Beauty in the Ashes

I took a bite of the mousse-like dessert and swallowed it down. “There,” I put the spoon down, “now you can say that you didn’t eat the whole thing.”

“Thanks,” she smiled beautifully before digging in.

The waitress dropped off the check and I put down my credit card.

I was either going to have to get a real job soon or start selling my paintings again. I couldn’t live off my saving’s forever and I was planning to use the money I’d made of the sale of my childhood home to open my gallery.

We walked out of the restaurant and I found myself yearning for more time to spend with her. I knew I couldn’t take up any more of her day though.

“Do you need a ride home?” She asked.

“I’m fine. I enjoy the walk,” I shrugged.

“It’s no trouble, really,” she opened her car door. “Don’t be stubborn.”

I chuckled. “Fine.” I accepted her offer. I gave her directions to Kyle’s place and she pulled up to the curb. “I hope I get to see you again.”

“Me too,” she smiled. “What’s your phone number?”

“Oh, uh, I don’t have one,” I scratched the back of my head. When I’d made the decision to go to rehab, I’d thought it would be best to start clean, and that meant forgetting about everyone that had become a part of my life once I started using.

She frowned. “Can I reach you through Kyle?”

I nodded. “Yeah. He’ll let me know you called.”

“Great,” she smiled. I started to get out of the car, but her hand landed on my arm to halt my progress. I looked over my shoulder at her and raised a brow in question. “I’m really glad I ran into you today. I’ve missed you.” Her lashes fluttered against her cheeks.

“I’ve missed you too,” I admitted and the words were true. I hadn’t realized how much until now.

“Bye,” she whispered.

I gave her a small wave as I jogged up the steps into Kyle’s townhouse. I closed the door and peeked out the window, watching as she left.

The strangest emotion was filling my body.

I was…happy.

CHAPTER 33

Sutton

“Memphis!” I cried, my voice full of urgency. “Come here! Hurry!”

He came running out of the bathroom, half of his face was shaved and the other half still boasted white foam. “What is it? Are you okay? Is the baby coming?” He fired questions at me in a rapid fashion. One hand held the towel around his waist, which was dangerously close to slipping off.

“No,” I giggled. “The baby kicked.”

“You nearly gave me a heart attack because the baby kicked?” His look was incredulous.

Men.

I grabbed his hand and placed it on my rounded stomach. His mouth gradually fell open in awe and his eyes widened. “Wow,” he gasped, moving his hands over my stomach to better feel the baby. “That’s the most amazing thing I’ve ever felt.” He reached up to cup the nape of my neck. “Thank you for sharing that with me.” He pressed his lips to mine in a soft, but lingering kiss.

To an outsider we were a couple sharing a special moment over our growing child. Although, while we were now officially a couple, the child was not his.

Enough time had passed that I knew Caelan was out of rehab. He hadn’t called or come to see me. He’d ceased all contact and made it pretty clear he wanted nothing to do with me. That stung, but I was okay. In fact, Memphis made things more than okay.

“Are you ready to find out if the baby’s a boy or girl?” He asked.