by Delisa Lynn
“Ashton, water.” He rubs a piece of ice over my lips. My tongue feels like a dead fish. I can feel it flopping trying to find the cold water.
“Hang on, baby. The nurse is coming in. I’m not sure you should drink anything. This is as good as it gets right now. I thought I lost you.”
“What happened?” My arms are covered in bandages and my body feels tired. His eyes dip when I search his face for an answer.
“You don’t remember? Your house was on fire.”
“Megan?” I mumble. “Sal and pictures.”
“They’re okay. Sal is at our house, and Megan was released earlier today. Hang on.” He moves to the other side of the room. He shows me an album, which is covered in soot and smells awful. He flips it open and I see the smiling face of my brother. “You went back to save these pictures. The album looks like shit, but the images are fine.”
“All I have left.” My mouth is so dry. I reach for the cup he retrieved the ice from earlier. “Drink,” I whisper.
“Shit, okay.” He grabs a straw and places it in the water that my mouth is searching for. I don’t think water has ever tasted so good.
A young lady in scrubs walks in. She has a pitcher of water and a small can of Sprite. “You thirsty, kiddo? I wasn’t sure if you’d want anything other than water.” She opens the Sprite and places a straw in the can.
“Thank you. Mirror?”
“You look beautiful. I need you to know that, okay?” Ashton says as he hands a small mirror to me. “We will get through this okay.”
I nod. As I look in the small glass circle, I see someone who doesn’t look like she did a few days ago. My hair is matted on top of my head. There are burn marks along my cheeks.
“How bad?” I whisper.
The lady sighs and I see Ashton hold his hand up to her. “Baby, you have second degree burns on your arms and legs. They did a skin graft so that they could fix you up. It doesn’t look that bad. Do you want to see?”
Nodding my head, I watch as he gently unravels the white bandage along my right arm. I feel the cold air hit as soon as it comes off. I close my eyes tight. Tears slip down my cheeks, the saltiness burning my wounds. Looking down, I see the new reddish skin. I gasp as I feel a full meltdown approaching.
“Does all of me look like this? How can you look at me?” I shake my head. He places his hands on either side of my face. I close my eyes. I can’t look at him. I can’t.
“It’s not as bad as it looks. It will heal with time. We will get through this together.”
“No, I look ugly. I can’t put you through this.”
“Why? It was one of his flings that burned your house down,” Nina says from the door.
“Nina?” I ask as I open my eyes. “What are you talking about?”
“Oh, he hasn’t told you yet?”
Ashton is still next to me, his hands on my face. His eyes fill with sadness. “Ansley, the flowers and the fire were caused by Lacy. I told you about her. She’s also Megan’s friend.”
“She did all this?” I choke out. “I see her all the time. She has a kid in the class next to mine. I met her several times when I was with Megan.”
“She doesn’t have any kids,” Ashton says.
“That’s weird. She’s always at St. Mary’s. Then I ran into her at the mall one day and Megan introduced us the night that I got drunk after seeing Felicia. She was there too.”
“Shit, she is crazy. I’m so sorry this happened.”
“It’s not your fault. You didn’t know she was psycho. Why would she come to my job, though?”
“Not sure. I’ll find out. I’ll give you and your friend time to talk. Want some coffee?” I nod, and he places his lips to mine. “I love you, beautiful.”
“Love you back, Ellis.” I smile. I watch as he glares at Nina. She’s now standing next to my bed with her oversized Louis Vuitton purse.
“I’ve missed you so much.” She hugs me and sits down. “I don’t like him. He put you in danger.”
“Well, I love him and this was not his fault. So, whatever is going on in that big ass head of yours, drop it.” I’m so mad at her. I haven’t seen her in almost six months. I should be happy to see her, but I’m furious at her.
“I’m sorry. I’ve been on edge since they called me. They are a lovely family, though. I have to admit, he is hotter in person.”
