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“Where are you going?”
“To check on Julia,” I said.
“Why? She’s only whimpering. Maybe she’s having a nightmare about you chasing all her boyfriends away.”
“Very fu
“It’s okay, Co
I pulled on my boxers and lay back in bed. “You’re right, babe,” I said as I wrapped my arms around her and stared at my daughter through the monitor.
Chapter 13 Ellery One month later…
Ashlyn’s trial had been going on for about three weeks, and Co
It was a typical morning. Mason was downstairs with Julia. I was putting on my workout clothes and Co
“Don’t forget we have Camden’s birthday party this weekend at your parents’ house,” I said casually to him.
“I don’t know if I can make it. With this trial and everything, I’m behind at the office, so I may have to work all weekend.”
I walked over to him and wrapped my arms around his waist. “Camden will be crushed if you’re not there, and you’ve never missed anything.”
He took a hold of my arms and removed them from his waist. “Don’t start with me, Ellery. I’ve got a lot going on right now.”
“Excuse me, Co
I sighed and walked out of the room. I didn’t want to start my day off with an argument, and I needed to get to the gym because I was meeting Peyton for fittings and lunch. I went downstairs and into the kitchen. I grabbed my bag and kissed Julia goodbye.
“Mason, tell Co
“Umm, all right, Elle. Have a good day,” he said.
I took the elevator down and when the doors opened, De
“Are you ready to go, Ellery? Where’s Co
“Who cares, and I’m taking a cab. Bye, De
I was on the treadmill in the gym, listening to my iPod, when Co
“You never cease to amaze me. I hope you know that,” he said.
“Sorry, can’t hear you. Music’s playing,” I said loudly.
“Ellery, take out the damn ear phones.”
I rolled my eyes and took them out. “There. Happy?”
He shook his head as he ran on the treadmill. “Why the hell would you not wait for me?”
“Because you were being an ass and giving me an attitude.”
“All I said was that I didn’t think I was going to be able to make it to Camden’s party.”
“You told me not to start with you in an irritated tone. So, I left because I didn’t want to bother you.”
“Baby, you weren’t bothering me.”
“And you’re not talking to me. I know you’re not telling me things, and it’s eating you up inside.”
“I don’t want to discuss this any further right now, especially here,” he said.
I shook my head, and I got off the treadmill. “Fine. I’m going over to the spin bike.”
I walked across to the other side of the gym where a row of spin bikes sat. I knew Co
I stayed on the bike for about forty-five minutes, and then I looked around for Co
“You’re an asshole.”
“If you say so,” he replied.
I rolled my eyes. I didn’t have time for this. I needed to shower quickly and meet Peyton down the street in less than an hour. After I finished getting dressed, I packed up my bag and left the gym. When I walked out the door, I saw De
“De
“Just seeing if you need a ride home.”
“Thank you, but I’m meeting Peyton down the street.” I smiled as I started to walk away.
“Ellery!” De
I stopped, turned around, and looked at him.
“You know that you and Julia are the things that matters most to Co
“I know that, De
“He may not always be right, but he loves you more than his own life, and he would do anything to protect you.”
Tears began to fill my eyes as I looked up to keep them from falling. I walked over to where De
“I love him more than life too,” I whispered in his ear.
De
Smiling back, I turned away and walked down the street to the café where I was meeting Peyton. Upon arrival, I stepped inside and saw her sitting down at a table.
“There you are. What took you so long?” she asked.
“Ugh. I’ve had a bad morning, thanks to my husband,” I said as I dug for my phone in my purse.
“What did he do? He’s too perfect to cause you to have a bad day.”
“Hold on, I need to text him.”
“I just wanted you to know that I don’t think you’re an asshole and I love you.”
Within seconds, a reply from him came through. “I love you too and we’ll talk when I get home. See if Mason can watch Julia tonight and we’ll go out; just the two of us.”
“Elle, what’s wrong? You look like you’re stressed,” Peyton said as she pushed a cup of coffee towards me.
“Co
“What do you want to do?”
I had the idea in my head that if I went to the jail and paid a visit to Ashlyn that maybe we could talk, woman to woman, and I could convince her to change her plea. I know, wishful thinking, but it was worth a try.
“Are you busy tomorrow?” I asked as I looked at Peyton.
“No, why? What are you pla
“I want to go to the jail and pay Ashlyn a little visit.”
Peyton’s eyes widened. “Are you fucking crazy?!” she voiced rather loudly.
“Peyton! Keep your voice down!”
“Sorry, but you’re crazy. Co
“I’ll handle Co
Peyton kept shaking her head. I knew she didn’t agree with me, but she was the only person I could trust.
“Whatever, Ellery. I’ll go with you, but I don’t agree.”
“Thank you.” I smiled.
We got up from our seats and headed to the bridal shop for our fitting. As I saw Peyton step out of the dressing room in her wedding dress, my eyes began to fill with tears. She looked stu