From Ashes To Flames

by A. M. Hargrove

  “No, honey, he’s too little. He’ll stay here with Marin.”

  Kinsley looked at Marin and said, “Marnie, while we’re gone, you can give Aaron some dance lessons. That way he’ll be better for when I get home. Make sure he doesn’t move his arms when he kicks.”

  Marin saluted her and said, “Yes, ma’am.”

  Kinsley giggled. I handed Aaron off to Marin for the remainder of his breakfast and took my daughter upstairs to dress. While I was up there, my brother called.

  “Hey, man, I’m headed back your way. It’s okay to stay tonight, yeah?”

  “Yeah, I already talked to Marin.”

  “I’m looking forward to meeting her. Mom is … well, she couldn’t be happier you’re with someone, Grey. But I have to say … the nanny?” He was obviously shocked by the sound of his comment.

  “We’re not together together like Mom wants to think. I’ll tell you more when I see you.”

  “So, in other words, you’re just fucking her.”

  “Ouch. That sounded harsh.”

  “Hey, man, I’m all for it. You deserve to have some fun.”

  “Yeah, but I have kids to be concerned about. And to that point, do you always use that language in front of Wiley?”

  “Just because you have kids doesn’t mean you can’t have a good time. Take it from me. As for Wiley, he has headphones on. We’ll talk about this later. I’ll be there in forty-five to an hour.”

  He’d only been trying to make me feel better but all of a sudden guilt sunk its vicious claws into me. Was I doing Marin wrong by this? Did she expect some sort of long-term commitment? I know I expected her not to fuck around on me and I wouldn’t do that to her, but I also had no illusions of any kind of serious relationship either. We should probably discuss this. Soon.

  When Kinsley was dressed, I sent her downstairs, took a quick shower, and then dressed. As I was coming down the stairs, I heard Kinsley and Marin arguing.

  “He may be a great dancer, but he may also want to play soccer or football. We just won’t know until he gets a little older, honey.”

  “He’s gonna be a dancing star and won’t wanna to do anything else. Just like me. I’m gonna to be on TV someday with my clicky shoes.”

  “That’s great. Kinsley, you should always dream big and never give up on your dreams.”

  “And Aaron will be dancing right along with me.”

  “He just might do that.”

  I wondered if I needed to be worried about her conviction. If Aaron refused to dance, she might be terribly upset. I’d ask Mom about it. She may have some sage advice.

  Hudson arrived and it was easy to see by his reaction to Marin that he was more than a bit astounded by her appearance. Maybe he expected a Susannah look alike. She definitely was not that. I’m pretty damn sure her rainbow hair threw him because his jaw sagged open, but her sass set him back.

  She stuck her hand out and said, “Hey, I’m Marin, the nanny, although Kinsley calls me Marnie. I’m sure your mother has told you all sorts of things that may or may not be true. And you can close your mouth now because I’m fairly certain you didn’t expect anyone with rainbow colored hair or tattoos. But don’t worry, I’m not the least bit offended. And yeah, I do realize that Grey is old enough to be my father.”

  Hudson broke out in a hearty laugh. “Now I see why you like her.” He shook her hand and said, “It’s a pleasure to meet the woman who has set my boring brother on his a … er, bottom.”

  “Thanks, I think.”

  “Oh, it’s definitely a compliment,” Hudson replied.

  Marin grinned and Hudson cocked his head and stared. “You’re quite stunning.”

  “Hey, don’t even go there. And what’s this about me being old enough to be your father?” My hackles rose.

  “Calm down. I was just thinking how refreshing she was.”

  Marin added, “You mean you didn’t notice our age differences?”

  Hudson was comparing Marin to Susannah, whom he never liked and made no secret of. “I got you,” I said.

  “This conversation is getting confusing. I’m in the dark and maybe it’s best I stay that way,” Marin said.

  “I’ll tell you later when there are no little ears around.”

  Hudson pointed to his son and said to Marin, “That one is trouble. I’m just warning you in advance. He may look like an angel, but he’s not. Trust me. His name is Wiley and that’s exactly what he is.”

