“Otay!” she replied, throwing her arms up in the air. “I uv Ry Ry!”
Without another word, she took off running, disappearing out of my view.
Ty turned, his pissed-off gaze meeting mine through the screen. “Stop being a little bitch,” he snapped, getting straight to the point. “Heidi and I both want you here early. So unless you’re planning on having my future-wife run your sorry ass over with her wheelchair while Grandmama simultaneously beats your butt with her flyswatter, then I suggest you get your ass here.”
I pulled in a breath, my pulse skyrocketing. “It’s not that goddamn easy,” I bit out, my back teeth clenched. “Not when—”
“You’re going to see her, Chase,” he said, interrupting me. “She’s Heidi’s maid of honor, and whether you like it or not, you’re going to have to deal.”
“It’s not that—”
“I know it’s gonna hurt,” he replied, cutting in once more. “And you know I wouldn’t ever ask you to do something that would tear you up inside, but this is my wedding.”
He was right about that.
Despite my feelings and the emotional kick to the balls I knew was coming, I had to show up, I had to hold it together, and I had to be there for my family.
It’s what they would do for me.
Hell, it’s what they had done.
Even from her hospital and physical rehabilitation center beds, Heidi had fought to keep me together after Ashley, and I split. Her body may have been broken, but her mind was strong, and like my brother, she’d helped ground me when I came close to falling apart.
She’d done the same for Ashley.
They never gave me all the details about what was going on with my girl, but they kept me in the loop with the big stuff. For instance, a year after I walked away, she earned her two-year degree in Early Childhood Education and had become a preschool teacher, something she’d always wanted to do.
She still volunteered at the shelter in her free time, and I doubt she’d ever stop, but five days a week she taught at the Tiny Tots Academy in downtown Toluca, the same school Lily Ann attended.
According to Heidi, she was happy there.
It was all I’d ever wanted for her.
To be happy.
If only I could’ve made her that way...
“I’ll be there as early as I can,” I replied, swallowing down the mixture of trepidation and excitement that climbed into my throat, blocking my airway. “I swear it.”
He nodded. “That’s all I can ask for.”
“Do you want me to come straight—”
“Ashley Jo!”
I snapped my mouth shut when Melody, Hendrix and Maddie’s oldest daughter ran through the room, her arms opened wide, heading for the front door. Gut twisting, I clenched my fists tight as I waited for my girl to come into view.
It had been eighteen months.
Eighteen damn months.
And she was there, just out of sight.
“Ty,” I said, shoulders trembling when I didn’t see or hear her. “Turn your phone.”
“Chase—”
“Turn your goddamn phone!”
A second later, he turned it.
And there she was.
My Sweetness.
My beautiful girl.
My entire world.
“Christ,” I whispered, taking her in from head to toe. She looked the exact same, except now her hair fell to the top of her shoulders instead of cascading down her back. I loved it, but not near as much as I loved the hoodie she wore.
A hoodie that belonged to me.
The first night I ever snuck her out of her house, I’d given it to her to wear. She’d never given it back. And now I knew why.
She wanted to keep it.
Just like she’d wanted to keep me.
The realization ricocheted through my head, slammed into my skull, and sent my heart into overdrive. Ashley had wanted me, hell, she’d fucking loved me. But I’d walked away, leaving her to the demons that never ceased in tormenting her because I was a heartbroken fool who thought I was doing what was best for her.
I’d been wrong.
Point blank, I. Had. Fucked. Up.
Majorly.
But I was about to fix it.
Come hell or high water.
Growing up, love was something I never thought I’d care to fight for. But then I fell in love with a broken-hearted girl who possessed a beautiful soul. And now, years later, after I’d already loved and lost her, I was suddenly ready for war.
“What’s going on in your head?” Ty asked, wide-eyed. Having raised me since I was a baby, he could read me like a book; therefore, he knew shit was brewing. “Talk to me, Chase.”
“I’m coming home,” I said firmly. “And I’m taking back what’s mine.”
