by J. E. Parker
“We’ll go,” she replied without hesitation. “Is anyone else coming?”
I shook my head. “Not yet. I was planning to call Evan later to see if he and Hope wanted to come. Thought you may want to ask Shelby too. I know Hendrix and Maddie probably won’t come since Maci is still so small, but we can pick up Melody on the way if they’ll let us.”
Clara quirked a brow. “What about Grandmama?”
“I’ll walk over there later and ask her. I’m sure she’ll tag along. Christ knows she won‘t miss out on anything.”
My girl smiled. “That’s true.”
“Mama!” Liam hollered again, drawing Clara’s attention.
“I’m in Brantley’s office, baby,” she said, looking over her shoulder toward the door. “I’ll be right there.”
Turning to face me, she placed her hands on her hips. “Since tomorrow is Saturday and I’m not working, are you going to pick us up? Or do you want us to meet you there?”
“I’ll pick you up.”
Even though I’d repaired her SUV the day after it broke down by changing the alternator, I still didn’t want her driving it more than she had to. It was old and had almost three hundred thousand miles on it. She needed a new car, and I wanted to buy her one, but I knew if I broached the subject she’d throw a hissy fit and likely karate chop me in the nuts.
“What time?”
“Six okay with you?”
She nodded. “Yeah, just call me—”
“Mama!”
“Oh for heaven’s sake, Liam,” Clara fussed over her shoulder. “Hold your horses, kiddo, I’m coming.” She looked back at me. “He’s grumpy because he’s tired so I need to get them home. But like I said, six is fine. Call me when you’re on the way. We’ll be waiting. Now, please, walk me out before Liam hollers the dang house down.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Placing a hand on her lower back, I pressed a kiss to her forehead.
Then, I led her out the door.
Clara
I was going to puke.
Seriously, I was going to vomit everywhere, and then, once I was done, I would pass out and fall to my death.
“Ashley,” I said, clutching her arm tight. “If I survive this, I swear I will never forgive you.”
Ashley, who was sitting next to me, her side pressed against mine, tossed her head back and laughed. Hard. Her entire body shook as her face lit up with genuine amusement.
“It’s not funny,” I fussed, despite the happiness that swelled in my chest at seeing her laugh so freely. “I don’t know how in the world you talked me, the person who is scared to death of heights, into getting onto the dang Ferris Wheel.”
“I made the Mominator promise to buy you a plate of chicken wings, remember?”
I snorted at her referring to Shelby as the Mominator.
If the shoe fits…
“It better be a big plate,” I said, clutching the safety bar, “I’m talking huge. Because this—”
A panicked scream ripped from my throat when the cart we were sitting in jolted just as the wheel moved again, carrying us higher and higher into the air.
I sucked in a ragged breath. “Out of all the rides here, you had to pick this one, didn’t you?” Beads of sweat formed along my scalp. “Did your mother put you up to this? Because if she did, so help me—”
“She didn’t,” Ashley interrupted, a sneaky smile on her face. “But the Dadinator did.”
My face fell.
Screwing my eyes shut, I leaned my head over the safety rail and tilted my face toward the ground.
Whatever you do, I told myself. Don’t open your eyes.
“Anthony Moretti!” I screamed loud enough for him to hear me on the ground below. “When I get off this godforsaken death trap, you and I are going—”
Another jolt. Another scream.
Ashley only laughed harder as I leaned back in the seat, opened my eyes, and clutched the front of my shirt. “I’m certain my heart is about to beat right out of my chest.”
“Don’t worry,” Ashley said. “I’ll catch it if it does. Maybe then…” Her voice trailed off when something, or someone, caught her attention on the ground below.
Her face fell.
All signs of laughter disappeared.
“Ashley, baby.” I whispered. “What’s wrong?”
Tears filled her blue eyes, making my heart clench.
When she didn’t answer me, I forced myself to follow her gaze.
