[Supporter] Newlyweds New Desires Epilogue (Patreon)

Hey Friends! First, I want to apologize. It feels like things have taken a little longer this month to get out. At least part of that was due to trying to fit this into the schedule (I was also working on a commission. More on that at another time.)

But the wait is over, the epilogue is finally here, bringing the "official" story to a close. I cannot express enough how much your love for these characters meant to me. I hope you all find this ending as satisfying at I did.

What's Next: I've had a few people reach out and say they wish a specific scene had gone a different way or was told in a different POV. If anyone has specific requests like that, post them here and I'll be happy to work them into my schedule. If we get a lot, maybe I'll leave the order up to a fan vote or something. The only real "rule" I have for this is the request needs to be for a scene or a chapter. I can't commit to "Write how the story would have played out if Ashley had actually picked Clayton." That would involve multiple chapters and large edits I can't commit to.

I've also had some people reach out about a Q&A wanting to know more about the process that went into creating the characters, how the original draft looked versus the final, etc. I've answered a few of those questions already on Discord (Link Here), but I'm happy to answer them in a post here if you want to leave me a question.

For those of you waiting on EP. I have one or two more scenes left to write I'm hoping to get that out by Friday, and then will rush through the edits to get them here. If not by the end of the month, the first week of February for sure.

Alright, I think that's enough from me. On with the show.

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The tissue box on Dr. Andrews's side table had been strategically placed within arm's reach. Chris noticed it every session. It seemed like a dumb thing to focus on, but it steadied him. Ten months and he only needed to reach for it once. Ashley had, twice. He'd convinced himself that meant they were healing. That they had both spilled tears and now they were moving past it. Letting the wound scab over.

Today the tissues sat untouched.

Dr. Andrews sat across from them the same as every session. Her gaze unreadable as she scanned her notebook. Chris wasn't convinced she was actually reading anything. He'd never seen her take a single note, but she always seemed to reference it throughout their sessions.

"So the house finally sold," Dr. Andrews said, breaking the silence that had settled over the room. "How does that feel?"

Chris's hand tightened around Ashley's. She was still in her scrubs from her shift, the pale blue fabric wrinkled. They'd been timing these sessions around her work schedule for months now.

"Like closing a chapter," Chris said. "A fresh start."

Dr. Andrews's gaze shifted to Ashley, waiting.

Ashley shifted on the couch, her fingers loosening from Chris's grip. "It feels like running away," she said quietly. "Like admitting we can't fix what happened there."

Chris let go of her hand like he'd been burned. He'd thought selling the house was good news. With him in between jobs they couldn't afford the mortgage payments. They'd talked about wanting to move for almost a year now. She'd hugged him when they got the news the buyers were interested, said she was excited.

Had she been lying?

"Chris, what's happening right now?" Dr. Andrews asked, her tone direct.

After their first session with Dr. Andrews, Chris had wanted to change therapists. He didn't like how direct she was, how it always felt like she was taking Ashley's side and calling him out. Ashley refused. This was the third person they'd gone to since Clayton went to jail, and there was something about Dr. Andrews's directness that made Ashley comfortable. Since then, Chris had learned to appreciate the doctor a lot more. He unclenched the fist he hadn't realized he was making.

"I'm trying not to argue with her."

"Why?"

"Because you told me to let her have her feelings."

"Good. But that doesn't mean you don't get to have yours." Dr. Andrews leaned forward slightly. "Ashley, say more about why it feels like you're running away."

Ashley pulled her hand back, wrapping both arms around herself. "Every room in that house has a memory. The bedroom, the shower. Every time I enter them I remember... moments." She blushed like she was reliving one of those moments now, as her right hand played with her wedding ring. "Moving doesn't change what happened. It doesn't change who I became."

"Who you became," Dr. Andrews raised an eyebrow. "Or who you chose to become?"

"Both." Ashley's hands dropped to her lap. "I made choices. I kept going back even when I knew it was destroying us. I told myself it was for Chris, for his fantasy, but..." She swallowed hard. "At some point I stopped needing an excuse. I wanted it."

Chris felt the familiar heat start low in his belly. His body responding before his brain could catch up. He reached for his wrist, snapped the thin black rubber band hard against his skin.

"Good, Chris," Dr. Andrews said, turning her attention to him. "What just happened?"

"Ashley said she wanted it and I..." Chris's face flushed. "It made me remember how turned on I would get when I... When she was like that."

