and smiled up at both women, "Mummy, when do we get to have wedding cake?"
Anna smoothed the boy's hair, "There isn't going to be any cake little love, but you can pick a pudding from the menu."
"Actually, that's not entirely accurate," Charlie interrupted as he signaled the owner of the restaurant. "Elsie and I wanted to do something for you since you weren't having a big wedding."
"We commissioned a cake for you," Elsie continued. "And we made sure to include Aidan in on it too."
Right on cue, two waiters rolled in a cake that had been decorated in their wedding colors and written across the top in frosting it said "Congratulations Anna, John, and Aidan."
John and Anna smiled as they read it.
"Hey that's my name!" Aidan shouted. "Mummy, can I have a piece of this cake?"
"Of course, sweetheart," Anna answered. She made her way over to Charlie to give him a hug and express her gratitude.
"I know it's not the fanciest," Charlie began to say.
"No. Dad, it's perfect," Anna said. "You and Elsie have already done so much for us." Anna looked over at Aidan and then back at Elsie and Charlie, "I don't know that I could have done it all without both of your help over the years. He's certainly better for having you both in his life. We all are."
"Well, be that as it may. Elsie and I have a proposition for you both," Charlie started as he checked to make sure John was listening. He put an arm around Elsie's shoulder before continuing, "We think we are ready for a fresh start in a home that can just be ours. And we think you and John deserve the same. We wanted to let you know first in case you wanted to buy your childhood home."
"Oh...wow! I wasn't expecting this," Anna said as she looked at John to gauge his reaction.
"If it's what Anna and Aidan want then I'm all for it," John responded.
Elsie stepped forward and put a hand over Anna's, "We know how much the place means to you, and we didn't want you to feel like you didn't have a chance to make it your own...a chance to keep a piece of your mother."
Anna was more than moved by the gesture. "We'll have to think about it first of course, but thank you. I'm sure at some point we'll want more space and the house would be perfect." They weren't exactly planning on starting a family right away, but there had been talks before of giving Aidan a sibling or two eventually. She and John both hugged the Carsons and thanked them profusely for even making such an offer.