I smack her leg. “He’s mine. Back up.” My laughter quickly turns into coughs. She reaches for the water and hands it to me. “So, what else is wrong with me?”
“You inhaled a lot of smoke and they said it’ll take your lungs a little while to heal. The other girl got a few scratches. That’s it.” She tosses her blonde hair over shoulder.
“She was smart and ran out. I was the idiot that went back for pictures.” I sigh and squeeze the album next to me.
“Her picture is safe. It’s in there too.” She wipes a tear from her cheek. “You told him about her?”
I know she thinks I’m insane for telling Ashton, a guy I’ve only known for a few months, about my past. I was with Morris for seven years. He knew nothing about Craig or my baby. We’d never talked about our sex lives before each other. Hell, now that I think about it, maybe we should have. Maybe he would have come out a lot sooner.
“I did. I love him. I wanted no secrets. He’s an amazing man and an even better father. He loves me. I know he does.”
“Yeah, I can see he does. I just never thought you would ever trust anyone enough to tell them about your past.”
“I hope to marry him someday, and when I started my life in California, the only way I could start fresh was to get my past out of my head. He doesn’t fault me, and it didn’t change anything.”
I hadn’t realized Ashton had already walked back in. He’s carrying a cup holder with three cups from Starbucks.
“Her story and the sacrifices she’s made showed me that she is one hell of a woman. It showed me that she is brave, courageous and that she loved that little girl. She did what was right. She would have looked at the baby and relived that day every day.” He hands me and Nina a cup.
She huffs, then says, “Thanks.”
“Not sure what your deal is with me, but I love Ansley and your approval isn’t needed,” he says, sitting next to me.
“She’s been hurt enough and I’m worried that you’re going to hurt her even more.”
“Excuse me, I’m sitting right here,” I yell. Ashton takes my bandaged hand in his.
“I know. I’m so happy you’re awake.” He kisses my hand.
“Look, Nina, I’m not sure why you think that you can dismiss Ashton this way. It’s not right. So, get over whatever issue you have.” I look between the two people I love the most. “Got it? Now, I need to close my eyes. Please don’t kill each other.”
When I close my eyes, I hear the two of them whispering. I can still feel Ashton right next to me. I know that Nina is trying to protect me, but she has no right acting like a bitch toward the man who has captured my soul.
Chapter Eighteen
Ashton
“I want everything to be perfect, Ma.”
We’re throwing Ansley a welcome home party. Lila and Megan have been shopping for me. Everything that Ansley owned was lost in the fire.
“Baby, she’s going to be happy to be home.” She kisses me. “Let me handle this.”
“I love you so much. You know that, right?” I wink.
“Of course. Now, bring our girl home.”
I laugh as I head to the hospital. My family has warmed up to Ansley. They all adore her. She has endured so much in her life. She’s going to be really surprised when I propose to her tonight. She’s been upset about her burns, but she’s healing pretty fast. I think she looks beautiful regardless.
Lacy admitted to everything and was arrested. She’d been following Ansley for weeks. The day of the fire, one of the neighbors saw her leaving the scene. She threw gasoline on the back deck and lit a match. Thank God my girl wa
s able to get out.
“Hey, shorty. You ready to leave this place?” I ask as I see Ansley siting on the side of the bed. She’s wearing a thin black dress with gray leggings. Lila picked the outfit for her.
“I am, but look, you can see my bandages through my leggings. I look ridiculous.” She walks toward me and wraps her arms around me. “Do you think I look okay? I need to buy more clothes.”
“You’re beautiful. I think the leggings are fine.” I kiss the top of her head and say, “You have new clothes at home. I sent Lila and Meg shopping. You can go shopping too when you feel up to it, but I figured you’d like what they picked out.”
“Thank you. That means so much to me. How did I ever get so lucky to find you?”
“Let’s sign you out. Our boys are ready to see you.” I place my hand at the small of her back, guiding her out of the room. I hope she is ready because there are around fifty of our family and friends gathered at my house to see her.
