Page 94 of Let Me Love You
“Take it from someone who’s kept Ash in the dark on shit,” Mia adds from the hallway, “the longer you wait, the worse she’ll react.”
“Besides,” I continue, “she’s going to be so excited for you like we were.”
Kate’s worried gaze bounces between Mia and me as she chews her bottom lip. “Yeah, but you guys aren’t dating a man with a baby mama on the side. There’s a difference—”
“Are you guys talking about Eleanor?” Ashlyn asks from the entrance.
The blood drains from Kate’s face, making her look like she’s seconds from losing her lunch, so I throw her a bone and interrupt. “Uh, yeah. How’s that going anyway? You and Eleanor and…everything?”
Colt grabs Ash’s hips from behind her and bends forward, brushing a kiss against her cheek. With a smile, Ash leans into his embrace and peeks up at him. “You wanna tell them?”
“Sure.” He kisses her forehead and turns to us. “The results came in, and it’s official. He’s ours.”
Ash rolls her eyes and clarifies, “He’s Colt’s biological son, and he’ll be mine in every other sense of the word.”
“And you’re okay with that?” I ask carefully.
“I mean, it’s been quite the curveball, but yeah,” Ash replies. “I love Colt, and I’m already falling for Jaxon too. I think I was scared to open that door. Afraid of stepping on Eleanor’s toes or always being the third wheel when it came to everything. But we all had a nice long chat after the results came in, and Eleanor told us she’s more than willing to accept any help Colt and I can offer.Bothof us. And since I’m not going anywhere when it comes to my relationship with Colt, we decided we’re all going to be there for Jax and help raise him together. And honestly? I’m excited about it. So, yeah. Now you’re all updated.” Ashlyn tangles her fingers with Colt’s around her waist, lacing them together. “We’re in this together.”
I’d make fun of them for being all gushy if I wasn’t so damn happy they finally figured their shit out. Instead, I clap my hands. “Yay! I’m gonna be an aunt again!”
“Blake!” Kate snaps.
My lips zip, and my eyes go wide.
Ahhhh, shit.
“Again?” Ash steps further into the room, tossing questioning looks to anyone who will make eye contact with her.
Or at least, I assume it’s what she’s doing. It’s not like I’m gonna look at her. Not right now. Nope. The faded carpet is looking pretty interesting at this moment. Just sayin’.
“Hey, man. What’s up?” Theo asks as he walks through the front door with Macklin trailing behind. Both of them are oblivious to the bomb I’ve dropped. I wipe my sweaty palms against my dark leggings, unsure of what the hell I’m supposed to do or if I’ve already done more than enough.
Scratching the scruff along his jaw, Colt clears his throat and steps aside, giving Macklin and Theo more space in the family room. Theo stops short, reading the weighted silence in the small area. Meanwhile, Macklin heads straight toward a frozen Kate, who looks like she might pass out at any second.
“What’s going on?” he asks her. “You okay?”
“I’m fine.”
“Again?” Ash repeats to no one in particular. She doesn’t sound upset. She sounds confused. Like she’s been told the punchline to a joke but never heard the first half of it to begin with. “Blake’s gonna be an auntagain?”
“I was kidding,” I try to brush it off. “You know me. Being a smartass and all.”
“Blake, it’s fine,” Kate murmurs. Rubbing her hands up and down her bare arms, she steps into Mack’s embrace and turns to face everyone. He wraps his arms around her shoulders. She holds onto his wrists and takes a deep breath when Ash strides toward her, grabbing her left hand. The diamond ring glints in the light. “Wait, are you engaged?”
“Uh…yeah,” Kate answers shyly.
Ash’s eyes snap from the gorgeous Tiffany ring to Kate’s face. “And you’re…pregnant?”
Kate gulps. “Yes?”
Mia and I exchange worried glances, each of us holding our breaths.
Ash throws her arms around Kate’s neck and hugs her tight. “I am so happy for you!” She reaches for Mack and hugs him too. “And you! You guys! This is amazing!”
Mack instantly relaxes, returning Ashlyn’s hug while leaving Kate sandwiched between them. “Thanks, Ash.”
“Congrats, man,” Colt interjects. He strides toward the group hug in the center of the family room in time for Macklin to let Ashlyn go. Colt pulls Mack into a quick man-hug, then squeezes Kate too.