Page 175 of Chasing Sparks

Ash hops into the driver’s seat and leans over to steal a kiss before backing out of the parking spot. “How are you feeling?”

“Better.”

In truth, I feel immense relief. Not only is Ash supportive, but he actually seems excited.

Granted, it’s not a normal family situation, but it could be far worse.

Far, far worse.

Ash rests his arm on the center console, and I wrap my hand around it, resting my head against his biceps. I smile when he presses a kiss to my hair.

“What do you think everyone will say?” I ask.

“About what?”

About your choice of breakfast food, Ash. What the hell do you think I mean?

“The baby?” I lift my head to look at him, but he keeps his eyes on the road.

“We’re not telling anyone yet, remember? It’s still early.”

“Right, but what about Braden … and Lucille? They live at the farm. They have to know why I’m staying with you.”

I bite my lip, desperate to keep my voice steady. I understand not wanting the whole town to know, but Braden is his brother,and Lucille is already tangled up in this mess. Keeping it from them feels … wrong.

Ash tightens his grip on the wheel, his knuckles whitening. “We tell them the same thing we’d tell anyone else—that you’re exhausted, overworked, and need a break for a few days.”

“That’s not the whole truth, though.”

“Ori.” His tone softens, but there’s tension in the way he says my name. “It’s not about lying. It’s about timing. We need to keep this between us for now, except for whoever you’ve already told. And they need to keep quiet, too.”

“But—”

“Ori, please don’t argue with me about this. I’m just trying to protect you.”

The words hit me like a dull thud. Protect me. From what, exactly?

I slump against the seat, the elation I felt just moments ago now gone. That cold, hollow feeling? She’s here to stay.

I turn toward the window, shifting in my seat so Ash won’t see the tears sliding down my cheek.

Wiping them with the palm of my hand, I nod, determined to put on a brave face. “That’s fine.”

“Hey.” Ash’s voice is soft and pleading. “It’s not perfect, but it’s safer this way. Just for now.”

That’s when I realize the truth.

He’s not worried about protectingme. He’s worried about himself.

Of course, he doesn’t want anyone to know.

How would it look? Two baby mamas in six months?

Honestly, I’m shocked Ash hasn’t been in this situation before, considering his reputation.

Stupid woman, thinking he was going to change because you loved him. Because you were different.

I’ve had this exact conversation with countless friends over the years, counseling them on the futility of betting on someone changing.

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