Chapter 13
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Ashlyn
“Ican’t believe she’s awake,” I choke out, tears streaming down my cheeks.
“It’s the best news, baby,” Ben murmurs as he wraps me in his arms, holding me tight against his chest. I cling to him, a huge smile breaking through my tears.
When the doctors said they were going to try bringing Taylor out of the medically-induced coma this morning, we were all on edge.
But within an hour, she was awake, sitting up in bed, and talking.
I’d taken the day off to be there when she woke, and after spending some time with her, the only place I wanted to be was here, with Ben.
It had only been a few days since he stayed at my apartment, but the moment I knew she was okay, he was the first person I wanted to tell.
“Let me take you out tonight, to celebrate,” he says softly, and I tilt my head back to meet his gaze.
“Just the two of us?” I ask, catching my bottom lip between my teeth.
He smiles, his eyes flicking down to my mouth before finding mine again. “Just us,” he murmurs, leaning in so his lips brush against my ear.
My heart stutters as I grin up at him. “I’d like that.”
“I’ll make a reservation and pick you up at seven,” he says, his voice warm.
I nod and stretch up on my toes to press a soft kiss to his lips. “I should get going. I’m heading back to the hospital to see Sophie and the baby.”
Sophie had given birth to my beautiful nephew a few days ago.
They were both doing well, but since Hunter had arrived a little early, they were keeping him in the hospital for observation.
It felt like a huge burden had finally lifted.
Taylor was awake, and Sophie and the baby were healthy. We could all finally breathe again.
“Okay, baby. Have fun,” Ben says, squeezing me gently before I step away.
I leave his office and head toward the parking lot, excitement bubbling in my chest at the thought of tonight. Our first proper date. We’d had dinner at my place before, but this would be the first time we were actually going out together.
As much as I want to see Sophie and Hunter, I could use a little advice before dinner. Ivy’s out of town for work, but I saw Paisley this morning at the hospital and know she has a shift at Eden later today. If I’m lucky, I can catch her at home before she leaves.
Five minutes later, I’m pulling up outside Nash’s place.
I was hoping he’d be at work, but his truck in the driveway kills that hope fast. I groan, bracing myself for the lecture I know he’ll give me about Ben.
Maybe I should just head to the hospital and catch Paisley at Eden later.
I’m still debating whether to stay or drive off when the front door swings open and Paisley comes jogging toward me.
I lower the window as she reaches the car.
“You planning on coming in?” she asks, a grin tugging at her lips. “I saw you pull up.”
I make a face. “Is Nash home?”
She shakes her head, a slight frown forming. “No, he’s out walking Max before his shift. Why?”
Relieved, I turn off the engine and climb out of the car. “Everything’s fine. I just wasn’t in the mood for another lecture.”
Paisley gives me a knowing look as we start toward the house, her arm hooking through mine. “About Ben?”
“Yep.” I exhale heavily. “I’m guessing he mentioned finding Ben at my place the other night?”
She snorts. “You could say that. It’s come up once… or five times.”
I roll my eyes. “He’s infuriating.”
“Agreed.” She laughs. “But lucky for you, he’s not here. So, you’re safe. For now.” She nudges me playfully as we step into the kitchen then head straight for the coffee machine. “I, on the other hand, want details. All of them.”
Her raised brows and teasing grin make me laugh despite myself.
A few minutes later, I’m settled on the sofa with a steaming mug of coffee in my hands as Paisley flops down beside me. She turns toward me expectantly. “Okay, what’s going on with you two?”
Paisley knows that Ben has a daughter and is technically still married. Everything came out at the bachelorette, but she doesn’t know Ben and I have decided to give this thing a proper shot. I take a breath, then sip my coffee before answering. “He’s taking me out tonight. On a date.”
Her face lights up, and she reaches for my hand, squeezing. “That’s amazing! So, you guys talked things through?”
I nod. “That’s why he was at my place the other night. It’s… complicated, though, Paisley. I want this to work. I really like him,” I admit in a whisper.