  Marin laughed. “I’ll admit, I don’t have a ton of kid experience, so I’ll take your word for it.”

  “Hey guys, I hate to break this up, but we should be going. I want to check on Dad.”

  “Go. I’ll hold the fort down.”

  “No, we’re taking Kinsley and Wiley too.”

  “You just made my day very easy,” Marin said.

  Hudson and I grabbed the kids and set off for the hospital. On the way, the conversation turned to Marin. I had to remind him about the ears in the back seat. Kinsley was asking Wiley all kinds of questions about what games he liked to play, so I was confident we were safe.

  “I like her,” Hudson said.

  I navigated the car out of the neighborhood. “I do too.”

  “She’s not mousy. And she’s nothing like—”

  “Yeah, yeah, I know.” I jerked my head toward the back seat so he’d get my meaning.

  “I wasn’t going to say the name. Don’t worry.”

  “I’m the one who’s worried. We started this thing and I never set her straight on where I stand.”

  “What do you mean?” he asked.

  “You know? About the relationship thing.”

  “Jesus, Grey. Just because you’re, you know, doesn’t mean you have to have a relationship.”

  I rubbed the back of my neck. “Yeah but you know who”—and I aimed my thumb toward the back seat—“has seen us in a compromising position.”

  “Are you serious?”

  “Yes. It was a mistake. We fell asleep.”

  Hudson had a good belly laugh over that one.

  “Cut it out. Now I’m in much deeper than I intended.”

  “That pun was definitely intended,” Hudson said, still laughing.

  “You’re an as … er, jerk.”

  “True. But still. How do you know she wants more?”

  “I get that feeling.” And I did.

  “You two need to talk. Clear that air. And Mom says you’re going to Vienna.”

  “Yeah. I’ve been asked to give a talk, so we’re going to make a vacation out of it.”

  “Bro, that’s awesome. I think you need this. How long since you’ve taken a trip like this?”

  “Can’t even remember.”

  “See, I like her even better. She’s getting my brother to take a well-deserved trip. This may even let you know things about your so-called un-relationship.”

  He laughed again. He was really loving this.

  “Are you having a great time because you disliked the last person I was involved with?”

  “Let’s be clear. You know I never hid that. However, I never in a million years wanted you to go through what you did. I would’ve carried that pain for you. I hope you know that.” His tone told me how serious he was.

  I glanced at him because we were stopped at a traffic light. The love that shone from his eyes hit me all the way deep into my soul.

  “I love you, Hudson.”

  “I know. Now get your head out of that dark tunnel it’s been up and start living again.”

  A horn honked behind us and I noticed the light had turned green. I took a deep breath as I headed for the hospital. It was time to start living again and the trip to Vienna was a great way to do just that.

  Chapter Thirty-One

  Marin

  * * *

  When the crew left, I called my mom. My hair looked like a herd of critters had taken up residence in it and I decided it needed help. I wanted to see if she could watch Aaron while I went out to get
it worked on.

  “Mom. Are you busy?”

  “Not at all. Why?”

  “Can you watch Aaron? I need to get my hair done.”

  She laughed at me. My mother.

  “What’s so funny?”

  “I see you’ve finally gotten tired of that mess you created.”

  “Mom, that’s not true. I just need a haircut.” I’d never admit she was right.

  “Really?”

  “Yes.”

  “That haircut wouldn’t have anything to do with that man you’re living with, would it?”

  “Mom!” She could be so exasperating.

  “Who’s doing it?”

  I told her where the salon was.

  “Why don’t I just meet you there?”

  “You don’t mind?”

  “Of course not. I’ve been dying to see you get rid of that debacle you made. I’ll never understand why you ruined your beautiful hair.”

  “Who said anything about getting rid of it?”

  “Marin, I hope you’re joking.”

  “Meet me in fifteen.” I ended the call before she could say anything else. The truth was, I wasn’t getting rid of it altogether. But, I was changing it up some. I wanted to get a purple balayage with hints of pale blue and pink in it. I was super excited about it. I was pretty sure it would look good in my dirty blond hair.