***
Ansley
It feels so great to leave that stuffy, smelly hospital room. I’ve spent the last week there and, although everyone was very nice and accommodating, I’m ready to be out of there. I have no home to go to. Ashton keeps saying his place is ours. I love that he is willing to let me move in with him. I’m just not sure I’m exactly ready for all of that.
Nina went home yesterday. She finally warmed up to Ashton. I thought I was going to have to throw some boxing gloves on the two of them and let them duke it out. They finally agreed that they both were just worried about my safety. I honestly thought it was Felicia that was out to get me. I never once thought Lacy would do something like that. I knew she and Ashton had a thing together, but he told me she was okay with him putting a stop to their escapades.
Leaning my head back against the seat, I look over at Ashton. He has on a thin white button up shirt, all the ink shining through. His messy hair is standing up on his head and the scruff on his face is neatly trimmed. My eyes wander down his body. His jeans are lightly faded and I’m sure he is going commando. Biting the inside of my jaw, I suck in a breath just thinking about wrapping my lips around his thickness and rolling my tongue over his Prince Albert.
I am fucking horny.
The dimples on Ashton’s face are perfect. I continue to play creeper and watch him as he drives. We finally approach the cul-de-sac his house sits on. He smiles as he rushes around the truck to open my door.
“Easy, shorty, I know your legs are still weak.” He lifts me from the seat and places me on the ground. Looking next door, I see his parent’s car and Kade’s truck in Liam’s driveway.
“It feels so good to be out of that place. I’ll be okay. If I get too tired, I’ll rest.” I walk toward the porch and the door swings open.
“Yay, she’s here. Hey, everyone, Ansley is home,” AJ screams.
“Well, I guess you know everyone is here now.” Ashton chuckles. He guides me through the door and I’m greeted by the entire Ellis crew.
Wiping my tears away, I pick AJ up and hug him. “So happy to see you, little man.”
“We missed you so much. Look, we made you a cake.” He smiles with pride. I go into the kitchen. There is a round cake with lots of colorful sprinkles.
“It’s perfect. Thank you so much, sweetie.” I kiss his cheek. He smiles and runs to the other room. I turn to my handsome man and wrap my arms around his waist.
Whispering so only I can hear him, he says, “After everyone leaves, I’m going to bury my face in that tight pussy. I’ve been craving you all week.” Then he kisses the top of my head.
“So glad you are home, baby girl. We’ve been so worried,” Nancy says, grabbing me away from Ashton.
“Thanks, Nancy. It feels good to be home.” I wink up at Ashton.
“We have a surprise for you. Come on,” Lila says from the corner. She grabs my hand and leads me through the house and up the stairs. I look behind me and see Ashton is on our heels. “Don’t be shy.” Lila giggles.
“Shit, what have you all done?” I ask as we walk toward Ashton’s guest room.
“Well, Meg, Aunt Nan, and I, we did a little shopping. You know, I’m not much of a shopper, but I enjoyed this,” she says as she opens the door. I see clothes, purses, shoes, and more clothes.
“You all didn’t have to get all this. Who paid for this?” I ask as I cover my mouth.
“Hey, don’t worry about the money. Do you like?” Ashton says, wrapping his arms around my waist.
Choking back the sobs that are about to escape my lips, I nod. “This is a lot of stuff.”
“You’re worth every penny that was spent on all this.” He kisses me. “There may be more in our room.”
“Please tell me there isn’t.” I roll my eyes. I walk out into the hallway and open his bedroom door. I gasp when my eyes land on all the bags on the floor. I hug Lila. “You all sure know how to spoil a girl.”
“That’s what family does. We love you, Ans,” she says into my hair.
“I love you all too,” I choke out.
“Come on, let’s go grab some food. I’m starving,” Ashton says, leading me down the steps.
“What else is up your sleeve, Ellis?” I joke.
“Trust me, you’re going to love what we have planned,” he says as he rounds the stair case.
“Oh,” I whisper. “Well, what are you waiting for? Get it all out now.”