"There's no shame in that response," Dr. Andrews said, the faintest smile on her lips. "You've been conditioned to be aroused by these scenarios. The shame comes when you let that arousal override rational thought. When you prioritize the fantasy over Ashley's actual wellbeing."

Shame burned his cheeks and he lowered his head. "Which is what I did. For months."

"We both did," Ashley interjected. She turned to face him. "I knew what was happening to me. I knew I was falling for him, that it was becoming more than sex. I should have said Bayberry a long time ago. Should have told you I needed to stop. But I didn't want to. I liked how he made me feel."

Chris snapped the rubber band again, harder this time.

"Chris, what are you feeling right now?" Dr. Andrews asked.

"Jealous. Aroused. Angry at myself for being aroused." He pressed the heels of his hands against his eyes. "It's been ten months and my body still responds the same way. Like I learned nothing."

"You've learned to recognize it," Dr. Andrews corrected. "You've learned to interrupt the pattern. That's significant progress." Her body turned as a unit. It looked almost robotic as she focused on Ashley. "You said you knew what was happening. That you were falling for him. Can you talk about when you realized that?"

Ashley was quiet for a long moment. "I'm... I'm not sure," she said finally. "There wasn't just one moment. It was more like... several things that felt unimportant at the time, but now..." She turned to face Chris fully, and saw him reach for a tissue. "The time I went to the office to bring Chris his lunch and Clayton was there alone." She swallowed hard, her gaze drifting to the front of Chris's pants. "It started as leaning into Chris's fantasy but after... it was like something shifted." She reached out, taking his hand. "I told myself it was just the intensity of the moment. The lack of control." She chewed on her lip, reaching over to grab a tissue of her own. "Then the night I went to his house alone. It was that same feeling, but more powerful."

She watched as Chris dried his eyes, doing her best to will her own tears back, at least until she finished saying what she needed to say. "I told you I didn't love him, and that was true but... I knew then it wasn't just sex."

Chris squeezed her hand, grabbing a second tissue as the dam finally broke, and Ashley lowered her head to cry.

"And Chris," Dr. Andrews continued, "when did you realize you'd lost control of the situation?"

"The day at the window." He didn't even have to think about it. It was a day that was on a constant loop in his brain. "When she was supposed to go to Clayton's and plant the USB but they never even made it out of the driveway." He grabbed the rubber band, flicking it in three short bursts. "I just stood there and watched. I couldn't control him, I couldn't control my wife..." A final tug on the rubber band. "I couldn't even control my body."

"That's a lot to put on yourself," Dr. Andrews noted.

"I deserve it."

"Maybe. But Ashley is an adult who made her own choices. You didn't force her into anything."

"No, but I created the environment where it could happen." He took a deep breath, tossing the tissues in the trash next to the sofa. "I made the bet. I took the job. I kept pushing for more even when I could see it was changing her. Every time she looked at me for permission to stop, I told her to keep going."

Ashley reached out, touching his leg. "I could have said no."

"But you didn't want to say no." He put his hand on top of hers. "Because I made you think saying yes was what I needed. What we needed."

"Both things can be true," Dr. Andrews interjected. "Chris, you created conditions that enabled unhealthy behavior. Ashley, you participated willingly and at times enthusiastically in that behavior. You both stopped communicating honestly. You both prioritized arousal over intimacy. And you both paid a price for it."

The air conditioning kicked on, filling the silence. Outside the small office a phone rang, and Chris could hear the low voice of the receptionist. He suddenly wished he could be anywhere else.

"The fantasy itself wasn't wrong," Dr. Andrews continued. "Many couples explore similar dynamics in healthy ways. The problem was how you pursued it. No boundaries. No honest communication. No safe outlets. You jumped from zero to sixty without building the foundation that makes these things sustainable."

"So we just... did it wrong?" Ashley gave Chris's leg a squeeze.

"You did it in a way that hurt both of you," Dr. Andrews clarified. "But that doesn't mean the desires themselves are shameful. Chris, you're allowed to be aroused by the idea of Ashley with other men. Ashley, you're allowed to enjoy feeling desired by multiple partners. The shame comes from how those desires were weaponized against your marriage."

Chris looked at Ashley, seeing the exhaustion in her face that mirrored his own. Ten months of therapy and they were still unpacking the damage.

