Pacing through the hospital corridors, Jordan couldn't help but feel restless. Maya had been undergoing a series of tests for a few hours now, so they had to wait. His left jaw stung as the purple bruise remained quite visible, a sign of whatever he portrayed last night. Either bravery or stupidity, he couldn't watch Ashley get mistreated on his watch. The near call on her made him feel like he needed to protect her even more. Jordan noticed a nurse approaching, making him walk towards her in hope. “How are the tests coming along?” He asked calmly, it didn't surprise him that he felt more impatient than panic waiting on his wife. She was not the same woman he took back five years ago, she had turned into his nightmare. “Sir, we're waiting for a senior doctor and a consultant, she'll explain everything to you,” the nurse explained, smiling politely at him, probably mistaking his mood for panic. Sitting down for a few more minutes, Jordan couldn't stop his mind from running back t
Before Danton could get a chance to touch her another time, Ashley felt him get yanked from her. “What kind of man are you? Huh?” Ashley heard a voice she thought she knew, but her brain couldn't register anything. As she heard the rustling in the room, she knew whoever saved her was in a fight with Danton. She couldn't push her eyes open, she didn't have the courage to. “I'll kill you today!” Danton retaliated, delivering a blue on the man's face. “She's in here!” Finally, a voice she knew came in, making her open her eyes slowly to search for Lindsey. “Where is he?” Lindsey entered the locker room with a series of guards behind her. “He ran out as soon as he heard you,” Jordan said, touching his mouth as he wiped off the blood on his busted lip. He had noticed Ashley going into the room, but he didn't see her go out. In curiosity, he drew closer just to hear the man from last night's voice making him act quickly. Seeing him practically on Ashley, Jordan couldn't take it, an
Jordan stormed into the room following his outraged wife. “Maya! What the f**king hell was that?” He cursed seeing red in rage on his wife's wild behavior. Maya turned to him, smiling as if she didn't understand what he was so angry about. “What babe? I was just fighting for my man, if I let all those wh*res jump your bones under my watch, what kind of life am I, huh?” She responded, trying to justify what she did. Her statement hitting Jordan with shock, “Are you f**king serious right now? Lin would never do that and you know it! What am I even explaining…” Jordan trailed off realizing she was trying to throw him off track with her allegations. “Why don't you tell me about the fact that your test results show you underwent a total hysterectomy years ago?” Jordan asked as he watched her face turn white as a sheet. He couldn't tell if it was in shock or surprise, with Maya he had learned to expect anything. The room fell awfully silent, the chatty Maya now just opening and closin
Ashley stood there frozen looking at the man she once loved. Her heart raced fast as she looked at her best friend in confusion who mirrored her expression. “Jordan?” Ashley mumbled, turning to look at the two men before her. “You three know each other?” Luke asked knowing he was the only one who appeared to be in the dark. “This Ashley and this, well, this must be your Lin, I should have guessed but…” Jordan trailed as his face dawned in realization. A car pulled over in the parking lot taking their attention. “Mommy, Mommy, you are home,” soft chatters filled the compound as three kids ran towards Ashley. Jordan could have sworn he was running mad when he noticed how the two boys looked exactly like him. Ashley froze as she embraced her excited children who ran past Jordan and Luke without a word. She kept her eyes evaded from Jordan because she knew there was no turning back from that moment. “Aunt Lin!” The triplets' attention turned to their aunt in excitement. “Hey my b
The car drive was nothing short of quiet and cold, no one was ready to start with addressing the issue at hand. For once in many years, Jordan didn’t know what to say. “I’m guessing that didn’t go well at all?” Luke asked, breaking the silence as he drove. He could clearly tell from Jordan's quiet mood. “Dude, I have children, triplets, I can’t imagine what Ash had to go through on her own,” Jordan said, still not in agreement with the news. To think that he told Ashley he was moving to Washington permanently. He hadn’t thought of that, but after seeing his kids, he couldn’t bear to be away anymore. “I didn’t know you knew my gal, and your ex-wife…damn! She’s…” Luke was ready to compliment when Jordan stopped him. “Don’t even finish that sentence, she’s mine!” Jordan said possessively before he could even control how he felt. “Oh my hands are up, man, she’s all yours,” Luke said, raising his arms playfully in surrender. Jordan smiled looking away, his mind taking him back to
Maya looked around as she stood by her car, tapping her fingers impatiently on her lap. Through the light of the night streetlights, she could see him approaching. “What took you so long?” She asked angrily when he got closer. “Sorry I had something to take care of,” the man with the hood answered with a stern voice. “Doesn't matter. Is everything ready for tomorrow?” Maya asked, swinging her car keys in her finger. “Are you sure you want to do this?” The man asked, his voice filled with doubt. “What's wrong? Are you backing down?” Maya asked, looking at him suspiciously. “No, he needs to pay for what he did to us,” the man swore, clenching his fists in anger. “Good, let's give them a grand day tomorrow, and be certain your plan will work perfectly. I don't want any surprises,” Maya warned, grinning evilly. She had been praying for such a chance for years, and she wasn't going to screw it up. “No surprises love, now can I get my special night treat?” The man asked last, fille