He arched a brow. “And what’s that?”
“Ashley.”
With nothing left to say, I slammed my laptop shut, ending the call. Then, sick and tired of being without the woman who was the other half of my soul, I headed for the door.
Chapter Thirty-Four
Ashley
It was a Sunday night, at half past nine.
For the past couple of hours, myself and the rest of the ladies who worked at the shelter—minus Carissa who was sick, and Charlotte and Wendy since they were on shift at the shelter—had been going over wedding plans, ensuring that Ty and Heidi’s big day went off without a hitch.
We’d just finished everything up when Grandmama suddenly hollered, “You ran over my dadgum toe with that spiffy new motorized wheelchair you got,” from the kitchen where she’d been fussing with Heidi over floral arrangements. “And you did it on purpose, ya little hussy!”
And here we go...
“You smacked me with the flyswatter because I told you that I don’t want baby’s breath in my arrangements!” Heidi hollered right back, pointing a newly manicured nail in the Crazy Old Biddy’s direction. “And if you whack me with it again, I will run you down like a dog.”
Maddie and Clara, who were sitting on each side of me, both looked ready to choke from laughter, while my Mama, who sat in the rocking chair across the room, holding a sleeping Gracie on her lap, did her part to egg stuff on. “Run over her other foot, Bug!”
Hands on her hips, Grandmama spun around. “You listen here, Blondie,” she said, eyes narrowed. “I will tear your rear-end up. I don’t give a good dadgum who—”
Hope, bless her heart, chose that moment to burst through the front door, her blue-black hair in disarray. “Somebody better have wine,” she said, completely out of breath. “Because after what I just went through, I need a bottle”—she paused—“actually, make that three.”
Clara’s laughter died.
Jumping up as if she thought something was wrong, she looked ready to rip somebody’s head off if need be, which wasn’t surprising. Clara and Hope had been best friends since they met, but after marrying twin brothers—Evan and Brantley—they were now sister-in-law’s.
“What happened?” Clara asked.
Hope clutched her chest and exhaled. “Your nephews, that’s what!” I fought back laughter. “I only went home for twenty minutes, but I swear they are going to be the death of me. All three of them. They’ve learned how to coordinate their special brands of crazy. I never stood a chance at trying to get them in bed.” When my Mama laughed, Hope swung her gaze her way. “Keep laughing, Shelby Ray, and I’ll send them to your house for the week.”
Mama shrugged. “Send ‘em. I’ve got duct tape.”
Oh for heaven’s sake!
Maddie blew out a breath. “I feel your pain, Itty Bitty. I only have one boy, but Maddox is Hendrix’s son, so that counts for something, right?”
Hope blinked. “Uh, yeah. I mean, we’re talking about Hendrix here. You’ll be lucky if Maddox doesn’t steal a car by the time he turns twelve.”
I should not have laughed.
I really shouldn’t have.
But I cou
ldn’t help it.
Mainly because what Hope said was true.
My Uncle Hendrix was...
Well, he was a troublemaker, there’s no way to sugar coat it.
Maddie shrugged. “Then again, it’s not him being his father’s carbon copy that I worry about. It’s having her”—she pointed at the crazy old woman standing less than ten feet away, her ruby red lips pursed—“as his live-in Grandmama that scares me.”
Two weeks earlier, Hendrix, Maddie and their three kids—Melody, Maci and Maddox—had moved into Grandmama’s house instead of buying one of their own. It’s what Grandmama had wanted since she was getting older and could use the help around the house.
Then again, I think she just wanted the company.
Her house was big, yet empty now that Maddie’s father, Keith, had moved out to live with his now-fiancée, Charlotte. I had no doubt she was lonely as could be too.
“Now, listen here,” Grandmama started. “I ain’t done a dadgum thing.” She stuck her nose up in the air and closed her eyes. “I’m an angel.”