My belly churned, and fear invaded every cell in my body thanks to being suspended midair, but I had to know what the problem was.
When I saw what, or who, Ashley was looking at, understanding set in.
Uh-oh.
“Do you like him?” I asked, pointing down at none other than Chase Jacobs, Ty’s younger brother.
Ashley shrugged. “He’s nice to me,” she said, her eyes locked on Chase. “But he has a girlfriend”—she paused—“and well, she’s not nice.”
“Ah,” I replied. “Let me guess—head cheerleader, prom queen, leader of the Mean Girl crew?”
Ashley nodded. “All the above.”
“I figured.” Wrapping a trembling arm around her back, I pulled her closer. “I know it’s hard, but don’t let girls like that get to you. The only reason they act like little witches is because they’re insecure.”
“How do you know?”
“Because people who are secure in themselves don’t go around tearing others down. You know that old saying, misery loves company? Well, it’s true. People—some, not at all—who are hurt on the inside will try to bring others down to their level. It’s awful, but it’s how some people operate.”
Ashley huffed out a breath. “I hate high school. I’ll be so glad when it’s over.”
“I hated high school too, but life gets better.”
“Did it get better for you?” Her eyes widened. “After you… you…”
“You mean after I escaped my sadistic, abusive husband?”
“Yeah,” she replied, her voice small.
I squeezed her tighter. “Ashley, listen. It’s no secret I’ve been through some horrible stuff and I know you have too. It’s okay to talk to me and to ask questions. There is nothing you can say that will get me upset.” That was one-hundred percent the truth. “To answer your question—yes, things have gotten much, much better.”
Her smile returned. “Do you like Brantley?”
Way to turn the tables, Ash…
“I do,” I replied honestly.
“Is he nice to you?”
I nodded. “He is.”
“He doesn’t hurt you?”
I shook my head. “No. He doesn’t even raise his voice. I swear the man has the patience of a saint.”
“That’s good,” she replied, still looking down at Chase. “Did you ever find out if he was hiring anyone else?”
A sneaky smile spread across my face. “Well, now that you mention it, yes he is hiring, he just doesn’t know it yet.”
Ashley’s eyes widened. It was almost comical. “What do you mean?”
“I leave at two-thirty every day to pick the kids up from school. Brantley usually mans the office after that since we haven’t been very busy, but he’s gaining more clients every day, so he won’t be able to keep up for long.” I paused, taking a breath. “How would you like to come in for a couple of hours after school? All you would have to do is answer the phone and schedule consultations. It’s super easy.”
Her brows furrowed. “Would Brantley be there? I mean, I know he’ll be there, but will I be where he can see me?”
Knowing where this was going, I headed her off at the pass before she could panic or get herself worked up.
“Yes, he can see the front desk from his office,” I said. “And Ashley, from one survivor to another”—I paused—“you can trust, Brantley. He won’t let anything happen to you.”
“Are you sure?”
“Do you think I would put you into a situ
ation I wasn’t sure about?”
Chewing on her bottom lip, a habit we shared, she shook her head. “No.”
“Good,” I said, smiling. “I’m glad we got that cleared up. Now, do you want the job? Because I am not above begging if need be.”
Ashley’s head dipped.
It was the first time she’d pulled her eyes from Chase.
“Yes,” she whispered. “I want the job.”
I threw my arms up in the air. “Yay!” I screamed, drawing the attention of the people in the car above us. “I can’t believe you’re going to be working at the office. It’s your first frickin’ job and I’m so dang proud of you!”
Ashley’s face reddened, and I couldn’t help but laugh.
“Am I embarrassing youuu?”
Her eyes widened. “Just a smidge.”
“Okay, fine,” I huffed. “I’ll try to tone it down.”
Maybe.
“Hey, Clara…”
“Yeah?”
“Thank you.”
“What are you thanking me for?”
“For being my friend.”
I smiled so wide my face almost split. “Always, Ashley Jo,” I replied. “Always.”