Ashley stood by the door, her blue long dress hugging her hips like a second skin. She could sense everyone’s eyes on her as she maneuvered her way behind Lindsey but all she could feel was worried more than excited. Ashley smiled as she watched her kids playing happily in the playroom. She had doubled security; she was not ready to take any chances after the letter. “Wipe that worry of your face Ash, the detective assured me if he came anywhere near here, they’ll grab him in an instant,” Lindsey said standing beside her making Ashley take a few steps back. “They look so adorable just like their mom,” Lindsey complimented admiring the decorated kids who played with no worry whatsoever. Ashley huffed audibly before smiling at Lindsey’s comment, “I pray today ends well because I’m still worried.” Lindsey soothed her back reassuringly, “You need to relax today is a special day for all of us, and I have a surprise for you by the way.” Ashley looked at her suspiciously as Lindsey gig
Cheering fell in the room after Ashley and the kids finally cut the cake. The event went smoothly making Ashley feel her heart get content. Standing for hours, she felt her bladder pressing her making her quickly head to the restroom. Leaving behind all the laughing and chatters Ashley made her way through the crowd. Seeing quite a turn-out at the party made her feel humbled, finally her Heart to Heart Organization was up and running officially. Meanwhile, Jordan smiled at the enthusiastic children before him. “Jordan? Will you be coming to visit us?” Brandon asked, looking at him with his eyes filled with hope. “Of course, I'll ask mommy if I can come, and I'll bring Shane along,” Jordan answered yet another from the boy. He had lost count of Brandon's and Brenda's questions. Having his kids around him made his heart swell in pride. At a distance, Bryson sat not interested in what they were talking about, making Jordan feel his heart clench. “Bryson? What's wrong?” Jordan ask
4 Months Later…Everything was clear as day as the months unfolded. The tabloids talked of nothing else than Jordan and Maya as Jordan's company grew. Jordan stood by his office window, looking down at the busy streets. His eyes, busy searching for someone he knew he had lost forever. The scene at the park four months ago still replayed in his head, but he stood his ground and left anyway. The pain in her eyes was unforgettable as he walked away with Maya clinging to him. If only he could make her understand, she was never in the wrong. If only… His office door clicked, pulling his thoughts together as he turned to see his best friend. “Hey man, how are you holding up?” Luke asked, greeting him. He could tell just how unhappy Jordan was. “I'm good, how's she doing?” Jordan replied, looking at him in anticipation. “She's doing good. The kids are okay too, man. You should drop by and say hae,” Luke suggested, patting his shoulder gently. “No, I'll watch them from a distance unti
The bell rang making the two women turn their heads quickly towards the door. As the door opened, revealing the children, Ashley's smile widened. “Hey my lovelies, how was school?” Ashley greeted making the kids’ faces lighten up as they ran towards her. It had been a long time since they saw their mom that excited and normal. “Mommy, are you okay?” Brandon asked his question playing in the other siblings’ faces. Not until that moment did Ashley realize just how much the kids had lacked a mother. “Yeah, I'm fine, how about you freshen up, and I'll take you out for ice cream?” Ashley said, making the children jump in excitement. “I'll have strawberry ice cream today and no, Bryson, that doesn't make me a girl," Shane commented before they left to change. “You’re so girly!” Bryson teased, making Brandon smile, but the same reaction was not what Brenda had. “So, Bry,are you saying being a girl is a bad thing?” Brenda asked, looking at her brother in anger. “No, no,I didn't say tha
“So,how is it going with your dad?" Lindsey asked, sitting beside Ashley. "It's good, he's sweet except for the fact that he has been absent all my life,” Ashley responded, her smile falling slightly. “I hope things work out completely well," Lindsey said, not knowing what else to comment. On one hand, it was her best friend but on the other it was her father in law. Making a decision on who to take sides with was totally not an option. “Are you sure you don't want me to forgive him quickly so I can be your sister in law?”Ashley teased pulling Lindsey out from her dilemma. "Geez, you're already my best friend,so either way I don't lose anything, I still have you," Lindsey said, patting Ashley's shoulder playfully. Ashley felt tears sting her eyes from the statement making her force out a smile to mask it. “What's wrong Hun," Lindsey asked,nothing passing her detective eyes. Ashley summed up the courage to look at her before saying the words she thought she could never bring he
