Page 2 of Asher

I scowled. “How would you feel if Rylie was the one that ran in there without thinking?”

“That’s different.” He leaned against the wall next to me. A few bushes blocked us from the entrance to the emergency room.

“How?” I asked defeated because it sure as hell didn’t feel like it was any different.

Mason lifted one shoulder. “Because she’s my wife. The mother of my unborn child. I love her. “

“I—” I hesitated, snapping my mouth shut.

“You what?” Mason shoved his hands in his pockets, pushing me to continue. “Do you love her? Is that what this is about?”

“I care about her,” I said carefully.

“That’s fucking weak. I care about Haley. Do you love her?”

“I do,” I whispered. The confession drained every ounce of energy from my body.

“Are you in love with her?” He asked.

My heart constricted, cracking. “No,” I said firmly. I couldn’t be.

Mason scoffed. “That’s a load of bullshit.” I glared at him, working my jaw back and forth as he continued. “If you aren’t going to admit it, you don’t get to react the way you did. You don’t get a say in what she does or how she acts.” He pushed off the wall, facing me. “For what it’s worth, though? I think you are in love with her. And if you don’t admit that sooner rather than later, you’re going to lose her.”

“I’m not in love with Haley,” I said. The words tasted like acid as I tried to convince myself and Mason.

A throat cleared from a few feet away. Mason and I both snapped our heads to Rylie and Haley, who stood a few feet away. Rylie scowled at me while Haley averted her eyes in every direction but mine.

Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.

“Haley,” I started and took a step toward her. She shook her head, making me stumble to a stop. Her bright blue eyes dulled from my stupid words.

Haley looked at Mason. “Stephanie wants to see everyone.” Her voice cracked as she spun on her toes, booking it back into the hospital. I took off after her, but Rylie caught my arm, halting me. I would’ve pulled out of her grip, but she was pregnant. I wouldn’t risk throwing her off balance.

“Asher.” My name dripped with disappointment.

I kept my eyes locked on Haley’s retreating figure until her long, blonde hair disappeared. My stomach sank and my heart ached when she was no longer in sight. I needed to pull her into my arms. I needed to hold her. “Let me go. I need to explain.”

“Give her time. It’s been a long day. Emotions are running high,” Rylie said, still pissed at me.

“Fuck.” I closed my eyes and rubbed my forehead. “Fine.” The three of us walked back into the waiting room to see Grayson rubbing circles on Haley’s back as he held her. I couldn’t see her face, but I probably didn’t want to. Gray gave me a questioning look over her head. Dread washed over me.

I just fucked everything up.

CHAPTER ONE

HALEY

“You understand the plan?”I asked Phoenix as I mixed the chocolate chip cookie dough. I should probably use the stand mixer sitting in the corner of Asher’s kitchen, but I enjoyed mixing by hand.

It was a shame, though.

Asher’s mom bought the mixer for Christmas, and while most would love a $200 kitchen appliance, they had barely used it.

I swear Asher and Nix didn’t even cook unless I did it for them.

“I got it.” Nix smiled widely, rubbing her little hands together in a Disney villain sort of way. Her dark brown eyes twinkled, looking so much like her dad’s.

The high school football team had spring practice this week, meaning he would be home late. I offered to pick up Phoenix and hang out with her while Asher coached. I loved this little girl like my own. Not to mention my mischievous side had rubbed off on her.

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