Hannah awoke to soft kisses running down her neck. The fresh scent of soap made her fully awake and she looked at Ashton, who was now lying next to her.
“Go back to sleep,” Ashton whispered.
“Did you just get home?” Hannah asked, turning over and snuggling into Ashton’s embrace.
Ashton nodded and tightened his grip on her. “Sorry, I got home really late.”
“That’s okay. I know you’ve been busy as usual,” Hannah chuckled softly.
Ashton kissed Hannah again.
“Oh, by the way, Mrs. Clark called me while I was at the hospital earlier,” Ashton said.
“What did she say?”
“Well, she asked about the ownership of the house-whether it was your or mine, since we’re not married yet.” Ashton cleared his throat softly. “I told her to put it in your name.”
“But…”
“The house is yours. I’ve already decided.”
Hannah looked at Ashton in disbelief. Buying a house? For her? It seemed a bit too much.
“Actually, I already have a house here,” Hannah said suddenly. “My father’s inheritance, but the papers are still with Alden. I can take care of that, but I really don’t want to see him.”
Ashton paused before answering. “You know, I think you should still work things out with Alden, darling. The divorce was a long time ago and there’s no problem.”
Hannah agreed.
“But Henry is his son. He has a right to know that Henry is in our lives now and in the future. Besides, we’ll need Alden’s signature to transfer guardianship to me if I adopt Henry later.”
Hannah hesitated.
Ashton had already decided that Henry would take his last name, but the legal process required Alden’s consent. Both of Henry’s biological parents had to agree. Hannah had no problem with that, but she wasn’t so sure about Alden.
That was what worried Hannah. Alden still didn’t know he had a son.
“I still can’t talk to Alden, honey,” Hannah admitted honestly.
“Would you like me to talk to him?” Ashton offered.
“No!”
“Why?” Ashton chuckled.
“It’s just…”
Hannah couldn’t finish her sentence. She didn’t know what else to say. Things had felt so mixed up since her return to Summerhill. What she thought would be an easy life suddenly became complicated when Alden reappeared.
“I’m a grown man, and so is your ex-husband. We’re not going to settle things with fists. Don’t worry, I’m not that barbaric,” Ashton reassured her.
“Yes, of course you wouldn’t do anything violent to Alden.”
“If he gets on my nerves, I might just sedate him,” Ashton joked with a laugh. “I was kidding. God, I would never consider that a solution.”
“It’s called murder.”
“Sorry…”
“Let’s get some sleep,” Hannah said. “I have to take Henry to preschool in the morning. He has a trial day and I’m worried about how he’ll feel there.”
Ashton pouted. “Just sleep? That’s it?”
“Ashton…”
“Okay.” Ashton immediately closed his eyes and hugged Hannah tighter. “God, I miss you so much. Don’t leave me, please. I need you for the rest of my life.”
Hannah nodded, but couldn’t close her eyes.
Could she really give her heart completely to Ashton? For the rest of her life?
*
The next morning, Hannah took Henry to a nearby preschool near The Miracle Hospital. She had an interview with the school staff, and then Henry went into the classroom for a trial session. Messages kept popping up on Hannah’s phone about a meeting she couldn’t miss.
But she ignored them. She had to wait until Henry got out of class. Maria, the nanny, noticed Hannah’s restlessness.
“Ma’am, let the driver and I wait for Henry. You can go to the hospital,” Maria suggested.
“I don’t want Henry to be upset that I didn’t wait for him. It’s okay, I’ll go as soon as he’s out.”
Maria chuckled. “All right, ma’am. I think Henry will be out soon.”
Music filled the entire school, signaling the end of class. Henry ran up to Hannah and hugged her. Quickly, Hannah held Henry’s hand and hurried to the street.
“Henry, you’re going home with Maria, alright? Mom has to go to work,” Hannah said.
The little boy nodded. “Okay.”
“Why don’t we drive you to the hospital, ma’am? What do you need to get there?” Maria asked, sounding concerned.
“I’ll take a cab. You should go home. Henry seems pretty tired.”
Maria didn’t argue any further. She nodded, then got into the car with Henry, while Hannah stood on the curb and waved as the car drove away.
Suddenly, a car pulled up in front of Hannah and the window slowly rolled down. She blinked, not recognizing the car.
Alden’s face appeared, startling her.
“Are you going to the hospital?” Alden asked.
“I’ve already called a cab, Mr. Harrison.”
“Please, let me drive you.”
Hannah shook her head firmly. “No, thank you.”
Alden sighed, trying to suppress his emotions-sadness, frustration, and the many questions swirling inside him. What Hannah didn’t know was that Alden had seen her earlier, with the little boy she had just sent home.
“Who was the child, Hannah?” Alden asked suddenly.
Seeing Hannah’s startled reaction, Alden knew she was hiding something.
“Will you stop bothering me?” Hannah said firmly. “We’re done. Don’t ever interfere with my life again!”
“I only asked who the child is with you.”
“He’s mine!” Hannah snapped angrily. “My son!”
“Your son?”
A taxi came into view, and Hannah waved it down.
“Taxi!” Hannah called.
“Hannah, wait!!” Alden shouted.
The cab stopped, and Hannah ran toward it. Alden didn’t have time to get out of his car, but he watched her closely.
Without thinking, Alden started his car and followed her.