Page 37 of Rainbows Over Cedarwood

Chapter Twelve

Ashley helped his son out of the car and waited for his mother. He appreciated having them along for the visit. He also needed the support. God only knew if someone would show up and try something crazy. She locked the car and Ashley escorted them all into the hospital.

He stopped at the receptionist’s desk. “Hi, I’m here to visit Colton Harrison. I’m not sure what room he’s in.”

She smiled and tapped on her computer. “He’s on the fourth floor. Looks like room four-twenty-eight. I’ll send you up to the floor. Check in with the receptionist up there in case there are already people in the room.”

“He’s six.” Ashley nodded to Wyatt. “Is that okay for him to visit? Or is it restricted?”

“As long as there is an adult to accompany him, it should be fine.” She smiled again then waved to someone behind Ashley.

“Thanks.” He held Wyatt’s hand as he headed over to the elevators. He blew out a long breath and pressed the Up button.

“It’s going to be okay,” Brenda said. She squeezed his left hand. “Promise. He’ll be fine and when he’s all healed up, you’ll all work as a group to come up with a way to settle this problem. It’ll be great and people will be happy to live in a diverse town.”

“Thanks, Ma.” At least she believed in him and them. He wasn’t sure how he felt. Part of him wanted to say thanks but no thanks for the house. He wanted to move the hell out of the area to make sure Wyatt was safe. Wyatt was still small. If they moved to another town, like Hiddleston, maybe Wyatt would grow up and not have to feel the sting of discrimination. But wouldn’t that happen anywhere? It could.

The bell dinged as they reached the fourth floor. Brenda walked out of the car first, followed by Wyatt. Ashley brought up the rear. He sidestepped them and made his way to the reception desk first.

“Hi, my name is Ashley Willis and I’m here to visit Colt Harrison. I was told downstairs that it wouldn’t be a problem to bring my six-year-old along.”

“It’s not an issue.” The woman tapped her computer keyboard. “But you’ll have to wait. He’s already got a visitor.”

“Oh, probably friends of ours.” He sighed and nodded. Colin or Jordan would no doubt be there. “Thanks.”

“I don’t think the man was a friend. He said he was Mr. Harrison’s next of kin.” She frowned. “His husband, I believe.”

“Husband?” Brenda snapped. “Are you sure?”

“That’s what he said. A Jay Damon. Do you know him?” She folded her hands together. “Once he’s out, you’re more than welcome to go back—as long as it’s not after visiting hours conclude. Have a seat over there and I’ll let you know when you can visit him.”

“Sure,” Ashley mumbled. He wandered over to the couches and plopped onto one of them. A husband? Colt would’ve told him about a husband, definitely.

“Dad? What did she mean? You’re Colt’s boyfriend.” Wyatt scooted onto Ashley’s lap. He threw his arms around Ashley’s neck. “He’s staying with us.”

“Wyatt.” Brenda patted the boy’s back. “Sometimes things are more complicated than we realize.”

But why would Colt lie about something so important? They’d had sex. They’d formed a bond. Damn it, he wasn’t sure if it was love, but he cared about Colt more than he did a lot of other people.

“What are you going to do, Ash?” Brenda asked. “You don’t have all the facts. Promise me you’re not jumping to conclusions.”

“I’m not.” He forked his fingers into his hair. Colt had mentioned a Jay before. If Ashley remembered right, Jay had been a bad mistake. Why was he showing up now? Maybe he’d cared more than he’d let on.

A man strolled through the double doors and stopped at the desk. He glanced over at Ashley then knocked on the desk. “Thank you,” he said. He turned his attention to Ashley. “So you’re the other man.”

Ashley straightened his spine but didn’t answer. He wasn’t about to give this jerk the time of day, much less allow the guy to bait him.

“You’ve got a kid.” The man snorted. “Colt hates kids.”

So it was Jay. Ashley held tight to Wyatt.

“You’ll see. He’s not about to fall for a man with baggage. That’s why he married me. I’m everything he wants.” Jay dipped his head. “Go visit. You’ve only got fifteen minutes before they kick you out.”

The woman waggled her fingers at them then pointed to the door.

Jay dipped his head once more. “Have a good evening, breeder.”

Ashley’s stomach soured.Breeder. Christ.What was with people? He patted Wyatt’s butt and once the kid had left his lap, Ashley and Wyatt headed through the double doors. He checked over his shoulder to make sure his mother followed.

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