Chapter 20
CHAPTER TWENTY
Ashlyn
Ben gives my hand a reassuring squeeze as I push open the living room door. Conversation halts, and all eyes turn toward us. Cade’s expression is grim, but I ignore him and stride across the room.
“Mom, Dad, you remember Ben?”
My mom rises from her seat and offers a warm smile. “Of course. Hello, Ben,” she says, pulling him into a hug.
“Hi, Mrs. Brookes. Nice to see you again. You too, Mr. Brookes.”
“Hi, son,” my dad greets from the sofa. “Come on in and have a seat.”
“Call us Tessa and Henry,” my mom says warmly.
Ben nods with a smile as we settle onto the sofa.
“How’s my favorite nephew doing?” I ask Sophie, who’s cradling him in her arms.
She beams. “He’s amazing. Feeding like a champ and sleeping three-hour stretches. He’s perfect.” She presses a gentle kiss to his head before looking at me. “Do you want to hold him?”
“I thought you’d never ask!”
I stand and cross the room to the loveseat where Sophie and Cade are sitting. Sophie carefully places Hunter in my arms, and I gaze down at him, completely smitten.
“His face has changed since I last saw him,” I say as I return to my seat next to Ben. “He looks different every time I see him.” Hunter stirs briefly, and I gently bounce him until he settles.
“He’s changing every day,” Sophie says with a soft smile. “I can’t believe he’s already a week old.”
“Whose car is that in the driveway?” a voice asks from behind us.
I glance over my shoulder to see Nash strolling into the room, Paisley beside him. The moment his eyes land on Ben, his expression hardens into a grimace.
“What’s he doing here?” Nash snaps, his glare locked on Ben.
Ben stands and extends a hand. “Good to see you again, Nash.”
“Is it?”
My mom rises from the sofa, her tone firm. “That’s enough, Nash. I raised you better than that. Ashlyn invited Ben for dinner, and you will be polite.”
“Like hell I will. You do know he’s married, right?” Nash snaps.
I sigh inwardly and turn my attention to Hunter, letting my fingers gently stroke his cheek.
In this moment, he becomes my anchor in the chaos.
Deep down, I expected my brothers to react this way, but a part of me had hoped they’d look past everything and just see how much being with Ben means to me, despite all the obstacles in our way.
“As was Paisley when you first brought her here,” my mom counters before glancing at Paisley. “Sorry, sweetheart. I’m just making a point.”
Paisley offers a small smile. “It’s fine, Tessa. It’s true.”
“That was completely different, and you know it,” Nash argues.
Paisley steps past him and approaches Ben with a warm smile. “It is good to see you again, Ben.” Rising onto her tiptoes, she presses a light kiss on his cheek.
Ben smiles. “Thanks, Paisley.”
“So, we’re just going to ignore the fact that he’s nearly twenty years older than her?” Nash snaps, his expression still dark with frustration. “Cade, back me up here.”
Cade lifts his hands in surrender. “I agree. He’s too old for her. But it doesn’t look like she’s listening to us anyway.”
“Enough!” My dad’s voice thunders through the room, making me jump.
I can’t remember the last time he raised his voice.
I steal a glance at Nash, who looks just as shocked as I feel.
Henry Brookes is a quiet, patient man, fiercely protective of those he loves but never one to yell.
A knot of anxiety tightens in my stomach as I wonder if he’s finally had enough and is about to throw Ben out.
“We have a guest, and you two,” he says, pointing at Nash and Cade, “are acting like children, not to mention being downright rude!”
Nash opens his mouth to argue, but my dad holds up a hand. “I know you love Ash. You’ve always been protective of her, even when she was a kid. But she’s not a kid anymore. Who she chooses to be with is her decision.”
“But–” Nash starts.
“No buts. How would you have felt if we’d treated Paisley the way you’re treating Ben? I’m guessing you would’ve walked out by now.”
Nash doesn’t respond, his gaze dropping to the floor.
“Ash has always looked up to you,” my dad continues. “She wants your approval. But if you keep this up, you risk pushing her away for good, and I wouldn’t blame her.”
A heavy silence fills the room as Ben gently squeezes my hand.
“Now,” my dad continues, his voice firm but calm. “Can we try to enjoy this evening as a family? Seb and Taylor will be here soon, and after everything they’ve been through, I’m just grateful that we’re all here and healthy.”
“I couldn’t agree more,” Paisley chimes in, offering me a reassuring smile. “Can I get a Hunter cuddle?” she asks, gazing down at the sleeping baby.