Brantley was waiting for Ashley and me when we got off the Ferris Wheel.
Standing at the end of the exit ramp, he wore a pair of dark sweatpants that hugged his lean hips, a faded grey t-shirt that stretched taut across his wide chest and bulging biceps, a fitted ball cap, and black-framed glasses. He looked different than usual, but dear Lord he was so beautiful it made the butterflies in my belly do the cha-cha.
Taking Ashley’s hand in mine, I pulled her down the ramp. “Come on. Let’s go meet your new boss.”
Ashley didn’t reply, but she didn’t pull away either.
“Hey there, Pretty Boy.” The smile stretching across my face was huge. “You sure are looking handsome today.”
His smile mirrored my own. “Come here,” he said, wrapping an arm around my waist, and pulling me into him. Our bodies touched, the scent of his cologne mixed with my perfume, and his minty breath ghosted across my face. “Saw you freaking out up there,” he continued as Ashley dropped my hand, “thought I would have to climb up there to get to you.”
“You would’ve climbed up there to get to me?”
“In a heartbeat,” he replied. “Wherever you need me, I’ll be there. Always, Clara.”
I swooned. Mentally. Physically. Emotionally.
Feeling like I was close to choking up, I hooked a thumb and pointed over my shoulder at Ashley. “I want to introduce you to someone.”
“What?” He asked, confused. “I already know Ashley.”
I shook my head and pulled out of his hold.
Taking a step back, I stood next to Ashley, and bumped her shoulder with my own. “That may be true, but I think it’s time you meet your newest employee.” Before he could ask me what the heck I was talking about, I kept talking. “As Office Manager”—I smirked—“I took the initiative and hired her. She’s going to be working for a few hours each afternoon after I leave. That way”—I paused—“you won’t be running around like a chicken with your head cut off. Plus, she could use the work experience, and well, she needs to work some place where she feels safe.”
Ashley tensed.
Still, I kept talking.
“I explained to her that you’re a solid guy and that you wouldn’t let anything happen to her. Now, I’d like you to reiterate that, because speaking as someone who also needs to feel safe—a need which you’ve fulfilled, I might add—I know how important it is to hear that reassurance.”
Brantley didn’t hesitate. Looking at Ashley, he calmly said, “Nothing will happen to you while I’m around, Ashley. If anyone even looks at you funny, I’ll step in.”
Ashley shifted her weight between her feet. “You won’t let them touch me?”
Chills raced up my spine.
Although different, someone had hurt Ashley in the vilest of ways, just like me.
I understood her question, but it broke my heart—more like obliterated it—to hear her ask such a thing.
Brantley’s jaw ticked, and I knew he was fighting back anger. “If anybody lays a single finger on you, I’ll break it off. Understand?”
Ashley’s eyes flared. Then, a small smile tilted her lips up. “Yep,” she replied. “I think I do.” She turned her head, her gaze locked with mine. “When do I start?”
I fought the urge to pump my fist in the air.
I’ve already embarrassed her enough for one night…
“How does Monday sound?”
Ashley nodded. “I’ll be there… Thanks, Clara.” Arms wrapped around her belly, she shyly looked over at Brantley. “Thanks, B.”
Brantley nodded. “Anytime, A.”
Ashley smiled. “I’m going to find my mom and dad. I’m sure they’ll want to hear this.”
Brantley turned to the side and took a step back, giving her room to get past him. “They’re over by the frozen lemonade stand with Lucca and Melody. I’ll watch you from here to make sure you get there alright.”
Ashley took off running.
Waving over her shoulder, she hollered, “Bye Clara! Bye B!”
We both waved back.
When she made it to her family, Ashley grabbed Shelby by the arm and talked animatedly. Seconds later, Shelby wrapped her arms around her, pulling her in for a hug while Anthony looked over her head toward the place where Brantley and I stood.
With a grateful look on his face, he mouthed the words, “Thank you.”
