Page 131 of With Us (Next Generation 2)

A laugh mixed with a sob, escaped me.

Ashton only hugged me tighter.

“Meadow, tell him to keep his hands to himself.”

I pulled away from Ashton.

He frowned.

“I’m sorry.” I wiped my face, letting out a harsh breath. “I could hear him grumbling like he was actually here. I know it doesn’t make sense.”

Ashton tilted his head. “Did he say for me to stop touching you?”

I laughed lightly, thankful that he didn’t think I was going crazy. “Something like that.”

Ashton gave me a small smile. “I’ll keep my hands to myself, Meadow. I promise. I know when I’m no longer needed.”

I stared up at him.

He gave me a small smile, his shoulders lifting with a slight shrug.

“Thank you for taking care of me,” I told him as a large shadow came up behind me.

Ashton stood taller, his gaze flicking over my head. “We haven’t officially met.” He stuck out his hand. “Ashton Donovan. I wish it were under better circumstances.”

Shade returned the handshake. “Roy Allen but everyone calls me Shade.”

Ashton nodded. “Your girl and I go way back. You got a good one.”

Shade reached for my hand.

I took it, holding it tight and trying with everything in me to suck all the strength he had and wrap it around me. “I have a good one as well.”

Ashton took a step toward me, cupped my shoulder, and placed a soft peck on my cheek. “Take care of each other, Meadow.” He gave my shoulder a light squeeze before he left us and rejoined his brother who was now standing with the girls and my parents.

“Meadow.”

I looked up at Shade but not before I caught a woman standing by one of the cars a few feet away. “Do you know who that is?”

Shade followed my gaze. “Yeah. That’s Roxanne.”

“Oh.” I swallowed hard but took a deep breath. With Shade’s hand in mine, I led us toward her.

“Meadow.” He tugged my hand. “We don’t have to do this.”

“I know.” But I was being the bigger person.

When we stood in front of Roxanne, I released Shade’s hand and wrapped my arms around her middle.

She gasped, her body stiffening.

“I’m sorry for your loss.” I gave her a final squeeze before releasing her and moving to Shade’s side.

“I…” She pulled at the collar of her tailored suit jacket. She wore all black, the pencil skirt hugging her figure. Her dark hair was around her shoulders in waves. Her full red lips pressing into a thin line. “I don’t even know what to say.”

“Well…” I looked around her. “Sunny said he kept in contact with your kids. Are they not here?”

“They’re in school,” she said, as if that were a good enough reason for them not to show up to a funeral for someone who they were apparently close with.

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