“Well, if I have to share…” I joke, trailing off.
“You do!” She reaches down and plucks him from my arms, holding him close to her chest. “Oh, he smells so good,” she says, inhaling deeply.
Nash finally drops into a seat beside Dad. He stays silent, but the deep scowl on his face says everything. It’s obvious that my dad’s words haven’t changed his mind one bit.
Despite Nash’s silence, the conversation in the room carries on, mostly between Mom, Sophie, and Paisley. Feeling like I need a breather after everything that’s been said, I turn to Ben.
“Help me grab some drinks?” I whisper.
“Sure.”
I stand, and he follows. “Ben and I will get some drinks,” I announce, quickly making my way out of the room before anyone can object.
Once we’re safely in the kitchen, I lean against the breakfast bar with a deep sigh.
Ben steps closer, wrapping his arms around me. “You okay?”
“I should be asking you that,” I murmur into his chest. “I’m so sorry about Nash and Cade.”
He exhales slowly. “Hopefully, they’ve said their piece, and that’s the end of it.”
I want to believe him, but the doubt lingers.
Ben
I close my eyes, holding Ash tightly. Maybe I’m being selfish for wanting to be with her.
I knew from the start how close she was to her family, and she never hid the fact that her brothers are fiercely protective.
Our age gap was always going to be a challenge, but after tonight, after seeing Nash and Cade’s reactions, I can’t help but wonder if it’s going to be the thing that breaks us.
After a few moments, she lifts her head, her eyes locking onto mine. “If you want to walk away now, before things get too deep…”
She trails off, and my stomach tightens. I frown. “Walk away? Is that what you want?”
She shakes her head quickly. “No! But if you do–”
“I don’t,” I cut in firmly. “Plus, it’s already too late for that, Ash. I’m already in too deep.”
Her eyes widen slightly. “You are?”
I chuckle. “Yes, baby. I am.”
A small smile tugs at her lips as she bites down on her bottom lip. “Me too.”
I lean down, brushing a soft kiss against her lips. “I’m not going anywhere, okay?”
Her smile grows. “Okay.”
The kitchen door swings open and Tessa steps in, pausing when she sees us. A small smile tugs at her lips. “Sorry to interrupt,” she says, waving a hand dismissively. “Pretend I’m not here.”
She moves past us, focusing on whatever’s cooking on the stove. Only now do I fully register the mouthwatering aroma filling the room.
“That smells amazing,” I say, loosening my hold on Ash and threading my fingers through hers instead.
“Need any help?” Ash offers.
Tessa shakes her head, her back still turned.
“No, sweetheart. I’ve got it. It’s nearly done.
” She gives the pot one final stir before turning to face us, her expression apologetic.
“Ben, I’m so sorry about Nash and Cade. I promise they’re not usually that rude.
Something about Ash dating has always driven them a little crazy. But give them time.”
“Part of me appreciates how much they care,” I admit.
“A very small part,” Ash mutters, making me chuckle.
“I just want to prove to them, and to you, how much Ash means to me, so no one ever has to question it.”
Sliding my arm around Ash’s waist, I pull her gently against my side.
Tessa watches us for a moment before nodding. “I can see how much you care about her, Ben. We just want her to be happy. That’s all any of us want.”
“I promise to do my best to make that happen.”
Tessa smiles warmly. “That’s all I needed to hear.” She turns back to the stove but then glances over her shoulder. “Ash mentioned you have a daughter.”
I nod.
“She’s more than welcome to join us for dinner sometime.”
“Thank you, Tessa. She’s a little… hesitant about our relationship right now, but once she warms up to the idea, I’m sure she’d love to.”
Tessa gives me a sympathetic smile. “Well, the invitation stands whenever she’s ready.”
Tessa turns back to the stove. “Are you two actually getting those drinks, or are you just hiding out in here all night?” she teases.
Ash groans. “Ugh, I guess we have to go back in there at some point.” She sighs dramatically before looking at me. “You grab the beers; I’ll get the sodas and wine.”
A few minutes later, we’re standing in the hallway.
“Ready?” I ask. She pulls a face, making me chuckle. “I’ll take that as a no.”
“Maybe Nash and Cade had a sudden change of heart while we were in here, and now they’re your biggest fans.”
I laugh. “Let’s hope so.”
She takes a deep breath, plasters on a smile, and pushes the door open. I know she’s putting on a brave face. I can feel her hesitation just as much as my own. It does feel a little like stepping into a lion’s den, but I follow her lead, force a smile, and walk in.