"So, back to the original question." Dr. Andrews shared a rare smile. "Moving to a new house, is that running away or moving forward?"

"I... maybe both?" Chris answered honestly and Ashley nodded.

"Maybe." She looked at her notebook. "Where are you thinking of going?"

"Chris wants Ohio," Ashley said. "Somewhere completely different. I want the beach. Somewhere I can breathe."

"You haven't agreed?"

"We're working on it," Chris said. "We're trying to communicate better. To actually talk about what we need instead of what we think the other person wants."

"That's good," Dr. Andrews said. "That's the foundation you should have built before." She glanced at her watch. "We're out of time. But I want you both to think about something before next week. Moving doesn't erase the past. But it can give you space to build something new. The question is: are you moving away from something, or toward something?"

Ashley stood first, smoothing down her scrubs. Chris stood with her, his hand finding the small of her back.

"Same time next week?" Dr. Andrews asked.

"Same time," Ashley confirmed.

In the parking lot, Ashley turned to him before getting into her car. "That was hard." She wrapped her arms around his neck.

"Yeah," Chris agreed. "But it's working... right?"

She pressed her forehead to his, breathing in his scent. "I love you so much, Chris."

"I love you too."

She gave him a tender kiss on the lips. "You promised me when we found a buyer we'd celebrate. McDuff's tonight after work."

"McDuff's? You really want to go back there after... everything?"

Ashley smiled, taking a step backward. "What can I say. I like their nachos. Besides, I have a surprise for you."

"A surprise?" Chris couldn't contain the smile. "Fine. McDuff's it is. Text me when you know you'll be leaving."

"Of course." She gave him another kiss. "Lunch date with Katie still on?"

"It's not a date." Chris rolled his eyes. "She just wants to catch up after everything."

"If you say so." She gave him a mischievous grin as she walked toward her car. "Tell her not to get too handsy."

She giggled as she walked away, not needing to look back to know Chris's face was a deep shade of red.

***

Chris smiled as he walked into the old-timey diner. Everything from the red vinyl booths to the jukebox on the back wall reminded him of Mable's. He walked toward the back, sliding into a seat that looked like it had recently been reupholstered. Of course, it wasn't Mable's. He wasn't sure he'd ever be able to go back there. Too many memories, too close to... everything.

A silver Audi A8 rolled to a stop outside, gravel crunching beneath its tires. The sound drew Chris to the dirty window. When Katie stepped out, he couldn’t help but smile. A lot had changed in just ten months.

"Nice car. I didn't even know it was you." He smiled and stood from the booth as Katie took her oversized sunglasses off, grinning at him as her heels clicked across the grease-stained floor. She looked like a movie star. Her hair was up in a high bun, her charcoal-colored blazer dipping just low enough to entice someone's stare without being overly sexual.

"Hey, boss." She pulled him into a warm hug, her cherry-tipped nails digging into his shoulder. "Interesting location you picked."

He laughed and gestured for her to sit before reaching down to push away excess crumbs on the seat. "I'm in the market for a new diner and according to the internet this one has top marks."

"If you say so." She gave him a confused look as she plucked a long black hair from the table and dropped it to the floor.

"So, tell me everything." The smile came easy for Chris. He'd missed her. "VP of sales. New fancy car. Someone looks like they're hitting their stride."

Katie laughed. "Tryin' to butter me up already?" Her gaze met his. "Keep going, it's working."

"I'm serious. You look great. How's the new gig at Plantera Pharmaceuticals? That's a big jump from tech."

"Honestly. It's great. And the shift was intentional." She shifted in her seat, smoothing out her dress. "After BitGuardian, I needed something completely different. No tech, no surveillance bullshit." She shook her head. "Sorry. I know you get it."

The waitress stopped by and asked for their order. Chris ordered a burger for himself and a salad for Katie.

"I'm shocked they have anything green on the menu," Katie said as the waitress disappeared from earshot.

"I wouldn't trust it."

They chatted like that for the next ten minutes. Just old friends, catching up without their shared trauma weighing them down. Then Katie took a drink of water and her eyes shifted.

"How's it going with Ashley? How's therapy?"

"Good," Chris said automatically. "We're making progress. The house sold, so we're planning to move."

Katie raised an eyebrow. "Bullshit. Come on. Give me the real answer."

