From Ice to Flames

by Hargrove, A. M.

  “I was wondering about that myself. But then I thought that would be extreme.”

  “If she makes any more moves toward him, I can recommend someone. The firm has discreet people who would stay off so that Wiley wouldn’t necessarily know.”

  “That would be great.”

  “I think if she gets arrested for breaking the order, that will send her a larger than life message.”

  “One would hope. Carly, his nanny, has strict instructions not to let her near him.”

  Pearson huffed. “Maybe Lydia should’ve thought about all of that before she abandoned her family.”

  “Truth. Thanks, bro.”

  Carly was near me and heard bits and pieces of the call, so I filled her in the rest of the way. “If she tries anything at all, let me know. We have the option of hiring a bodyguard. I hate to do that because I don’t want to freak him out.”

  “Yeah, I don’t want him to worry about her. Let me say goodbye to him and I’ll be off for the night.” Carly walked off to Wiley’s room.

  After she was gone, my phone rang. It was Milly. She couldn’t believe what had happened.

  “Are you okay?” she asked.

  “We’re fine.” I explained everything Pearson said.

  “That woman is crazy. Or maybe desperate is more accurate.”

  “I think you’re right.”

  “Hudson, I’m so sorry.”

  “It’ll be fine once the order of protection is in place.”

  “Good.”

  “You coming over?”

  “Uh, yeah. I’m on my way home now.”

  “I’ll see you when you get here then.”

  Why did I still have a nagging sense things were off, but couldn’t seem to put my finger on it?

  Chapter Thirty-Seven

  Milly

  After I left the apartment for work, my first stop was a pharmacy to snag a pregnancy test. I hit the bathroom at work and did the evil deed. Thank God the restrooms were a bit fancy and had private stalls that were actually tiny rooms. Those three minutes I had to wait were an eternity. Ended up I didn’t even have to wait that long. After about a minute and a half, the word pregnant popped up on the little doohickey, and there it was. I must really have been pregnant for it to have turned so quickly. My hand shook as I stared at the thing. Pregnant. Yep, that’s what it said all right. I snapped a picture of it, wrapped it up, and stuffed it in my purse. I was thinking maybe Hudson would need some proof. Then I threw the packaging away in the trash bin and headed to the sink to wash my hands.

  Why was I suddenly nauseous? I was fine before. Nerves. It had to be nerves. I quickly texted Ellerie and attached the picture.

  I got a quick response.

  Ellerie: OMG I’m gonna be an aunt. Aunt Ells is excited. Congrats.

  Me: I can’t believe you’re excited. I’m dying here.

  Ellerie: Shut up.

  Me: What if … you know … the same thing happens again?

  Ellerie: IT WON’T!!!!!

  Me: You can’t possibly know that!

  Ellerie: I am the knower of everything. As your big sis, I do.

  I massaged my temples.

  Me: And what about Hudson?

  Ellerie: If he’s not warm to the baby at first, he’ll come around. Wait and see.

  Me: Whatever. Gotta go.

  Ellerie: K. Love you and baby. XOXO

  Ava was in her office and cheerfully waved as I passed by. Mine was a weak one in return. She shot out of her chair and hurried to follow me.

  “What’s wrong?”

  I almost told her, but then decided not to. Hudson had a right to know before anyone else and I had already told Ellerie.

  “Nothing. How are you?”

  “You seem off.”

  “Oh, really? I don’t know why.” And then I added, “Well it could be Hudson is dealing with some issues with his ex and we’re a little upset about it. It has to do with his son.”

  “That’s terrible. I hope it works out.”

  “Thanks, I’m sure it will. How is everything running for our event? And your new booty call?”

  “We are great.” She rubbed her hands together. “I have a feeling this one will knock it out of the park. Literally.”

  I smiled weakly because it was being held in Central Park. “You’re such a comedian.”

  “I know. Hey, you want to grab some drinks tonight after work? Booty call is out of town and I never get to hang out with you anymore.”

