Page 39 of Rainbows Over Cedarwood

“Then it was. I’ve got something to fight for—someone. You and Wyatt. Yeah, it’s new, but I know what I want.” Colt spread his hand across Ashley’s thigh. “Trust me, I’d rather deal with the picketers than cracked ribs.”

“I’m sorry I doubted you,” Ashley said. “That was shitty of me.” He meant every word. The love was new, but it shone in Colt’s eyes. The honesty in Colt’s words wasn’t a façade and the least Ashley could do was believe him.

“You were protecting your heart and your kid. I don’t blame you.” Colt smiled, despite another tear sliding through the stubble on his cheek. “All I can do is beg for you to stick with me.”

“I’m not going anywhere.” He hadn’t needed to think about this answer. His heart belonged to Colt Harrison. “I’m kind of fond of you. Is it love? I don’t know. I’m not sure what love is unless I’m dealing with Wyatt, but…I’m willing to give us a go.”

“Thank you.” Colt kissed the back of Ashley’s hand. “Lane really fucked with your head, didn’t he?”

“Yeah.”

“I won’t.” Colt grinned then winced. “Damn, that hurts. Took a kick to the head and a punch to the jaw.” He flexed his jaw. “Jordan’s supposed to be coming by at some point. I already gave them my statement, but he wanted to be sure I was okay.”

“I’m glad you’re in one piece.” Ashley blinked back tears. The nightmare with the coalition wasn’t over, but he had his man. The rest would have to work out somehow.

“Knock, knock.” Brenda inched into the room and nudged Wyatt forward. “The ladies at the desk and the nurses really took to Wyatt. Candy, drinks…he charmed them into setting him up.”

Go figure. If there was a way to charm someone, Wyatt could do it. Ashley suppressed a chuckle. Danica would be proud—of her son and her friend. She’d been off the mark when she’d pushed him to pursue Lane, but he believed now she’d be proud he’d found Colt. He switched his gaze between Colt, Wyatt and Brenda. The crazy little family was just what he needed.

Wyatt held up a candy bar. “They had cookies and cream.” He crept up to Colt’s bed. “So you’re really okay?”

“I am,” Colt replied. “My ribs are cracked, but if I’ve got a good nursemaid, I might be able to go home tomorrow.”

“I can help.” Brenda patted the end of the bed. “I’m a registered nurse. I’m taking care of my friend, but I can go between the two homes. You shouldn’t need that much help, but some will be good at first. The more you learn to do on your own, the better, but you also don’t want to overdo.”

“I’d like that.” Colt squeezed Ashley’s thigh. “A lot.”

“Visiting hours end in ten minutes,” a voice said over the intercom.

“That’s no fair,” Wyatt moaned. “We need to take Colt home.”

“It’ll be fine.” Although Ashley would feel a lot better once an officer showed up. Hopefully Jordan would be there. He couldn’t be certain Jay wouldn’t try to swindle his way upstairs again or that the coalition wouldn’t try to strike while Colt was down. Besides, what had Colt really ever done to piss them off?

Jordan strolled into the room. “I’m on official duty and have been tasked to remain here tonight. I hear you’ve got a couple cracked ribs and nowhere to go. How about a roommate for the night? Those craptastic plastic chairs aren’t much for sleeping, but Ash will know you’re safe.”

Ashley stole a glance over at the chair. The piece of furniture wasn’t altogether comfortable. He sighed and stood. “Thanks for staying here, Officer. I appreciate it.”

“Considering what this guy has been through, and at the hands of the coalition, he deserves a guard.” Jordan crossed his arms. “Officers Drake and Gallow watched the video feed from the bank. There’s no doubt to your story. We can’t ID the people doing the beating, but we’re working on statements from the two witnesses. What we do know is that one of the attackers was from the coalition. She had the logo and the name of the group plastered all over the back of her jacket.”

“Are you sure you’re able to share this info?” Ashley asked. “Usually that kind of stuff is supposed to be for the police only.” He’d seen plenty of cop shows and real-crime programs to know some stuff had to be kept quiet in order to figure out the person behind the wrongdoing.

“Normally, yes, but the news got a hold of the tape. We released it in order to help catch the assailants.” Jordan rocked on the balls of his feet. “We’ve also found your SUV. The thing was trashed and stripped, but I knew your vehicle. Got the VIN from the Bureau of Motor Vehicles and matched it. No location on your wallet and thankfully no activity on your cards, but your phone was destroyed.”

“I knew the phone was toast.” Colt growled. “I need to cancel my cards so they can’t use them.”

“You can use my phone to call the credit card companies. If you’re feeling up to it tonight, you can do it then.” Jordan offered over his cell phone. “We’ll sort it out.”

“I know you will.” Colt nodded. “At least my damn social security card is in the safe at the house. Christ. All this over my fucking sexuality…”

“Language. There’s a small person in the room.” Ashley leaned over the bed and kissed Colt lightly on the lips, careful not to hurt him. “If you’re still interested, I’ll have Ma come up tomorrow—since she volunteered—and once I’m done with school and have Wyatt, we’ll be over.” He paused. “But you’ll have to give us your address.”

Colt curled his fingers under Ashley’s chin. “It’s 774 Hawthorn Drive. The only navy-blue house on the street. We may need to break in tomorrow. My spare keys are at the diner and I can’t get in there without my main set of keys.”

“I’ll call a locksmith,” Jordan said. He nodded to Ashley. “I hate to be the bearer of bad tidings, but you’d better get moving. Claire is a great nurse, but she’s a stickler for the rules. If she thinks you’re trying to stay over, she’ll raise Cain.”

Ashley winked at Colt. “I’ll see you tomorrow.” He clapped Jordan’s shoulder. “Thanks, man.”

“Anytime,” Jordan answered.

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