Paisley gives my hand another squeeze. “Anything worth having is worth fighting for.”
A smile tugs at my lips. “That’s exactly what Taylor said before the accident.”
“She’s right,” Paisley says, smiling back.
“I know.” I sigh. “And I always expected I’d have to fight my brothers when the right guy came along. Nash is proving that to be true and he doesn’t know the half of it yet, but I was ready for that. This stuff with Ben’s daughter and wife? I never saw that coming.”
Paisley gives me a sympathetic look. “I don’t think anyone could’ve predicted that, Ash. But you know your brothers will come around eventually, right?”
“Will they?” My doubt slips out before I can stop it.
She squeezes my hand. “Once they see how much he cares about you, nothing else will matter.”
“I hope you’re right.”
Before she can say anything else, Max comes barreling into the living room, launching himself straight onto Paisley’s lap. She laughs, steadying him with both hands.
“Looks like Nash is back,” she says, scratching behind Max’s ears.
“Then that’s my cue to get out of here,” I mutter, setting my coffee down and standing up.
“Ash–” Paisley starts.
I shake my head. “I can’t deal with him today.”
She gives me a sad smile but doesn’t push. Just as I’m about to head for the door, Nash walks into the living room. His eyes immediately land on me.
“Hey, Ash. What are you doing here?”
“She was visiting me,” Paisley answers smoothly, pushing Max off her lap and standing as Nash crosses the room to kiss her.
“I was just leaving,” I say, walking toward the kitchen.
“Not because of me, I hope?” Nash asks, sounding casual. But we both know it isn’t.
“No,” I lie. “I’ve just got somewhere I need to be.”
I grab my purse off the counter, but when I turn back, Nash has followed me into the kitchen, effectively blocking my way out.
“So, what’s going on with you and this guy?” he asks.
“Nash,” Paisley warns, her tone sharp.
He holds up his hands. “I’m just asking.”
I take a deep breath, willing myself to stay calm. “His name is Ben,” I say evenly.
Nash frowns. “What?”
“Ben,” I repeat, more firmly this time. “Not ‘this guy.’ Ben.”
“Fine,” he says, his jaw tightening. “What’s going on with you and Ben?”
I roll my eyes. “What do you think is going on? We’re dating, Nash.”
He just stares at me for a second, his arms crossing over his chest. “I don’t like him.”
“You don’t know him,” I shoot back, scoffing.
“Nash,” Paisley says, stepping in. “Leave it.”
“I need to go. Move,” I snap, trying hard to keep a lid on my frustration.
He reluctantly steps aside, but just as I reach the front door, his voice stops me cold.
“Seb said he saw you two arguing at Eden a few days before the bachelorette. He heard Ben mention a wife. Is he married, Ashlyn?”
My hand freezes on the doorknob. Of course Seb said something. And if Nash knows, then there’s a good chance my other brothers do too. My stomach turns at the thought.
“I don’t owe you an explanation, Nash,” I say, turning back to face him.
His eyes widen. “Jesus. He is. He’s got a kid too, right? Are you ready to be a mom?”
“You know nothing.”
He shrugs. “Then enlighten me.”
I don’t know why I’m even contemplating entertaining him, but I do, if only to shut him up.
“Ben’s daughter is eighteen,” I say, rolling my eyes. “It’s not like I’m about to be making formula or changing diapers. And even if I were, that’s my choice to make, not yours.”
“Eighteen!” He whips his head toward Paisley, who’s now standing behind him in the entryway. “Did you know about all this?”
I glance at Paisley, guilt tugging at me. I close my eyes, swallowing down the urge to snap again. “I’m leaving. Thanks for listening, Paisley. I’ll see you soon.”
“Bye, Ash,” she says gently.
I walk out, leaving them in the middle of another argument I never wanted to start. I know Paisley’s on my side, but I hate that I might be the reason they’re clashing again. It’s happened before, and I swore it wouldn’t happen again.