  “It has been a while, hasn’t it?” Then I thought about how alcohol would be off my agenda for the next nine months and I said, “I can’t tonight, though. I promised Hudson—”

  “I know, Dr. McFoxy has first dibs. Don’t worry. I get it.”

  “It’s not like that.”

  “Hey, no explanations are necessary. Actually, I get it. I miss booty call. And you two have something a lot deeper going on.”

  Yeah, well, after he hears my news, there won’t be much left between us.

  “Aw, you’re sweet, Ava.”

  “No, I’m not. You deserve the best, Milly. But, I gotta get back to my desk. If you’re not busy, let’s grab some lunch.”

  “Sounds great.”

  As it turned out, Glenn called, and I ended up having lunch with him. The day turned into one giant cluster with me putting out a bunch of fires that popped up out of nowhere. They had to do with having an outdoor event, as we had never done one before. Permits we weren’t notified about that the city required, ticketing that was done differently, and things the park required that we had been misinformed about. By the end of the day, everything was straightened out, but I felt like I’d been flattened by a steamroller. I was so exhausted I could barely walk home.

  All I wanted to do when I got there was lie on the bed and go to sleep, but I knew I had to tell Hudson. This couldn’t keep. Before I started clucking like a chicken, I sent him a text.

  Me: Hey.

  Hudson: You home yet?

  Me: Just walked in. Heading out with Chester now.

  Hudson: Come over when you’re done. <3

  Me: ok <3

  I loved it that he sent me a heart emoji, but would he want to send me a hate emoji after he heard what I had to tell him? I’d know soon enough.

  Chester was growing, but he was still a little guy compared to Dick. His little legs amused me as he walked along the sidewalk. He found his spot quickly and then I picked him up and cleaned his paws with the puppy wipes I carried. I didn’t want him to catch anything since he was still young.

  When I rang Hudson’s doorbell, Flimsy, Roscoe, and Scooter all harmonized a barky tune. Chester’s ears perked up and he whined. I guess he was ready to harmonize with them.

  Hudson, sexy as ever, opened the door and tugged me inside.

  “Hey. I’ve missed you.”

  “I’ve missed you too,” I said. He leaned down to give me a brief kiss.

  “Where’s Wiley?” I asked.

  “He’s in his room.” I instantly felt defeated. Even though this would give us the time alone necessary for me to tell him, it saddened me too. “What’s wrong?”

  “Can we talk?”

  “Sure.”

  We went into his living room, where I set Chester on the floor. The other dogs sniffed him and then quickly lost interest. Chester ran around and found a toy.

  “What’s up?” Hudson asked.

  “This.” I dug into my jeans pocket and pulled out the pregnancy stick. When I handed it to him, he had a blank look on his face. After a moment, I added, “I’m pregnant, Hudson.”

  Ice blue eyes that were usually warm and inviting went instantly frigid. The smile he wore flattened into a thin line.

  “Care to enlighten me? I was under the assumption you were on birth control,” he said harshly.

  I explained how the pill thing happened … how they ended up under the bed. “Obviously, I didn’t intend to get pregnant. When Dick was so critical, I wasn’t thinking clearly.”<
br />
  His head slanted as he glared. “Really? Because the way I see it is a set-up. You’re exactly like my ex. You did this on purpose, didn’t you? That whole story about you losing your baby was just that, wasn’t it? A story to evoke my sympathy. To make me feel sorry for you. To get me to open up to you, wasn’t it? You had this planned all along. Oh, yeah. I can see it all now. Get Hudson on your side, and get Wiley to fall in love with you. Then make the move.”

  I flinched at the harshness of his tone, the viciousness of his words. Every one of them was a dagger straight to my heart, puncturing it over and over until nothing remained. I’d expected anger, fury. But for him to believe this of me was more than I could comprehend. My lower lip quivered as I sucked it into my mouth. It amazed me how only a few words from someone you loved could become such wicked weapons.

  “Hudson, I don’t expect … never would expect anything from you,” I stammered.

  “Well, isn’t that a relief.” Sarcasm oozed from him. “It’s not like I don’t have enough on my hands from the last woman who did the same to me.”