  When I got to the salon, Mom was there waiting. I handed off Aaron to her with instructions and his diaper bag. The girl escorted me back and I knew I would be there a while. When I told her what I wanted, she got very enthusiastic.

  “That will look awesome on you.”

  The whole process took about two hours. When I walked out, Mom clapped her hands. “I love it!”

  “You do? I wasn’t sure you would since it has all the tints in it.”

  “No, it’s beautiful on you, Marin. It really suits you.”

  “Thank you.”

  “And it does something magical to your eyes. Wait until Grey sees you.”

  I waved my hand. “Mom, stop.”

  “I’m not joking.” She handed Aaron’s diaper bag to me.

  “Thanks so much for taking care of him.”

  “It was nothing. This child is so sweet. But he has an abundance of energy.”

  Picking him up, I said, “He sure does. Those legs are constantly moving.”

  “You know, you’re a natural at this.”

  “Who would’ve thought I’d like it so much?”

  Mom kissed my cheek and said, “Me. I always thought it.”

  We walked out together and said our goodbyes.

  When I went to get Aaron out of the car, he was fast asleep in his car seat. I gently extracted him and carried him upstairs to his crib. After tucking him in, I went back down to the kitchen to see what I had for lunch. That’s when everyone else came home.

  Kinsley ran in and yelled, “Marnie, where’s your rainbow?”

  “It’s still here. See? Only it’s lighter.” I picked up a chunk of my hair to show her.

  “Oh, I like the other rainbow better.” Then she ran off with Wiley in tow. I straightened up to find Grey gawking at me. Hudson was also staring.

  “You two okay?”

  “Uh, yeah. I uh, I’m okay,” Grey said, still checking me out. Two steps later he was in front of me, holding a piece of my hair between his fingers, and rubbing them back and forth. “Fuck me,” he said. Before I knew what he was up to, he grabbed me by the neck and kissed me. Not some gentle, quick peck on the lips kind of kiss. This was a full-on, push the tongue into my mouth, take possession of it, devour me right here, kind of kiss. He may have even growled. I’m not quite sure because the blood roared in my ears as my heart kicked up a beat that rivaled any music I’d ever heard. Warmth curled in my belly, spiraling out into my limbs. His other hand cupped my ass and squeezed as he pulled me into his chest when suddenly we both heard his brother clear his throat.

  “Excuse me, but you two do have company, you realize?”

  Grey released me and I pressed my lips together as the heat from what transpired between us blazed to a thousand degrees.

  “Sorry,” I mumbled.

  “No, she isn’t,” Grey said with a smirk. “And neither am I. I’m only sorry we can’t go upstairs and—”

  “Okay, I get it. Spare me the details,” Hudson said.

  Grey leaned into me and said, “You look stunning.”

  “Thank you.”

  Hudson said over Grey’s shoulder, “I agree.”

  Grey turned around and said, “Would you stop eavesdropping?”

  “I’m not. Besides, it’s rude to talk behind your company’s back.”

  “You’re not company. You’re my brother.”

  In order to break this up, I asked, “How’s Rick?”

  “Good. Really good. He has a little bit of plaque on one of his coronary arteries, but other than that, he’s good.”

  Hudson walked over to the refrigerator and grabbed a cold beer. After he popped off the top, he said, “I’m glad dogs don’t get that stuff. Or rather when they do, it’s usually too late to do anything about. If people didn’t feed their pets table food, animals would be so much better off.”

  Hudson was a veterinarian. “How many dogs do you have?” I asked.

  “We have three. Which reminds me. When are you going to get one?”

  Grey looked at me in question and I said, “Oh, no. I have the kids to take care of.”

  “I want a dog, Marnie.” Kinsley came tearing into the room right then and overheard Hudson. “Uncle Hudson has dogs.”

  “Yes, I do. And they’re fun. Ask Wiley.”

  “I have doggies,” Wiley yelled. “Scooter, Roscoe, and Flimsy.”

  “Flimsy?” I asked.

  Hudson shrugged. “She has one ear that won’t stand up, so we called her Flimsy. But kids need a dog.”

  “I don’t have time,” I protested.