I smiled, and Brantley gave him a thumbs up.
“You’re something else, you know that?”
I looked over at Brantley. “Is that a good something or a bad something?”
Again, he wrapped an arm around me and pulled me into him. Resting his forehead against mine, he held me close. “Good, Clara. Always good.” Eyes locked with mine, he traced his fingertips down the length of my spine. “Do you have any idea how badly I want to kiss you right now?”
The cha-cha’ing butterflies in my belly kicked it into high gear.
Falling, falling, falling…
I wrapped my arms around his neck. “So kiss me then.”
A heart beat later that’s what he did.
Fifteen Minutes Later…
“Daddy!” Bella shouted above the sound of the carnival games surrounding us. “Win me that pink teddy!” She pointed at a pink teddy bear that wore a tutu and sparkling crown. “I want it for my room!”
Pulling his money clip out of his pocket, Brantley handed the game attendant a five-dollar bill. In return, he received a handful of darts. “How many do I need to hit?” He asked the attendant.
The attendant, a yellow-toothed man in his sixties, smirked. “For the teddy bear you gotta hit all six. Gotta be the same color too or it don’t count.”
Brantley took a step back, a smug look plastered on his face. “Not a problem.”
I held out my hand. “Bella, baby, come stand with me.”
As crowded as the carnival was, I was terrified of losing Bella among the sea of people. I would’ve felt the same about the boys, but they were with Evan, riding all the rides that Bella and I refused to get on.
Face lined with concentration, Brantley raised his hand and tossed the first dart.
Bella and I both cheered when it speared a blue balloon, popping it.
“Do it again, Daddy!”
Raising his hand, Brantley tossed another dart, popping a second blue balloon.
Then he did it again.
And again.
And once more.
“You won’t hit this one, boy,” the attendant said when only one dart remained.
Boy? Did he call Brantley, of all people, boy?
Brantley paid the man no mind as he raised his hand and tossed the final dart.
Direct hit.
The balloon exploded, and Bella screamed.
Wrapping her arms around her
daddy’s leg, she jumped up and down. “You won my teddy, Daddy! You’re the best daddy ever! Thank you sooo much!”
A smiling Brantley ran his fingers through Bella’s hair. “You’re welcome, princesa.”
The pissy-looking attendant grabbed the bear and handed it to Bella with a grunt.
I shot daggers at him with my eyes, but like Brantley had done with him seconds earlier, he paid me no attention.
“Come on,” Brantley said to me as he picked Bella and her new teddy up.
She squealed, and my heart warmed. I could’ve watched her and Brantley together all day long. They were both so beautiful, so in love with one another. “Let’s go find the boys.”
I stepped closer. “Let’s go.”
With that, we headed for the bumper cars.
Ten Minutes Later
I couldn’t stop laughing.
“Who in the hell thought it would be a good idea to let Grandmama on the bumper cars?” Hendrix asked from beside me.
Maddie, who stood on the other side of him holding a three-week-old Maci in a baby carrier on her chest, shrugged. “She’s happy. That’s all that matters.”
Hendrix looked down at her like she was crazy. “Of course she’s happy. She’s getting to ram people with a plastic car. Just wait until she does that shit in real life with her Caddy. I’m not bailing her crazy ass out of jail.”
Pressing a kiss to the cop of Maci’s head, Maddie smiled. “Yes you will.”
Hendrix frowned, but he didn’t bother to argue.
What was the point? Everyone knew Maddie was right.
“Mama!” Liam hollered. “Watch me!”
I waved, letting him know I was watching.
Seconds later, he slammed his car into the front of the one Evan was driving.
“Oh, you‘ll pay for that,” Evan said, smiling.
Making a sharp right, Evan gave chase.
Declan, who had a squealing Bella seated beside him, followed, and Grandmama, Lord bless her, brought up the tail end of the line. I’m sure the people in the next county could hear her cackling like a crazy person as she turned left, then right, hitting every person possible.