  Somehow, the beginnings of anger spiked through me. How dare he. The only thing I did wrong was to forget to take my pills. Yes, it resulted in something neither of us wanted, but it was an honest mistake. I wasn’t planning to hold him responsible.

  “That’s unfair and you know it. I’m nothing like her. This was not intentional. I’m sorry I was overwhelmed with my dog being on death’s door and forgot about taking my pills. I’m human and made a mistake. But don’t worry, I’ll take care of it.”

  He reared back. “Take care of it? You mean you’re not going to keep it?”

  “Are you insane? Of course I’m going to keep it. I only meant this isn’t some kind of trap. I’ll handle it on my own. I don’t need or want anything from you, Hudson.” I swiped my hand across my soaked face. Then I walked over to where Chester played.

  “What are you doing?” he asked.

  “I’m going home.”

  “Leave the dog.”

  I frowned. “What do you mean?”

  “You’re not taking him. That’s what I mean.”

  “You gave him to me. He’s mine.”

  “I’m rescinding that offer.” His frosty glare stunned me. “My son loves him. I won’t take anything else away from him. He’s lost too much as it is.”

  Then he stomped into the kitchen and made a point of dropping the pregnancy kit stick into the trash. By this time I was sobbing so I rushed out of the apartment. I knew it wouldn’t go well, but never thought it would end up this badly. I was an utter wreck by the time I got home.

  I made it to the bathroom in time. At least there was that. Afterward, I called Ellerie.

  “How’s my little preggie sis?”

  When she heard the sobs, she had her answer.

  “I’m getting on the first flight. I’ll let you know when that is.” She hung up before I could respond.

  My phone rang an hour later. It was Ells letting me know she was landing at midnight. She must’ve driven straight to the airport and hopped on the first flight.

  And my heart … it was in tiny pieces scattered everywhere and I didn’t know where to begin searching for them. It was a miracle the damn thing was keeping me alive.

  I stayed in bed the rest of the evening until Ellerie arrived, which was around one. She pulled me into her arms and the sob-fest began again.

  “Don’t cry. Everything will be okay. I promise.”

  “He was so hateful to me. He wouldn’t even let me take Chester.”

  “He’ll get over it. He was just shocked.” She stroked my hair as she spoke.

  “No, you don’t understand.” Then I told her about what happened with Lydia—the whole story.

  She was still hugging me as I clung to her. “Silly Milly. You’re not that she-devil and he knows it. Now let’s get you into bed. You need your rest, and this has been one hellacious day for you.”

  “But … but he said I made it all up. About losing Simon. Just to trap him.”

  She muttered something I couldn’t understand.

  I was once again the little girl, wanting to be taken care of. I decided to allow myself this chance because I would have to assume the adult role eventually.

  Ells went into the bathroom and got ready for bed. I don’t even remember her coming back to the bedroom. I was already fast asleep.

  I lost an entire week of my life, living like a zombie. I couldn’t eat and barely functioned. Glenn called and Ellerie told him I’d caught a virus and was sick. Ava was really worried and kept calling and texting. I didn’t have the strength or energy to speak to anyone. It took a while for me to emerge from the darkness, but I eventually did. There was a baby to consider and I had a life to live. I couldn’t let this get the best of me. It was time to pull up the bootstraps and move on.

  About midway through the second week, the clouds began to part, and I decided to join the living again.

  My annoying alarm woke us up on the morning I decided to go back to work.

  “I think going back will do you a world of good,” Ells said.

  “I agree. Besides, you’ve been here long enough. You’re probably ready to get home. Not to mention, the event is closing in fast. But I’m going to be a little late today.” I pushed the snooze button. It went off way too soon, so I dragged my butt out of bed and got in the shower. My energy level sucked. I remembered how exhausted I’d been with my last pregnancy and I wasn’t looking forward to this part.

  I threw on my robe and walked out when I heard Ells shouting. I peeked around the corner and saw her yelling at Hudson.

