Page 58 of Renewal After Dark

“He did that to himself.”

“Yes, he did. I was hoping he might get a more positive second act at some point, you know?”

“Yeah, I get that.”

“I wanted that for him and for Ash. And now… The not knowing is the worst part. I want them to find him—and I don’t want them to find him.”

“Both those things can be true.”

“I suppose so.”

“Why don’t you lie down and try to get a little rest?”

“I feel like I’ll go crazy if I stop moving.”

“You won’t. I promise. You and the baby need rest. As long as Blaine is with the girls, you should try to take a nap.”

“I’ll try.”

“Big Mac and Linda are having everyone to the marina for dinner. Stephanie is over there helping him set up. I know you’re probably not in the mood for a big gathering, but you’re more than welcome to join us if you feel up to it.”

“I might like to do something like that. I’ll see how I feel later on.”

“No pressure. Come if you feel like it.”

“Thanks for the invite and the talk. It helps that you get it.”

“Oh, honey, of course I do. You once loved that man with all your heart. Even if you wanted to punch him half the time lately, you’d never want this.”

A sob came from the deepest part of her. “No, I wouldn’t. How will I ever tell Ash?”

“You’ll find the words you need when the time is right.”

“It’ll break her little heart. How do I do that to my precious girl?”

“We’ll all be there to support her.”

Tiffany heard the tears in her sister’s voice. Maddie loved her girls as much as Tiffany did. This would break the hearts of everyone who loved Ashleigh.

“That helps. I just can’t believe this is happening. As much as I wished at times that he’d just go away and leave us alone, I never wanted this.”

“I know, sweetie. None of us wanted this.”

“I’ll let you know about dinner. The change of scenery and time with friends might do me good.”

“I think it would. Everyone wants to hug you.”

“Thanks for checking on me. Call me any time you need to talk. Don’t worry about waking up the babies. They sleep through the madness around here.”

“What are you hearing about Kelsey and Jeff?”

“They’re moving him to rehab soon, and she’s feeling a little better. The broken arm is still giving her a lot of pain, but it’s less every day.”

“Those poor kids.”

“Big Mac is sick over it. Mac told me his dad is going to deposit money into their accounts, so they have everything they need.”

“Of course he is.”

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