Page 162 of Chasing Sparks

I settle into his arms, allowing myself the luxury of contentment for the first time in weeks.

The truth is, I’m happy staying right here forever. Reality be damned.

But reality isn’t content to wait outside.

“Ash, are you in there?” Braden’s voice comes from the other side of the door before it cracks open. “It’s not locked, so yell if you’re naked.”

“What do you want?” Ash asks, refusing to release his hold on me. “Can’t you see I’m busy?”

Braden sighs, shaking his head. “Lucille was wondering where you went. She picked up some fancy cake for you andwants to sing happy birthday. Figured I’d track you down before she did.”

Ash groans, his aggravation clear. “I’ll be right there.”

Just like that, the glitter falls away from our brief interlude.

Once again, I’m reminded that another woman lives with the man I love.

“You’d better go.”

“Nah, I’m happy here.” Ash’s arms tighten around me, his lips brushing my temple as if to prove his point.

“Ash, she’s pregnant.”

“I’m aware.”

I’ll bet you are.

“How far along is she?” I ask, even though I don’t care to know the answer.

He shrugs, his gaze flicking to the ceiling. “I’m not sure. Nineteen weeks, I think?”

“You think?”

“I don’t keep track,” he says flatly, dragging a hand through his hair.

“Huh.” I cross my arms, bracing myself. “What room are you making the nursery?”

His brow furrows, confusion clear in his expression. “None. She’s moving in with her cousin in a month or so.”

“Really?”

“Yep. In California.”

“That’s so far away.”

“That’s why they built planes,” he replies dryly, a frustrated tone to his voice.

“Won’t you miss them being here?”

He groans, leaning back against the headboard. “No. Not at all. In fact, if we’re being honest, I’m sick to death of her being here.”

My eyes widen at his biting remarks, and I press my lips together to hold back the sharp retort bubbling in my throat.

So much for Ash being a doting dad. Hell, he sounds like he’d be happier never seeing his child.

“Sorry,” he says after a moment, his voice softening as his gaze meets mine. He reaches out, brushing a hand over my arm. “I’m just tired of her coming in between us.”

But … she’ll always be between us.

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