“Shit,” Clara said, dragging out the last syllable. Hearing her, a woman who rarely cursed, say such a thing shocked me. Yet I still found it hilarious. “Grandmama,” she continued. “I think it’s time for you to see a doctor because clearly, you have lost your—”
She snapped her mouth shut when Heidi’s front door swung open, and Brantley stuck his head inside. Gaze instantly finding his wife, he smiled. “Firecracker, you coming home tonight? Or you planning on staying over here?”
Clara blinked before running her heated gaze over Brantley’s broad chest and arms. “I’m coming home.” Turning, she grabbed her purse off the end table where it sat next to mine. “Bye, y’all. I’ll see you at breakfast in the morning.”
“Bye, Clara,” I said before turning my attention to my former boss and one of the nicest men I’d ever encountered. “Night, B!”
Brantley winked my way. “Night, Shorty.”
Once they were out the door, Hendrix, of all dang people stepped inside, his eyes searching the room for Maddie. When he found her, he smiled, just as Brantley had. “I’m not asking if you’re staying here, Pretty Girl,” he said, making his way toward his wife. “I’m just taking you home, to my bed, where you belong.”
Maddie yelped in surprise when he bent down upon reaching her and tossed her over his shoulder in one fell swoop. “Bye, ladies!”
A chorus of goodbyes followed as Hendrix grabbed a lock of my Mama’s hair, giving it a quick tug. “Later, brat. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
She responded by flipping him off.
Hope scrunched her nose as Hendrix and Maddie disappeared out the door. “He’s such a caveman.”
I snorted. “And Evan’s not?”
“No, he’s a brute. There’s a difference.”
“Well,” Grandmama said, suddenly looking tired as could be. “Guess it’s time I hobble my old derriere home. Tomorrow is gonna be a long day and sweet baby Jesus knows I ain’t no spring chicken no more.”
One corner of Heidi’s mouth tipped. “Well, since you’re doing all the work for my wedding, I suppose I could give you a ride” Tapping her lap, she continued. “Come on, Crazy Old Biddy. Climb on.”
Grandmama blinked.
Then, she moved.
Climbing on Heidi’s lap, she gripped the metal frame tight. “Let’s boogie!”
Heidi pulled back on the electronic lever that controlled the chair, and like a rocket, they both took off. Out the door and down the wheelchair ramp they went, Grandmama’s cackling laughter floating through the night air.
Mama, who was the only other adult left, stood, taking Gracie with her. “Sugar, I’m gonna get your little sister home, and then I’ll be back to help you pick up the mess the ladies made. Just give me ten minutes.”
Standing, I waved a dismissive hand in her direction. “I’ve got it. Won’t take long at all.”
Lips thinned into a straight line, she stared at my face, her eyes searching my expression for something. “You holding up okay?” she asked, readjusting Gracie in her arms.
I nodded as a lump formed in my throat. Knowing exactly where this conversation was headed, my heart sped up. “I’m going to be fine,” I whispered, the urge to fidget in place overwhelming me. “I’m not the same person I was eighteen months ago. I’m stronger now.” At least, I tried to be. Some days it was hit or miss. But keeping myself distant from everyone had helped. Present but silent had become my motto. “I know you and Dad are worried about me falling apart the moment I see him, but you don’t need to be.”
I couldn’t even bring myself to say his name.
“I’ve been going to therapy, plus the new medication Dr. Wilson put me on helps. I’m going to be fine.” I didn’t know who I was trying to convince more—me or her. “And if I start to spiral, I know to reach out and get help.”
“You have been doing better,” she said, nodding. “But, sugar, I also know you still love him.” I did still love him. No doubt I always would. “That boy was your best friend,” she continued, her throat clogged with emotion. “And even though you’ve come a long way, I still see that same emptiness in your eyes that I saw eighteen months ago when y’all broke up.”
Leave it to my Mama to shoot straight from the hip. I mean Jesus! “I think a part of me will always be empty without him,” I replied, honestly. “And you’re right, I do still love him. But sometimes love isn’t enough. Even when we want it to be.”