Chris managed a weak laugh. "Actually, it's... it's hard. Some days are good. Really good. The sex has been incredible lately, so that helps." He couldn't help but chuckle at Katie's amused expression. Despite his best efforts he never was able to shock her. "Other days... we're working through it. We're going to be okay. Really."

Katie studied him for a second, like she was trying to decide if she wanted to believe him. When she did, she reached out, placing her hand on his.

"For what it's worth, had I realized it was her that night, I would have—"

"I know." Chris put his free hand on top of hers. "You don't have anything to be sorry about, really."

"I know I just—"

"It was a fucked up situation... for all of us."

Katie nodded, letting the moment pass.

"Speaking of which, how is the love life? Dating anyone?"

Katie snorted, bringing her hands to her mouth to prevent herself from spitting all over Chris. "Nice segue." She rolled her eyes. "Define dating. I go out occasionally. But I refuse to use any of the dating apps. I don't trust them. And I may have started running background checks on guys before first dates."

"Background checks?"

"I know, it's paranoid. But after everything..." She shrugged. "My trust issues have trust issues now. I even ran a background check on a guy I met at the office."

Chris winced. "I'm sorry—"

"Stop. What Clayton did wasn't your fault." The waitress delivered their food and Katie gave her salad a disapproving look. "Besides, I'm doing great. No more crushing student loan debt. That's one silver lining."

Chris bit into his burger, closing his eyes and letting out a satisfied moan.

"You two need a minute?" Katie teased.

He reached for a napkin, but found the container empty and settled for his sleeve. "I'm glad you used that money to pay off the loans. You deserved at least that."

"Thanks." She stabbed at her salad for a second, then gave up and grabbed a fry from Chris's plate. "So, you mentioned you're moving. Where to?"

"Undecided. Ashley wants the beach. I was thinking Ohio. But anywhere really, as long as it's fresh."

"Ohio? Who the hell wants to go to Ohio?"

"Hey, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is in Ohio." His laughter filled the quiet diner. It had been a long time since things felt this normal for him and he realized just how much he would miss Katie's friendship when he was gone.

"So, I assume you've heard?" Katie leaned forward, talking in a whisper.

"Yeah. Holbrook called me last week."

"It's true then? Clayton's out."

"Earlier this week." Chris took another bite of his burger to allow himself a second to check his emotions. "Less than a year. Holbrook said it was going to happen like that, but I didn't want to believe him."

"That's bullshit. All this shit he did and he just... walks."

"Yeah." Chris stared out the window. "The law applies differently when you have money."

"Has he tried to contact you?"

"No. You?"

"No. And if he does..." Katie's eyes went dark. "I might be the one going to prison."

"He won't reach out," Chris said, trying to sound certain. "He's smart enough to know how stupid that would be."

"And cocky enough to try it anyway."

Chris didn't have a retort.

"Maybe prison changed him. Maybe he moved on."

"Maybe," Chris echoed. Neither of them believed it.

When the check came, Chris grabbed it. He wasn't going to let her fancy new car and title stop him from being a gentleman. Katie complained, like she always did, but in the end he won out and walked her to her car.

"Promise me you'll stay in touch after the move," Katie said. "Wherever you end up."

"I promise. And, Katie? Thank you. For... for not hating me."

"I could never hate you, boss." She hugged him quickly. "We've all done shit we're not proud of. You're one of the good ones. Ashley's lucky to have you."

They said goodbye one last time and Chris watched her drive away. He wanted to believe he was right. That Clayton wasn't dumb enough to come around after he'd just gotten out. But Katie was right. He was just cocky enough not to care. He balled his hands into fists. He wasn't going to lose his wife again.

***

The parking lot at McDuff's was nearly full when Chris pulled in. Friday nights always drew a crowd, and despite everything, it was hard to beat their cheap beer. Chris sat in his car for a moment, hands on the steering wheel, staring at the neon sign that flickered above the entrance.

A million thoughts swam through his head as he sat there. He had so many memories at this place. When he was a kid it became like a sanctuary to him. A place to go every weekend with his friends and fake ID. His stomach knotted. Then sometime a couple of years ago it became something much worse. He took a deep breath and checked his phone. He was already late, Ashley was probably already wondering where he was.

He got out of the car, the cool November air biting at his face. The place was even louder than he anticipated. A country song played on the jukebox in the corner, but he couldn't make out the words over the crowd. He shouldered his way to the back, scanning the bar and booths for Ashley, the smell of fried food making his mouth water. He spotted her near the back and he stopped in his tracks. It was the same booth they were in that first night when Clayton propositioned him.

