Page 111 of Chasing Sparks

I’m fully aware he won’t stay there for long, but at least it gives him a healthy start to the day. Plus, I’m worried about him. Even with his insane schedule, he always took the time to text me goodnight, even managing a few sexy comments to keep me sated during our time apart.

But last night? His reply was brusque—cold, almost.

Since I know I haven’t done anything to anger him, something else must be upsetting him, and I intend to figure out what.

I pull up to his farmhouse, my gaze falling on an unfamiliar sedan parked next to Ash’s truck.

That’s odd.

But I shake off the thought and grab my basket of goodies from the backseat.

I stroll up the walkway and ring the bell but freeze when the door opens.

Standing on the threshold is a woman wearing a curious expression.

Trust me, lady, I’m wondering who the hell you are, too.

First thing I notice? She’s tall, at least 5’9”, and towers over me. The second thing? She’s stunning. Her bright pink hair tumbles over her shoulders, and her eyes are an almost jarring shade of blue. Tattoos travel the length of both arms and across her chest in a colorful floral motif, all accentuating her impossibly ample tits.

Yes, I look. No doubt with the shirt she’s wearing, that’s exactly what she intends.

Then I notice the third thing about this gorgeous stranger—her slightly distended belly. It’s not over-the-top obvious, but as a woman, I can tell.

She’s pregnant.

Guess that whole pregnancy glow isn’t a myth.

“Can I help you?” she asks, leaning against the doorframe.

I hope someone can, because I have a million questions about why Braden is dating a pregnant woman. Namely, is ithisbaby? If so, this discovery will devastate poor Mina.

Can’t say I blame her because I’d feel the same way.

I lift the basket of breakfast food. “I came to see Ash. Is he here?”

A soft smile touches her lips. “You must be Ori.”

“I am. And you are?”

She extends one hand, her grip friendly and firm. “I’m Lucille.”

Just like that, the bottom of my world drops out.

Lucille is not a common name. There’s zero chance that Braden is dating someone with the same name as the woman who broke Ash’s heart all those years ago.

Which means this is Ash’s Lucille—aka, his one true love.

Fuck, I need answers.

“Umm … are you visiting?” I stammer, my voice cracking under the dread.

“Staying here for a while. We wanted a safe place for the baby and me.”

We wanted a safe place? We, as in her and Ash?

I need to leave because I’m milliseconds away from a total meltdown. My chest tightens, and I can’t seem to get any air into my lungs as the reality of the situation settles over me.

Lucille is back, and she’s carrying Ash’s baby.

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