“Need any help?” Ash offers.
Tessa shakes her head, her back still turned. “No, sweetheart. I’ve got it. It’s nearly done.” She gives the pot one final stir before turning to face us, her expression apologetic. “Ben, I’m so sorry about Nash and Cade. I promise they’re not usually that rude. Something about Ash dating has always driven them a little crazy. But give them time.”
“Part of me appreciates how much they care,” I admit.
“A very small part,” Ash mutters, making me chuckle.
“I just want to prove to them, and to you, how much Ash means to me, so no one ever has to question it.”
Sliding my arm around Ash’s waist, I pull her gently against my side.
Tessa watches us for a moment before nodding. “I can see how much you care about her, Ben. We just want her to be happy. That’s all any of us want.”
“I promise to do my best to make that happen.”
Tessa smiles warmly. “That’s all I needed to hear.” She turns back to the stove but then glances over her shoulder. “Ash mentioned you have a daughter.”
I nod.
“She’s more than welcome to join us for dinner sometime.”
“Thank you, Tessa. She’s a little… hesitant about our relationship right now, but once she warms up to the idea, I’m sure she’d love to.”
Tessa gives me a sympathetic smile. “Well, the invitation stands whenever she’s ready.”
Tessa turns back to the stove. “Are you two actually getting those drinks, or are you just hiding out in here all night?” she teases.
Ash groans. “Ugh, I guess we have to go back in there at some point.” She sighs dramatically before looking at me. “You grab the beers; I’ll get the sodas and wine.”
A few minutes later, we’re standing in the hallway.
“Ready?” I ask. She pulls a face, making me chuckle. “I’ll take that as a no.”
“Maybe Nash and Cade had a sudden change of heart while we were in here, and now they’re your biggest fans.”
I laugh. “Let’s hope so.”
She takes a deep breath, plasters on a smile, and pushes the door open. I know she’s putting on a brave face. I can feel her hesitation just as much as my own. It does feel a little like stepping into a lion’s den, but I follow her lead, force a smile, and walk in.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
Ashlyn
It was definitely wishful thinking to expect Nash and Cade to have a sudden change of heart about Ben and me, but at least they’re being civil while we wait for dinner. They don’t speak to Ben directly, but I can live with that. I know it’ll take time for them to come around to the idea of us.
“Look who’s here,” a voice calls from behind me. I turn, my face breaking into a wide smile as Seb and Taylor walk hand in hand into the room.
I leap up from my seat. “Taylor!” I quickly close the distance between us, pulling her into a hug. She laughs, hugging me back.
“How are you feeling?” I ask.
“I’m good,” she says with a warm smile. “Really good.”
“I’m so glad you’re here.”
She reaches for my hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. “Me too, Ash.” Then, her gaze drifts past me to Ben.
Turning, I gesture toward him. “You remember Ben, right?”