He shook his head, focusing instead on Ashley. She'd changed out of her scrubs into a loose-fitting cream sweater and dark jeans. Nothing fancy, nothing meant to draw attention. But Chris's breath caught anyway. Even dressed down, even after everything they'd been through, she could still make his heart skip.

She looked up as he approached. "Hey. I was starting to think you were going to stand me up."

"Never." Chris slid into the booth across from her, reaching across the table to take her hand. "Just took a minute to find parking. You look beautiful."

"Liar." She squeezed his hand. "But I'll take it."

They sat like that for a moment, just holding hands across the scarred wooden table. Chris asked her about work and she filled him in on all the latest office drama. The office had changed cleaning services which meant The Janitor was no longer working there. Chris thought he detected the slightest hint of sadness in her voice, but he let it pass.

"So how was lunch with Katie?" Ashley asked. "You didn't give me any details in your text."

"It was good." Chris smiled. "She's doing great. VP of Sales at some pharmaceutical company. Driving a fancy Audi. Living her best life."

"That's amazing." She flagged down the waitress. "I'm glad. She deserved better than what happened to her."

"She asked about you."

Ashley's lips curled into a smile. "What about?"

"Oh, I didn't.... I mean I... Just therapy and how we're doing."

Ashley threw her head back laughing. "You're so easy."

They fell quiet as a waitress appeared, took their order. Just nachos and a couple of waters to start.

"I never did understand why you can't drink beer with food," Chris said as the waitress walked away.

"And yet you married me anyway."

"It was a real sacrifice." He laughed, placing his hand on her leg. "So, we should probably talk about where we are actually moving."

Ashley nodded, tears already welling in her eyes. "I still can't believe it's actually happening. We're actually leaving this place."

"But you want to, right?"

"Yeah. I just..." She laughed and grabbed a napkin, dabbing her lashes. "I'm going to miss it."

"I didn't realize this place meant so much to you." He gave her thigh a reassuring squeeze.

"It doesn't." Ashley waved him off. "I'm just hungry. And tired. It's been a long week."

"No arguments there."

They sat in silence for a few minutes just taking it all in. The crowd began to thin a little and Chris could almost make out the words to the Hank Jr. song that was playing. "I'm going to hit the restroom and check on our food order. You need anything while I'm up?"

"No. I'll be here."

He made his way through the crowded bar toward the restrooms near the front. It looked like whatever game was on the TV was wrapping up. He hoped that meant the crowd would die down even more.

When he returned from the bathroom a few minutes later, the group of guys he had to squeeze by was gone. That was a good sign. He headed toward the bar to grab napkins and check on their order. The bartender was slammed, so Chris waited, pulling out his phone to kill time.

Movement in his peripheral vision made him look up.

A man had slid into the booth next to Ashley. Salt and pepper hair, expensive-looking shirt. He was leaning in close, saying something that made Ashley smile. Chris scanned the area; there were a couple of empty tables now, enough that whoever the man was wouldn't be asking if he could share their booth.

Chris's stomach clenched.

He watched as the man gestured with his hands, his body angled toward Ashley like they were old friends. Ashley was smiling, nodding, engaging with him. Was she flirting? No, she was just being nice. That's what Ashley did, she was nice to people. But even as he thought it, his cock began to swell and he flipped the rubber band on his wrist.

The man's hand moved to the back of the booth, closer to Ashley's shoulder. She was smiling, as she turned toward the restrooms. Was she looking for Chris? Was she hoping to get caught or did she want more time with this handsome stranger?

Heat flooded Chris's body. They'd played this game so many times before. It was one of his favorites. His palms were sweaty as he rubbed them together, trying to ignore just how tight the front of his jeans suddenly were.

The arrogance of this guy. The casual assumption that he could just take what he wanted, it was so fucking familiar. The way he held himself, the tilt of his head, the smile that said he knew he was winning.

It was too much like Clayton. And Ashley's reactions...

Chris snapped the rubber band two more times in quick succession. The bartender finally appeared and asked what he needed, but Chris had already forgotten. His heart was pounding but his head was clear as he made his way back to the table.

"That's my seat," Chris said with confidence.

The man looked up, assessing Chris. Then he stood, and Chris realized the guy had a few inches on him. Taller, broader through the shoulders. But Chris didn't back down. He just stared right back.

