Total pages in book: 67
Estimated words: 60978 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 305(@200wpm)___ 244(@250wpm)___ 203(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 60978 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 305(@200wpm)___ 244(@250wpm)___ 203(@300wpm)
“What happened?” Lily looked up at Asher curiously.
I shot Ash a warning look. Some stories weren’t for Lily’s ears.
“Nothing, sweetheart,” I reassured her, smoothing her hair. “It was a long time ago.”
Ash’s remorse was written across every line of his face. His eyes held mine, silently acknowledging the damage his choices had caused. Yet beneath the regret, I saw his determination. He wasn’t here just because CPS had called. He was here to stay.
The realization sent conflicting emotions through me. Part of me wanted to send him away, to protect myself and Lily from the pain of potentially losing him again. Another part recognized his presence might be exactly what we needed to fight the battle with social services.
“I know I have no right to ask,” Ash said, “but what have the doctors said? About Lily?”
I hesitated, looking down at the files in my hand. These were the answers we’d fought for, the validation I wasn’t crazy or, worse, abusive. Sharing them with Ash felt like letting him back into a part of our lives he’d abandoned. But keeping him in the dark would only hurt Lily in the end.
“I haven’t spoken with the doctor about the latest rounds, but the report I got says they think it’s Osteogenesis Imperfecta,” I said finally. “It’s a condition that makes her bones break easily. But there are treatments. At least, Dr. Google said so.”
Ash nodded slowly, processing the information. He pulled a chair closer, keeping his movements careful and deliberate as he sat facing us. His gaze dropped to the folder in my lap, then back to my face. “What does this mean for her?” he asked, his voice low with concern. “This Osteo whatever it is?” The genuine worry in his expression tugged at something I’d tried to harden inside myself, a reminder that despite everything, Lily was his daughter too.
“I don’t know. I don’t even know if this is the official diagnosis. It’s the report from her last round of testing. We’re waiting to talk with the doctor about his findings.”
Lily had grown bored with our adult conversation, turning her attention to Mr. Flopsy. She whispered secrets to his tattered ear, creating her own world apart from the tension surrounding her. I watched her for a moment, grateful for her resilience, her ability to find joy despite everything.
Ash nodded slowly. His eyes never left Lily as she played, as if memorizing every detail of her face. “And social services? Where do they stand now?”
I glanced toward the reception desk where Ms. Winters continued to observe us. “They’re looking for any excuse,” I whispered, leaning slightly closer. “The medical diagnosis will help, but I think Ms. Winters seems personally convinced I did something wrong.”
“That’s bullshit,” Ash growled, then immediately checked his volume when Lily looked up. “Sorry, Lily-pad,” he said more gently.
“You said a bad word,” she informed him solemnly, before returning to her conversation with Mr. Flopsy. Despite everything, a small smile tugged at my lips. Some things never changed.
Ash’s jaw tightened as he looked back at me. “So after everything you went through, after fighting for years to get someone to listen, they’re still trying to say you’re at fault?” His knuckles whitened as his hands gripped his knees. “The system’s even more broken than I thought.”
“Lana’s helping,” I said quickly, hoping since Asher was part of Kiss of Death, he knew who Lana was. “She’s been amazing, actually. She helped me get these appointments expedited, got us into Haven where we’re safe.”
“Haven.” Ash looked confused. “Do you have someone other than social services after you?” His eyes widened and he looked slightly panicked as his gaze shifted from me to Lily and back.
“New Beginnings Women’s Shelter. It’s protected by --”
“Kiss of Death,” Ash finished, touching his cut unconsciously. “Yeah, I know.”
Before I could respond, the click of heels on the tiled flooring announced Ms. Winters’ approach. Her pantsuit looked as crisp as the first time I’d met her, her expression professionally neutral but her eyes cold as they assessed Ash.
“Ms. Jans,” she greeted me with a brief nod before turning her attention to Ash. “And you must be Mr. Hudson. I’m Janice Winters, Department of Children’s Services.”
Ash nodded, his body language shifting subtly. The hunched shoulders straightened slightly, chin lifting to meet her gaze directly. He extended his hand. “Ma’am.”
Ms. Winters shook his hand briefly, her eyes flicking to the MC cut he wore. “Good of you to join us, Mr. Hudson,” she noted, her gaze moving between Ash and me. Her attention lingered on Lily for a moment. “I understand you were released recently.”
“Two weeks ago,” Ash confirmed, his tone carefully neutral. “My parole officer knows I’m here.”
“I see.” She made a note on her clipboard. “And you’re staying…” she prompted.
“With the club for now,” he replied. “Until I get on my feet.”