  “They’re so easy. Crate train them. It doesn’t take long to house break them.”

  “Easy for you to say. You have so much experience. Tell you what. How about we get a dog, but you train it and when it’s ready it can move in with us?”

  “Fine,” Hudson answered without hesitation.

  “Are you serious?” I asked.

  “Yes. That’s how easy it is.”

  “You’re delusional.”

  “What kind of dog do you want.”

  I said, “I’d love a mini Golden Doodle,” while Grey said he wanted an Irish Wolfhound.

  “What? An Irish Wolfhound? Those things are gigantic. Besides, they shed all over the place. A mini Golden Doodle won’t shed and they’re small.”

  Grey shook his head. “Those things are goofy looking.”

  “They’re cute.”

  Hudson held up his hands. “You two duke it out. I’m going to watch the baseball game.”

  Kinsley ran in and said, “Daddy, I want a golden noodle. Like Marnie wants.”

  “It’s a Golden Doodle, polka dot.”

  “We can name her Marshmallow,” Kinsley said.

  “You’re outvoted, I’m afraid. We’ll get a mini Golden Doodle named Marshmallow. And she’ll be sweet and huggable.”

  He threw his hands up in the air and left the room.

  “Marnie, are we getting a Marshmallow?”

  “I don’t know, honey. You’ll have to ask your daddy.”

  That’s what he got for letting Hudson get away with the dog thing. I had two kids here and the last thing I needed was a puppy to raise. Good Lord. I didn’t know the first thing about dogs.

  I joined the guys in the den where they were watching TV. Kinsley was trying to get Wiley to dance and after a while, she gave up and danced by herself. The men decided we would all go out to dinner after they went back to the hospital to check on Rick.

  “Are you sure you don’t need to spend more time there?”

  “No, Mom shooed us out earlier. I think it wears Dad out having s
o many people in there. Mom said he didn’t sleep much last night. Hospital rooms are noisy,” Grey said.

  “When will he be released?”

  “Tomorrow. We’ll go over in the morning and I’ll stay until he’s out.”

  “That’s great.” I saw how relieved Grey was as he spoke. The tension that was present earlier in our conversation about his dad was no longer there.

  We ended up at the pizza place for dinner that night. It was something that appeased everyone’s varied tastes—especially the kids. Kinsley was excited and she made me sing the Itsy Bitsy Spider song with her as she tried to teach it to Wiley. This time she wasn’t nearly as loud as the last time we were in here. Grey ended up telling that story.

  “Everyone was staring at our table and I thought Marin was going to die. Her face was as red as the sauce on the pizza.”

  “Marnie is a good singer though, isn’t she Daddy?”

  “She sure is.”

  “But she can’t dance as good as me. She doesn’t know how to kick right.”

  “Kinsley, tell me about your dancing,” Hudson said.

  “Oh, God.” I buried my face in my hands.

  “Man, don’t even go there,” Grey said.

  “Uncle Hudson, I’m getting some clicky shoes and you’ll have to come watch me. Aaron’s gonna learn how too. Maybe Wiley can too.”

  “Wiley? Dance?” Hudson asked.

  “Don’t say we didn’t warn you,” Grey murmured.

  “I’m learning Irish kick dancing. I was teaching Wiley today. Didn’t you see?”

  “Honey, it’s step dancing,” I corrected.

  “Yep.” She nodded. “I can teach you if you want.”

  Hudson’s brows shot up. “Uh, no thanks, but I’ll come watch your recitals.”

  “Okay.”

  And that was it. Grey and I were shocked she didn’t go on and on about it. Maybe it was dying a slow death and we were getting to the end of it.

  Rick was released the next day and went home with strict instructions from his son. Grey came home with Hudson and it was funny to listen to him talk about bossing his dad around.

  “You boss everyone around. I don’t know why you think it’s so funny,” I said.

  He gave me an odd look. “I am not bossy in the least.”

  “Sure you’re not.” I grinned and walked to the laundry room to toss some things into the dryer. When I came out, the kitchen was empty. Everyone had scattered to places unknown. I searched for Grey and found him in his office.