Page 92 of Together

“That was a lot of words in a short period of time.”

I lower my voice and let her know, “Learned today that if I don’t tell you everything I need to, it could be too late. Life is short, Ashley. I don’t want you wondering where my loyalty lies. It begins and ends with you and our little man.”

“They need to know. Grace was awful today and my guess is that after today she’s going to realize that. And she’s a complete brat for what she did today…”

“I would use a different description…”

“…but she’s still my sister and I know she loves me, even though she has a weird way of showing it.”

I sigh. She’s not wrong and I know it, but it’s hard to admit it. “I get to be in the room. If she says anything about adopting the baby, I can’t promise you I’ll behave.”

“I wouldn’t expect you to. Though, she didn’t really offer to adopt so much as buy,” she admits.

“What?” I half growl, half whisper.

“Yeah, to go along with the adoption, you know? She wanted to “make it right”,” she says, using one hand to make finger quotes.

“Good thing I didn’t know that earlier,” I mutter.

A nurse pops in, saying she needs to check Ashley’s vitals one more time and looks at a long printout that I hadn’t noticed earlier. Ashley explains it’s from monitoring the baby so when the nurse smiles at what she sees, I release the breath I was holding.

“Good. Everything still looks great, Ashley. Do you feel up to talking to the police? They’d like to get your statement for their records.”

“Oh. Now?”

“If you’re up to it. If not, I’ll tell them to come back tomorrow.”

“Might as well get it over with, right?”

The nurse gives her an encouraging thumbs up that makes us both chuckle. “Once they’re done, we’ll transfer you up to your room. Then maybe get you a little something to eat if you’re up for it. Sound good?”

“I guess,” she says, sounding like she wants to do anything but that. I don’t blame her, but she won’t be alone. I’ll sleep on the hospital floor if I have to, but she won’t be left alone in the hospital all night. Not to mention, the thought of eating hospital food after our dinner ended up on her passenger seat floor.

The nurse pats her on the leg. “It’ll be all right. I know it’s not fun or ideal but it’s best for you and the baby if we keep an eye on how you’re doing through the night.”

“I know, I get it,” Ashley replies, sounding sad as ever.

“Why don’t I go to your place while they’re getting you situated? I’ll bring back a change of clothes and whatever else you want.”

“Would you?”

“Of course. Just tell me what to grab.”

She rattles off a list of items and when she says “cell phone charger” her gaze drops.

“I don’t even know where my purse or phone ended up. Or even my car for that matter.”

Her car is without a doubt going to a junkyard. Not this second, obviously, because of insurance and whatever the police will need to do with it, but it’s completely totaled. Which sucks big time because it was brand new. She drove it off the lot with less than a hundred miles on the odometer less than a month ago. “It’s okay, Ash. We’ll figure it all out. I’ve got your spare key to your house in my truck. You’re here with me and that’s all that matters right now.”

She nods, tears in her eyes. “I don’t want to eat the food here,” she cries somewhat pathetically. “I was looking forward to our evening of Chick-fil-A and Netflix.”

“I know, baby. Me, too. I’ll pick up something for you to eat and sneak it in, okay?”

The nurse zips her lips and gives us a wink. “Didn’t hear a thing.”

She lets the police officer know he can come in and excuses herself for a few moments to give Ashley privacy. I won’t be doing the same. I haven’t had the chance to find out what the hell happened today either and need to know. I’ve restrained myself from demanding answers but my patience is gone.

“Ms. Porter, I’m Officer Luis,” the policeman introduces himself. He’s a younger guy, a few inches taller than me, and dark blond hair that’s been buzzed close to his scalp. “Do you mind if I ask you a few questions about what happened earlier this evening?”

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