Tempted by Her Innocent Kiss(76)
“I just wish you’d confided in us sooner,” Pippa said. “Nobody should have to endure all of what you’ve endured alone. That’s what friends are for. We love you. We would have kicked his sorry ass weeks ago if we’d known.”
Ashley cracked a watery smile. “What would I do without you all?”
“Let’s not even consider the possibility since you’re never going to be without us,” Carly said.
“So what are you going to do, hon?” Tabitha asked, her voice full of concern.
Ashley took a deep breath because until right now, at this very moment, she hadn’t known. Or maybe she had but had pushed it aside, unwilling to accept the decision that her heart had already made.
“I’m going to tell him I can’t do this,” she said softly.
“Good for you,” Pippa said fiercely.
“You’re leaving him?” Carly asked.
Ashley sighed again. “I can’t stay with him. I deserve better. I deserve a man who loves me and doesn’t want to change me. I’m tired of trying to be someone I’m not. I liked myself the way I was. I don’t like this person I’ve become.”
“That a girl,” Tabitha said. “And don’t you worry even for a minute about the baby. You have us. You know your parents will support you. We’ll be with you every step of the way. We’ll babysit. We’ll go to the doctor with you. We’ll even coach you in the delivery room.”
“Oh God, stop before you make me cry again,” Ashley choked out.
“Do you want one of us to go with you?” Carly asked anxiously. “I don’t want you to have to do this alone. Pippa would be awesome to take with you. She can be scary when people mess with someone she loves.”
Pippa grinned.
“No,” Ashley said, squaring her shoulders. “This is something I have to do on my own. It’s time I regained control over my own life and future. I haven’t had it since Devon walked into my life.”
“I’m so proud of you, Ash,” Tabitha said.
“We all are,” Pippa said firmly. “If you need a place to stay until you get everything sorted out, any one of us will be more than happy to let you stay as long as you need.”
Ashley looked at her three friends and some of the terrible ache in her chest dissolved at the love and loyalty she saw burning in their eyes. She really would be okay. Things would suck for a while, but she was going to be okay. She’d get through this. She had family and friends—the very best of friends—and now she had a child to focus on.
The moment the nurse had confirmed that she had a life growing inside her, Ashley’s entire world had changed. Her priorities had shifted and she’d instantly known that she had to do what was best for her and her child.
It had been a powerful moment of realization.
Calm settled over her. Oh, she was still terrified—and heartbroken. That wouldn’t change overnight. But now she knew what she had to do and she couldn’t escape the inevitability of the path that for once she had chosen instead of it choosing her.
Eighteen