“I'm sorry pumpkin, it's my fault, I should have found you sooner,” Mr. Hamilton said as he sat on the couch next to Ashley. Ashley sniffed as she wiped another streak of tears from her eyes. “Why didn't you? It was so hard!” Ashley said as she recalled her past life. Mr. Hamilton lowered his head, shaking it as if he were contemplating on what to say next. “You know, if Mr. Millers hadn't found me, I would still be out there with no meaning,” Ashley muttered as she let her mind wander into the past. “You know, your mother and I, we didn't work out too well and by the time I knew about you, it was years back, I don't mean to excuse myself but…” Mr. Hamilton said soothing Ashley back hoping she would understand. “My mother? She's still out there?” Ashley asked, her voice breaking as if she were ready to burst out in tears again. “Yeah she is, although I haven't heard or seen her in years, she's still out there,” Mr. Hamilton explained, his voice low as if he were talking to himse
Ashley fluttered her eyes, slowly opening them as she fought hard to adjust to the light in the room. The last she could remember was passing out with a striking pain in her belly. The door cracked open, revealing a man in a white coat. “Mrs. Millers? You're awake, I'm Dr. Stevens,” the man said, examining her eyes. “Doctor, what's happened to me?” Ashley mumbled, her voice coming out enstrangled. “Well, you were overwhelmed by stress and passed out,” Dr. Stevens explained cautiously. “I… I am going to be okay?” Ashley asked, her voice filled with worry. “Yes, yes, of course, but you need to be more careful now that you…” “Yes I know my unpredictable change in mood,” Ashley said dismissively as she closed her eyes lightly. “No, I was going to say… Congratulations, you're pregnant,” the doctor explained, smiling at her. Ashley's eyes shot open at the news, her heart beating fast in shock. She tried to open her mouth to say something, but it went all dry. How could
Distant faint chatter hit her ears as she heard her name being mentioned. Her body moved like waves as she closed her eyes tightly waiting for the effect from the impact which never came. The room was filled with horror as they watched Ashley passing out in shock. Jordan rushed to catch her in time before she could fall to the ground. “Ashley? Ash? Can you hear me?” Jordan asked, holding her cheeks in worry. “Let's get her to the hospital,” Jordan added, looking at the frozen Lindsey before them. Lindsey’s sight focused on Luke who ran his hand through his hair in frustration. “I'm sorry man, I didn't mean it to come out that way,” Luke apologized, pacing in the doorway. Jordan hoisted Ashley in his arms quickly heading towards the parking lot. None of them appeared to be in a state to help him as they were all shocked. As hours passed, the doctor came out his face neutral, not letting out any emotion. “Mr. Millers, I have good and bad news, which would you like to hear first?
Jordan breathed in sharply as he tried to calm himself as he yet again got another negative call. It's been two days since Lindsey came back with the news. Outside the hospital corridors Jordan paced running his hand through his hair. He didn't think he was ready to make any other step forward. Seeing his little boy helpless on the hospital bed rendered his muscles weak. He pushed the door gently open, breathing out slowly as he saw his son sleeping peacefully. The doctors kept him under medication due to the seizure. Jordan couldn't hold back the lone tear that fell as he held his son's hand. He didn't know what to start with as Ashley was still missing. As Jordan sat by the bed, the door to the room gently revealed Luke, his best friend. “Hey man,” he greeted entering the room as he stood behind Jordan. “He's still the same, I don't understand why he's still unconscious,” Jordan said, his eyes fixed on his son. “He's going to be okay, Jordan, don't worry yourself too much,”
Ashley moaned softly as she turned by the naked man beside her on the bed. How peacefully he was sleeping made Ashley wonder how they got to that point. How she went from hating him to sleeping next to him every night. The birds chirped joyfully, announcing the dawn of a new day. Everyone around her had been so supportive, telling her anything she didn't remember. But deep inside, Ashley still felt she was missing something. “Hello sunshine,” Jordan's voice hit her ears, making her smile as she locked eyes with him. “Heey, you,” Ashley greeted back, smiling sweetly. Having to look at him each morning filled her heart with so much joy. “Today's the day, are you sure you can do it?” Jordan asked, brushing his fingers through her hair. Ashley smiled, leaning her face on his hand, “yes, I can do it, I can't miss his last therapy session.” Jordan kissed her lips softly, “good, now kiss me properly, love.” Jordan teased, making Ashley giggle in joy. The sound of a soft knock pulled
Ashley watched the man playing with the children outside her house from a distance. It had been a week since she left the hospital, but still couldn't get the anger she felt at him. A big part of her wanted to run to him and kiss him breathless, making her blush for even thinking that. But the thought that he abandoned her to be with another woman, stopped her. Ashley couldn’t get the horrid feeling that a big chunk of her life memories were missing from her mind. She could only wonder if she ever forgave him, given that the children already knew him. “What are you thinking about, sweetheart?” Lindsey’s voice came from behind her, lighting up her heart. “Was he always this good with the kids?” Ashley asked, making Lindsey follow her line of sight. Lindsey smiled as she heard the four children chanting ‘daddy, daddy' all over the house happily. “I guess so…” Lindsey mumbled as she touched her invisible baby bump unconsciously. “You're going to make a great mom, Lin, and Luke wi