Cole clasped her hand, his thumb tracing small circles over her knuckles.“And you’re good at it,” he said quietly, his voice carrying the weight of sincerity.
Ashley smiled, feeling the warmth spread through her chest.“What about you?”
Cole’s grip on her hand stilled briefly before he leaned back, picking up his fork again.“I wasn’t as interesting as you.No fishbowls or hallway dramas in my story.”
Ashley frowned, tilting her head.“Come on.You’re not getting out of this.What were you like?”
His laugh was soft, almost dismissive.“A boring physics nerd.”
She sat forward, her expression playful but edged with curiosity.“Why won’t you tell me?You know all my embarrassing stories.”
Cole exhaled slowly, setting his fork down with deliberate care.“Because I don’t think you would’ve liked me very much.”
Her brows lifted in surprise, and for a moment, neither of them spoke.Then her lips curved, the curiosity flaring brighter.“Oh, now you have to tell me.”
He shook his head, leaning across the table to kiss her softly.The warmth of his lips silenced her protest and the tension she hadn’t realized she was holding melted away.
When he pulled back, his voice was low, almost teasing.“If you’re done with dinner, I think it’s time for dessert.”
Before she could argue, he stood and rounded the table, lifting her effortlessly into his arms.
“Cole!”she exclaimed, laughing as her arms circled his neck.“I’m pregnant, not incapacitated.”
“Exactly,” he murmured, his lips brushing her temple as he carried her toward the bedroom.“No heavy lifting allowed.”
She laughed again, but it dissolved into a soft sigh as his mouth found hers, the kiss deeper this time, his touch reverent.The questions in her mind faded, replaced by the quiet certainty of the man she’d fallen in love with.
CHAPTER3
The community counseling center sat on a quiet street, its modest brick exterior flanked by a library and a bakery that filled the air with the faint scent of fresh bread.Inside, Ashley’s office felt like an extension of her: warm, unassuming, and welcoming.A soft beige couch took up one corner, its edges slightly frayed from years of use, while the opposite wall was lined with bookshelves bursting with picture books, board games, and art supplies.
Ashley perched on the edge of her chair, the soft blue knit of her dress clinging gently to her figure as she crossed one leg over the other.Her honey-hazel eyes scanned the notes in her lap, their warm tones catching the sunlight spilling through the window.A strand of her dark hair fell loose, brushing her cheek as she tucked it back behind her ear, a habit she hardly noticed anymore.She glanced at the clock: 10:28.
Two minutes later, a soft knock came at the door.
Ashley rose and opened it to find Lucas standing just behind his mother.His small frame was half-hidden by her coat, and he clutched a battered stuffed rabbit in his hand.
“Hi, Lucas,” Ashley said warmly, crouching to meet his eyes.“It’s good to see you again.And you brought Mr.Bunny!I’ve been hoping to see him, too.”
Lucas’s gaze flicked up briefly, just enough to meet hers, before darting back down to his sneakers.
His mother placed a gentle hand on his shoulder.“You’ll be fine, sweetheart.I’ll be right outside.”
Ashley stood and gave his mother a reassuring smile.“We’ll take it slow.Thank you for bringing him in.”
She gestured for Lucas to follow her, keeping her steps slow and measured as they walked into the cozy room.“Do you want to sit on the couch, or would you rather sit at the table today?”
Lucas hesitated, his fingers tightening on the rabbit’s ear.“The couch,” he said quietly.
“Good choice,” Ashley said, settling into the chair opposite him.“I think Mr.Bunny looks very comfortable there.”
Lucas climbed onto the couch, tucking the rabbit into his lap.His small sneakers dangled above the floor, swinging slightly as he looked around the room.
“How’s your week been, Lucas?”Ashley asked gently, leaning forward just enough to show she was listening.
“Okay,” he mumbled, his voice barely above a whisper.
Ashley waited for a beat before trying again.“Did anything fun happen?Or anything not so fun?”
