Page 14 of Coveting Catherine

Catherine settled in and began listing everything she knew about her friend.

The conversation rolled over and over in his mind. Why did it bother him? Leo hit the steering wheel in frustration. Now more determined than ever, Leo vowed to figure out why Catherine’s demeanor changed at learning of her husband’s return from the dead.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Claire smiled as Catherine took a seat on the sofa. Joe and Maddie offered Chase and Kassie's cabin for Claire and Catherine to speak privately. It had taken all her strength to walk away from her excited daughter. The sooner she finished convincing Claire of her desire to have Ash home with her, the faster she got back to Melody.

Claire regarded Catherine with a critical eye. “Catherine, I know this has come as a shock to you. Do you want to talk about how you're feeling?”

Catherine pulled the hair away from her face, “Naturally, it came as a huge surprise. It's not all the time your dead husband turns up alive after three years.” And she was the lucky winner…

Claire nodded. “How did you feel about it? Leo mentioned you were angry when you left.”

Catherine shifted in her seat and realized Claire analyzed every move she made. “Yes, I'm angry Leo kept my husband from me. It wasn't fair I wasn't notified immediately. I deserved to know.” It wasn’t fair I wasn’t warned in time to run away.

“Do you understand why Ash didn't want to see you immediately? Were you angry at him for staying hidden?” Claire set her pencil down and relaxed in the chair as if they were chatting like two dear friends.

Catherine laughed slightly. I don’t understand at all. Yes, I’m angry more than you can even imagine. I’m hurt, and terrified for myself and most importantly for my child and Leo. “Men. You never know what they're thinking. I guess I felt more hurt than angry. Ash and I were happily married for a little over three years. It hurt to think he didn't want to run home to us. I understand why after Leo and Ash explained more about it at the cabin. I usually let my feelings overtake my common sense.” When I lost Leo and slept with Ash. If I admit everything now, can the team protect Leo and Melody? No, she can’t risk losing either of them. Ash played the game sneakily. Leo had no idea of the hatred Ash held for him.

“Why did you leave?” Claire took a sip of coffee and played with the cup's rim.

Because I realized I lost my chance to live my life with the man I loved. Catherine focused her gaze on the side of the mountain where Ash held her daughter. “I found myself overwhelmed. I lived the life as the wife of a Navy SEAL. Then suddenly, one day, someone came to my door telling me he died. It felt like one cruel joke.” Catherine didn't have to lie about this question. It was precisely how she felt.

“Do you have any questions for me?” Claire's eyebrows raised in question.

“Leo mentioned they suffer from PTSD. Does Ash pose a threat to me or my child? Obviously, I'm anxious to welcome him home, but I'm aware of triggers and such. What do I do if something triggers him?” Catherine licked her lips. Fear over Melody’s safety remained at the forefront of her mind. For once, she finally understood Kassie's frustration when Catherine kept meddling. Please say you recommend he stays here on the mountain and away from us.

Claire rose from the chair and handed Catherine a pamphlet full of information on PTSD. “The truth is, I've met with Ash a few times. He seems to handle stressors relatively well. He says he has difficulty sleeping at night, which is normal. Triggers can be caused by different things. It doesn't come in one form such as loud noises. It can be as simple as staying in a crowded room, crying babies, or a dog barking. Other times, it can be an odor or an emotion such as anger, sadness, or feeling overwhelmed. Even a scene from a movie can affect a person. I don't think Ash has figured out all his triggers right now.”

“How do I help?” Catherine flipped through the pamphlet. She worked on the veteran's unit a few times. Working a shift and caring for someone for eight to twelve hours with staff ready to assist you didn't compare to living with someone struggling with PTSD every day. Nor did she have a small child to care for and protect when she worked on the floors. How badly did Ash suffer from PTSD? The more she thought about it, the more her anxiety climbed. Melody's safety convinced Catherine to get Ash into support groups and play an active role in his healing. It benefited their lives until she figured out how to escape his clutches.

Claire shrugged her shoulders. “Each person experiences PTSD differently. Therapy, recognizing signs of distress, learning coping skills, and how to help someone when they experience a flashback is a start. Support groups are available to both of you. I can help you navigate your way through it, too. Chase hired me on at the hospital. When they return from their honeymoon, Ash can get the help he needs right here on the mountain.”

“Are you saying Ash can't come home with me?” Catherine asked and prayed.

“I'm saying it's not an easy road. You'll be required to stay vigilant, patient, understanding, and aware of what resources you have around you. Luckily, the team will be here to help you navigate it. The question remains if you’re ready?” Claire cocked her head to the side.

It was now or never. Catherine closed her eyes, recalling how stupidly she allowed Ash to talk her into this nightmare of a marriage.

Her wedding night. Somehow, with the shock of finding out about the pregnancy and getting married, she forgot about the honeymoon. Ash showed up in a three-piece suit. He insisted she wear her wedding gown and hired a photographer to take pictures after the ceremony in the park across the street from the courthouse. He drove them to his apartment and carried her luggage, which she placed in the trunk of his car.

“I'll pick us up some dinner. I cleared out the two bottom drawers in the dresser and made some room in the closet for your clothes. I already set the table for us to have a fancy dinner. Don't change, you look beautiful in your wedding dress.” Ash kissed her cheek as he left her standing in the middle of the living room.

Three hours later, she sat at the dining room table, regretting her hasty decision. Playing with the delicate lace and beading on her veil, she glanced at her phone again. Ash wasn't answering her calls. He insisted he drive her to his apartment, and they’d retrieve her car the next day. She began to pace when she heard the key slide into the door. An extremely drunk Ash slinked inside carrying a takeout bag from a fast-food restaurant and threw it on the table.

“Honey, I'm home.” He drunkenly exclaimed and burst into laughter as Catherine watched in horror. “Ugh, oh. Married less than a day, and the little woman is already pissed off.” He exaggeratedly whispered in her ear.

“Ash, I think we've made a mistake. I want to go home. We'll figure out how to co-parent—” Ash slapped her across the face, sending her reeling onto the couch.

“Oh no. You made your bed, and now you'll lie in it. You'll do what I tell you and when. Now get up and eat the burger I brought you.” Ash menacingly ordered as he leaned over her.

“I'm not hungry.” Catherine defiantly replied. If he thought of bullying her, he had another thing coming.

Ash grabbed her hair and tugged her face within an inch of his. The stench of alcohol on his breath sent her sensitive stomach rolling.

“Eat it, damn you. Or the next mission I go on, I'll make sure Leo comes back in a body bag,” he threatened.

Catherine shakily sat at the table as Ash pulled out the cold, greasy sandwich, and a bag of fries from the bag. He went into the kitchen, poured her a glass of apple juice, and slapped it on the table, making her jump.

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