She squares her shoulders, ready to spar. "Or what?"
"Or I will annihilate you. Go back to court, your measly visitation will be revoked. Our kids will visit you with the court-ordered representative, and you'll live the rest of your life a bitter fucking bitch alone."
"Sounds great to me. Why we didn't do that the first time still blows my mind." I add fuel to the fire.
Darby's pale, no doubt trying to figure out how to diffuse this, but knows not to stand in between Pierce when he’s dealing with Connie.
"Try it, asshole," Connie throws back, not knowing when to quit. "No judge will take my kids from me."
"Actually, you are displaying erratic behavior that could be seen as a danger to those children," Ashlyn's melodic voice cuts in.
"What do you know? You're a passerby in this family. I bet you won't be here next month. Miller never keeps them around long."
I clench my fists at my sides, plant my feet, and glare at her with a look meant to kill.
"I'm a lawyer. Family law is my forte." She lies like a professional. "Many times, judges, if it gets that far, can see through the old school plague of children needing a mother if she's unstable and unhealthy. I'd hate that for Cole and Maya, seeing as they love both of their parents, but right now, you are giving them a show they should never have to see."
Connie's head swings to the window, her face pained at the realization she's made a fool out of herself, again.
"I didn't send that announcement," Darby reconfirms. "I wouldn't do that."
"Why would you waste your time or a stamp on her?" Ashlyn pats her hand.
My gut stirs and I eye my fiery redhead closely. Her expression is serene, but there's a satisfied gleam in her eyes. I glance down and read the envelope on the ground. It is not written in Annie's perfect calligraphy like the others. It is one-hundred percent Ashlyn's penmanship.
My head pops up, and she gazes back at me with undeniable pleasure.
Revenge.
Ashlyn did this as revenge for Darby. And Pierce, Stephanie, Evin, and everyone else that went through hell because of the cunt standing on the porch.
If I didn't already love her, this would have done it.
Fucking perfection.
Her face lights up under my approval, and she stands, cradling the baby close. "I'm going to check on Maya and Cole. They wanted to help me get him changed and settled for the night." That last shot did it. Connie's face registers absolute misery.
Runner goes crazy when Ashlyn eases through the door.
Darby gets up, clearing her throat, and pins Connie with her kind eyes. "That announcement didn't come from us. I wouldn't do that, knowing all too well how it feels. You are the mother of Pierce's other children, and they will always be my priority."
Pure class.
She strides between Evin and me, her eyes meeting mine for a brief second. She knows it was Ashlyn, and the look of gratification shines.
"If you don't marry her soon, I'm making my move." Evin also picks up on the clues.
"Back off, pretty boy. She's taken," I mutter.
"Huh, didn't see a ring."
"After we deal with Connie, I'll pummel you."
"I'd get in a few good licks. Whatever the outcome, she'd be worth it."
"Can we get rid of one problem before we throw down? I'm all for a good showdown, even with the obvious winner," Peirce tosses our way with a grin.
"Yeah, you got this?" I jerk my chin to Connie.
"She's leaving."
"You're an asshole, Pierce."
"So I've been told. Now I've got to handle damage control for your ass, once again, with our kids. Next time you come over here to throw your fit, maybe think about the fact they pick up on this shit."
She glances at the house again and then tramps down the stairs and to her car on the street.
"That bitch is a piece of work." Evin whistles low.
"I'm moving Darby's car around back. You guys going at it while I'm gone?" Pierce asks when she speeds away.
"Nah, I'm playing Xbox with Cole so he knows who his favorite uncle is." Evin punches my arm and ducks when I rear back.
"Damn, even you fuckers can make it all right," Pierce calls over his shoulder on his way down the steps. "Evin, you lost out!"
"Don't I know it?" Evin rumbles, flashing me a grin. "She's sly, and I love her for it."
"Yeah."
"Cold, calculating, hit home in a way she'll never understand."
"She saw the aftermath once. It was enough for her."
"Darby's tears still scar my skin. Tonight made it a little less painful." He gives me a look of respect, not for me, but for her, and goes inside.
I pick up the envelope on the porch, grinning at Ashlyn's play.
Chapter 21
Miller
My hand rubs my chest, the ache pounding against my ribcage. The nagging feeling has been with me since I woke up. I review the document in front of me, my discomfort ratcheting. It will take a shitload of work for Dad to get all the zoning and permits to parcel the land next door to Ashlyn's as one property.
As Dozer predicted, when I called the neighbor's son and asked to do a walk-through, he jumped on the chance. It took less than five minutes for me to see the same potential in the home. The offer was fair and eagerly accepted.
Now we face the political red tape, which means I have to tell Ashlyn sooner than expected.
My phone dings with a text, and the message eases my irritation.
Ashlyn- The pot filler is in and it's marvelous! Jill and Annie were here today. They offered to help with the kitchen this weekend. Landscapers arrived on time. The cleaners confirmed for Thursday.
I smile at her excitement. These messages have been coming frequently the last
