“Ash has always looked up to you,” my dad continues. “She wants your approval. But if you keep this up, you risk pushing her away for good, and I wouldn’t blame her.”
A heavy silence fills the room as Ben gently squeezes my hand.
“Now,” my dad continues, his voice firm but calm. “Can we try to enjoy this evening as a family? Seb and Taylor will be here soon, and after everything they’ve been through, I’m just grateful that we’re all here and healthy.”
“I couldn’t agree more,” Paisley chimes in, offering me a reassuring smile. “Can I get a Hunter cuddle?” she asks, gazing down at the sleeping baby.
“Well, if I have to share…” I joke, trailing off.
“You do!” She reaches down and plucks him from my arms, holding him close to her chest. “Oh, he smells so good,” she says, inhaling deeply.
Nash finally drops into a seat beside Dad. He stays silent, but the deep scowl on his face says everything. It’s obvious that my dad’s words haven’t changed his mind one bit.
Despite Nash’s silence, the conversation in the room carries on, mostly between Mom, Sophie, and Paisley. Feeling like I need a breather after everything that’s been said, I turn to Ben.
“Help me grab some drinks?” I whisper.
“Sure.”
I stand, and he follows. “Ben and I will get some drinks,” I announce, quickly making my way out of the room before anyone can object.
Once we’re safely in the kitchen, I lean against the breakfast bar with a deep sigh.
Ben steps closer, wrapping his arms around me. “You okay?”
“I should be asking you that,” I murmur into his chest. “I’m so sorry about Nash and Cade.”
He exhales slowly. “Hopefully, they’ve said their piece, and that’s the end of it.”
I want to believe him, but the doubt lingers.
Ben
I close my eyes,holding Ash tightly. Maybe I’m being selfish for wanting to be with her. I knew from the start how close she was to her family, and she never hid the fact that her brothers are fiercely protective. Our age gap was always going to be a challenge, but after tonight, after seeing Nash and Cade’s reactions, I can’t help but wonder if it’s going to be the thing that breaks us.
After a few moments, she lifts her head, her eyes locking onto mine. “If you want to walk away now, before things get too deep…”
She trails off, and my stomach tightens. I frown. “Walk away? Is that what you want?”
She shakes her head quickly. “No! But if you do–”
“I don’t,” I cut in firmly. “Plus, it’s already too late for that, Ash. I’m already in too deep.”
Her eyes widen slightly. “You are?”
I chuckle. “Yes, baby. I am.”
A small smile tugs at her lips as she bites down on her bottom lip. “Me too.”
I lean down, brushing a soft kiss against her lips. “I’m not going anywhere, okay?”
Her smile grows. “Okay.”
The kitchen door swings open and Tessa steps in, pausing when she sees us. A small smile tugs at her lips. “Sorry tointerrupt,” she says, waving a hand dismissively. “Pretend I’m not here.”
She moves past us, focusing on whatever’s cooking on the stove. Only now do I fully register the mouthwatering aroma filling the room.
“That smells amazing,” I say, loosening my hold on Ash and threading my fingers through hers instead.
