“I’ve always loved her as a friend, just like Jade, just like—”
“No, Lucas, you’re in love with her. Stop being a pussy and admit it!”
“Fine, if it will end this. Yes, I love her. Always have.”
“And the only reason we are married today is because she wouldn’t marry you.”
“That’s not a secret, Ashley. I asked her first, but I fucked that up. I take full damn responsibility. Now you should do the sa—”
“Are youin lovewith her?”
“Why are you asking me that? What’s the damn point now?” I’m fucking exhausted from her shit. I am so close to throwing up my hands and saying,Walk and don’t come back.
“The point is you ruined us! You being in love with Tessa ruined us!”
She’s out of fucking control.
I open the door to the SUV and pray she gets in before she fucks up Harper’s day.
“Everything okay?”
I look back and see Tessa standing right there. So are Jade, John, Harper, and Ava.
Voice low, I nod toward the door. “Ash, I suggest you get in the car. I’ll take you home.”
I walk around the driver’s side and get in, thinking she’ll follow suit since she’s getting what she wants—I’m leaving.
Instead, Ashley storms around the car and yells, “Your husband is lucky to be dead so he doesn’t have to watch you and my husband play grab ass with one anoth—”
I see Tessa’s hand raise. I not only see it, but hear it connect.
“Don’t you talk about Collin like that ever!”
I jump out of the car and grab Ashley, who is holding her face.
“She’s just as crazy as the rest of the bitches—”
“Get in the fucking carnow!” I roar.
Ashley jumps in the car, slams the door, and locks it as I try to open it. Then she throws it in drive and peels out of the driveway.
I look back and see Ava covering her mouth as tears roll down her cheeks.
“She deserves to know, Lucas. You tell her, or I will.” Jade spins around, and I see Harper and John standing there, too. “I’ll take care of the girls.”
Tessa looks shocked, upset at her instinctual reaction.
I hurry toward her, and Jade snaps, “There’s a room upstairs. Let’s go, ladies.”
The ladies and I follow Jade up the stairs.
I whisper to Tessa, “You’re not allowed to be upset today. It’s Harper’s day. And tomorrow, if you want to slap her again, go for it. She was out of line.”
She shakes her head and continues up the stairs.
Fuck.
I immediately head to Ava, who’s tucked under John’s arm.