“You’re wrong, baby,” she replied, her eyes glazing. “True love will always be enough.”
My brows furrowed. “What are you—”
I ceased speaking when headlights flashed through the open front door.
“That’s your Daddy pulling into our driveway,” she said, staring outside, an expression I couldn’t read plastered on her face. “Let me get your sister home before he throws a full-fledged hissy fit, and then I’ll hoof it back over in a few.” Dipping her chin, she shot me a look that I knew meant business. “This conversation isn’t over, Ashley Jo. Before the sun rises tomorrow, you and I are gonna talk this out.”
Knowing there was no way for me to get out of whatever craziness was running through her head, I nodded. “Okay.”
Flicking her hair back over her shoulder, she turned and walked out, leaving me alone in the house. “And people say I’m crazy,” I mumbled, shaking my head as I headed toward the kitchen where most of the mess existed.
Once there, I grabbed an empty trash bag and moved around the room, picking up paper plates, random sheets of paper, and soiled napkins before tossing them away. Then, I dropped the bag and snatched up the three empty bottles of wine littering the island. “Good heavens,” I whispered to the empty room. “My ladies are turning into a bunch of winos.”
I spun around, intent on throwing each one in the recycling bin.
But I didn’t make it that far.
Because when I turned, I came face to face with a man who I hadn’t seen in eighteen months, and one who, after all this time, still held my beating heart in the palm of his hand.
He looked exactly the same, only now he was bigger, his muscles more pronounced.
Knocked completely off-kilter, I dropped my hands, letting one of the bottles fall to the tile floor where it shattered on impact, sending bits of broken glass flying around the room. But, being that I was utterly dazed and all, I didn’t react.
Instead, I just stood there...
My eyes locked on his.
Head spinning, my heart climbed high into my throat as my belly began to flip, awakening those stupid butterflies that resided there. Glossed lips parted, I inhaled, waiting to see if he’d say something.
Thankfully, I didn’t have to wait long.
“Nice shirt, Sweetness.”
Sweetness...
My heart both melted and broke.
“Chase,” I whispered, chills bumps breaking out along every inch of my skin as my eyes drank him in from
head to toe. I’ve missed him so much. “Why are... I mean, what are you doing here? I didn’t think you were coming until tomorrow.”
“Seems I left something behind when I blew out of Toluca all those months ago.” Raking his tongue over his bottom lip, he slipped his hands into the pocket of his sweatpants, ones which hung low on his lean hips. “And I’m here to get it back.”
My chest rose and fell as the surrounding air thickened, making it nearly impossible to breathe. “Yeah?” I asked, forcing myself to remain still and not swoon like a frickin’ fool. “And what is that?”
He didn’t hesitate. “You.”
His answer rocked me.
To my core.
And before I could blink, he moved.
Coming to a standstill in front of me, his sneaker-covered toes touching my booted ones, he cupped my face. “Five hundred and twenty-nine days,” he whispered, touching his forehead to mine in a move that was both familiar and comforting. “That’s how long I’ve been without you.”
My lungs seized.
“This shit ends now, Ashley.”
It was the last thing he said before slamming his lips down on mine.
Chapter Thirty-Five
Chase
My girl was running from me.
Yet again.
Some shit never changed.
Chasing her out of Heidi’s house, I took off down the concrete drive and up the sidewalk, making sure to keep her in view but not get too close. I’d already crossed the line by kissing her without permission, but dammit, the moment she looked up at me with those twinkling brown eyes of hers, I lost control.
It wasn’t okay.
And it wasn’t acceptable.
An apology was in order, but first, I had to catch her without spooking her more than I likely already had. “Ashley!”
Expecting her to run faster, I stumbled, nearly tripping in place when she came to a sudden stop and whirled on me, her face a mask of both anger and confusion. Hands going to her jean-covered hips, she glared my way.
Every Kiss You Steal: A Redeeming Love Novel (Book 7) Page 28
