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Or, she hadn’t counted on Mel’s response to Asher leaving.
The girls had slipped away, cleaning quickly and quietly, before gathering up their partners and heading out. The other Hutchins brothers had gone as well.
But when Asher had pulled on his jacket…
Mel had panicked.
“No, no, no!” she screamed, jolting to her feet, the fear in her words jolting through Teresa, slicing deep. “Please,” Mel said and took a step forward, putting weight on the ankle she’d sprained and shouldn’t be walking on. Wincing, her voice quieting, but the fear in those words no less painful to the casual observer. “Please, don’t go.”
Teresa slid a careful arm around her waist, taking some of her weight. “It’s okay,” she whispered. “Breathe, honey, and just tell us what you need.”
“Asher,” she whispered. “I need Asher.”
The air went taut.
“He can’t go,” Mel said. “If he goes—” She broke off, practically vibrating in Teresa’s hold.
Teresa glanced up at Jeremy, at Asher, who’d both frozen in the hall.
Mel’s knees buckled.
Teresa went down with her, still holding her tight. “It’s okay. It’s—”
Then Asher was there, crouching down in front of them, reaching for Mel’s hands. “Breathe, sweetheart.”
A shuddering breath.
“Good.”
Another.
“Good, sweetheart,” Asher said gently. “Now, you’re coming home with me.”
Mel stilled, and it was as though she were holding her breath.
“Ash,” Jeremy began, worry on his face.
Asher tugged her from Teresa’s hold, gathered her against his chest, and then stood with her in his arms. “She’s coming home with me until she feels ready to be on her own.”
No argument brokered.
And none given, not by anyone in the room.
They all knew something of the Hutchins brand of protectiveness.
Mel had asked for it.
Neededit.
Asher would give it.
Neededto give it.
And the rest…the rest of it would fall into place.
Thirty-One
Jeremy