“Not just yet, shorty. Soon, though.” He winks. “Come on, I want some cake.”
***
When we walk into the kitchen, everyone is gathered around the table and breakfast bar. I didn’t know our gang was this big. There’s Toom, Taz and their families. Then the Ellis’s and Meg. Ashton has been all smiles since we walked into his house. I have no clue what he is up to. Then I see AJ. He has this big grin on his face and a gleam in his eye. I smile as he approaches us.
“Hey, little man.” I ruffle his hair. It’s about the same color as his dad’s and it’s styled with gel so it comes up in a peak.
“Ansley, can I ask you something,” he says as he stands in front of me.
“Sure, you can. Anything, buddy. What’s up?” I ask as I bend down to his level.
“Well, my dad and I really love you. Donatello and gran and pops love you too.” He looks around the room, then back up at his dad. “We want you to be with us, always. Will you marry my daddy and be my other mommy,” he says, pulling the biggest diamond I’ve ever seen out of his little pocket.
“Oh. My. God.” I gasp. “I, um…” Shit, I can’t talk through all my tears.
“Is that a yes?” he asks, holding the ring out.
I nod my head and hug him. “Yes, I will,” I say between sobs.
“She said yes, Dad. She’ll be ours,” he says, looking up to his dad. I stand up and grab Ashton.
“Yes, yes, yes. God, do I love you so much, Ellis, so fucking much.” I kiss him.
“I love you more, shorty. Now, can I cut this damn cake?” He laughs into my mouth.
“About damn time,” I hear Liam say from behind us. Liam hugs me. “Ansley, we all adore you and are so glad you walked into this man’s world.”
“Y’all sure do know how to make a girl ugly cry.”
Chapter Nineteen
Ashton
It’s been two days since Ansley accepted our proposal. She’s been on cloud nine since then. I hate that I have to leave her today, but I need to shoot some ink for a client. Lila and all the kids are hanging out with her. They are going to start redecorating. I am totally okay with her rearranging anything she wants. It’s now our home. When I pull into the shop, I see a police car. That’s odd.
I turn my truck off and stroll into the shop. My phone chirps. I see that it’s Kade.
“Hey man, what’s up?” I ask as I open the door to the shop.
“Have you seen the news today?”
“No, why?” Then I see an officer talking to Taz.
“Dude, shit…” He sighs. “Your ex-wife
is dead.”
“What?” I yell.
“Yeah, look, come to the office when you get done.”
“Okay, later.” I shove my phone in my pocket.
“Mr. Ellis?” The young cop asks.
“Ashton. Mr. Ellis is my father.”
“Sir, can we talk? We have a bit of bad news.” He flips open a tablet.
“Sure, we can go into the break room. My client won’t be here for another ten minutes or so.” When we get in the break room, I pour a cup of coffee and offer the cop one.
“They found the body of Christabella Ellis last night. It seems to be an overdose. Her body was discovered by some prostitutes on the corner of Sullivant Avenue. It looks like she had been there sometime.”
“Fuck, I knew this shit was going to happen. She wouldn’t listen.” I sigh. “We have a seven-year-old son.”
“I’m so sorry. We will need you to identify her. You were her next of kin. She was arrested last month for solicitation and she listed you as her husband, but after doing some searching, we saw that you two were divorced at the beginning of the year.”
“I’ll do it. She was a mess. I hate to say this, but she is better off dead. My son isn’t going to understand this shit. Fuck,” I groan.
“Just come to the county coroner’s office on Oakley. Will you be the one that we release the body to?”
“I guess so. She had no family, really.” I run my hands through my hair. “Look, I better reschedule my client. Can I meet you in the next hour?”
“Sure, no problem. Take your time.” He walks out the door.
Taz places his hand on my shoulder. “Some fucked up shit, brother. I am so sorry.”
“Thanks…I need to cancel my appointments today.”
“I got you covered. Go do what you need to do.”
“Shit. Kade said the news?”