  “You are the biggest asshole prick I’ve ever met. After everything you knew about my sister, about the way she lost her son, you went and said those horrible things to her? Told her she made it up? I can’t even believe you have the nerve to show up here.”

  “I came to apologize. I’ve tried calling, but she wouldn’t answer.”

  “Can you blame her? My God, you’re the biggest prick on the face of the earth. And then you wouldn’t even let her have Chester. The dog you gave her! You’re a gigantic douche. Could you have possibly been any crueler? You should leave.”

  He crossed his arms and stood his ground. “I want to see her.”

  “I don’t think so.”

  “I need to talk to her.”

  “Maybe you should’ve thought of that before you were such a dick to her.”

  “Ellerie, I get it. I’m an asshole, but I’m not leaving until I talk to Milly.”

  “Get out, Hudson.”

  “No.”

  I thought I had seen my sister at her worst, but I was wrong. She balled up her fist and right hooked him in the jaw. My ball-of-fire sister just punched the father of my baby in the face. Holy shit!

  Chapter Thirty-Eight

  Hudson

  It’s not that I didn’t deserve it, because I did. It’s not that I wouldn’t have taken a dozen more, because I would have. But I damn sure didn’t expect it, especially from Ellerie, the equivalent of the perfect Southern belle. And fuuccckkkk, it hurt. She nailed me right in the kisser.

  I rubbed my jaw and backed up a step. That’s when Milly entered the picture.

  “Ells, what have you done? I can’t believe you punched him. We Claytons are not accepting of violence.”

  Claytons? Who the hell are the Claytons?

  “Like hell. Don’t you remember Mimi Clayton smacked Granddaddy Clayton when he dipped into the moonshine too much?”

  “No, I don’t.”

  “Excuse me, but who are the Claytons?” I asked.

  Milly motioned between her and her sister. “Us. We’re Claytons. I’m Millicent Grace Clayton Fremont. She’s Ellerie Anna Clayton Sherman.”

  “Oh.” That must’ve been their maiden name.

  “Mama would beat your butt black and blue if she knew you’d clocked him.”

  “No, she would not. She would be praising me for defending yo
ur honor. I can’t believe you’re taking his side, especially after what he said to you,” Ells said accusatorially.

  “I certainly am not. I’m only saying I am against violence of any kind. It is unseemly and unnecessary.” Milly pouted. And damn if I didn’t want to grab her and kiss those plump lips of hers. Too bad she hated me right now, but I was going to change that if it was the last thing I did, even if I had to grovel.

  “I wasn’t violent. I was teaching him a lesson. You don’t mess with a Clayton.”

  “You certainly got your point across.”

  The two women stared at each other. I decided it was time to step in. Or try. “Excuse me but may I—”

  “No!” they both shouted.

  Then Milly turned on me. Her angry glare shot sparks. I flinched. I’d never seen the wrath of a woman like this. Lydia had been a crazy fuck. But this woman was passionately enraged and deeply wounded at the same time. How could I have said those terrible things to her?

  Her arm extended, finger pointed, and she began, “You can’t even begin to understand what you did to me. Your words were a razor that sliced through me, but you didn’t stop there, did you? You kept twisting it. Add to it that bit with Chester. How could you? After everything you knew about me, how I lost my baby. For your information, that was not just a story I made up. Go check the cemetery in Dunwoody, Georgia. There is a grave there. Simon Fremont. You crushed me, Hudson, and I honestly don’t know if I have it in me to ever forgive you.”

  Her cheeks glistened with tears and all I wanted to do was take her into my arms and soothe her pain. Her words turned every one of my vertebra into rubber. My body sagged and I barely had the strength to remain upright. “I know. I know I was hateful. Terrible. The worst thing ever. All I could think of was what had happened earlier that day to Wiley. But that’s no excuse. It was the most selfish thing ever and you aren’t remotely close to being like Lydia. I know that. I’m as sorry as I can be and I beg you, Milly, beg you to forgive me. But I also don’t blame you if you can’t. I’m a shit. A lousy shit for doing that. I’ll take whatever you want to dish out, but please don’t leave me because I’m not sure how I’ll live without you.”