The man's smirk shifted. "Sorry, man. Just keeping her company while you were gone. She seemed lonely."

"Thanks. But I'm back now. So..."

The man held Chris's gaze for another second, then nodded and walked away without another word and Chris slid into the booth next to Ashley.

"I was beginning to think you weren't coming back."

Chris held her gaze trying to determine what she meant by that.

"You seemed awful... friendly."

Ashley smiled. "So, you were watching?"

"No, I was..."

She grabbed his hand. "Nothing was going to happen with him. I promise." Her hand traveled up his leg resting on his thigh. "But it was kinda hot watching you get all macho with him."

"So, you wanted me to watch?"

"No. I wanted you to come back. And you did."

Chris swallowed hard. "I'm trying to be different."

"You are different." Ashley's hand squeezed his thigh. "We both are."

"You didn't seem very different." He didn't say it to be accusatory. "You seemed just as confident as ever."

"That isn't what I meant." Her gaze found his and she smiled. "Are you ready for your surprise?"

Chris cocked his head. "Sure."

Ashley pulled back slightly, reaching for her purse. Her hand was trembling as she dug inside, searching for something. When she pulled it out, Chris's world tilted.

A pregnancy test. Two pink lines.

"Is that—" His voice broke.

"I took it this morning," Ashley said, her words coming faster. "I've been late for a couple weeks but I thought it was stress, you know? From everything. But then I felt different and I just... I needed to know before we started packing up our whole lives."

Chris stared at those two pink lines like they might disappear if he looked away. His throat was tight, his eyes filled with tears.

"Say something," Ashley whispered. "Please say something."

Chris pulled her into his arms, crushing her against his chest. His face buried in her hair, breathing in the scent of her shampoo.

"I've never been happier in my life," he said, his voice muffled against her shoulder. "Never."

Ashley's arms wrapped around his neck, holding on tight. "Really?"

"Really." Chris pulled back just enough to look at her face. Tears were streaming down both of their cheeks. "We're having a baby."

"We're having a baby," Ashley confirmed, laughing through her tears. "Are you sure you're happy? I know the timing isn't perfect with the move and you being between jobs and—"

"It's perfect," Chris interrupted. He cupped her face in his hands, wiping away tears with his thumbs. "Everything about this is perfect."

"I was so scared to tell you," Ashley admitted. "I didn't know if we were ready. If I was ready after everything—"

"We're ready." Chris kissed her forehead, her cheeks, her lips. "We'll figure it out. Together."

The waitress appeared with their nachos, took one look at them both crying, and quickly set the plate down before backing away. Chris and Ashley didn't notice. They were wrapped up in each other, foreheads pressed together, breathing the same air.

"I love you," Ashley whispered. "So much."

"I love you too," Chris said. "Both of you."

Ashley laughed, fresh tears spilling over. "Don't get ahead of yourself. It's the size of a poppy seed right now."

"Best poppy seed in the world."

They sat like that for a long moment, holding each other while their nachos got cold and the bar buzzed around them. Chris felt something he hadn't felt in over a year. Pure, uncomplicated joy. No arousal twisted up with anxiety. No fantasy bleeding into reality. Just happiness.

A throat cleared behind them and Chris's entire body went cold.

Chris turned slowly, Ashley's hand gripping his arm tight.

Clayton stood at the edge of their booth, hands in his pockets, that familiar smirk playing at his lips. He looked good, thicker after his time in prison.

"Well, well," Clayton said, his eyes moving between them before landing on the pregnancy test still sitting on the table. "Congratulations. Looks like someone's been busy."

Chris was on his feet before he even realized he had done it. Ashley's hand shot out, grabbing his wrist.

"Chris, don't."

But Chris had already moved far enough out of the booth that Ashley could slide out behind him if she wanted. He stood there, chest heaving, staring at Clayton.

"Easy there, champ." Clayton held up his hands in mock surrender, that smirk never wavering. "No reason for you to take another cheap shot. I just came over to say congratulations. Saw the happy news on your table." His eyes flicked to the pregnancy test, then back to Chris. "That's really something. Now be honest. Just between the two of us, did she call out my name at least once?"

"Get the fuck away from us." He balled his hands into a fist. "I'm not going to tell you again."

"Or what?" Clayton's smile widened. "You going to take a swing at me in front of all these witnesses? I've got a great lawyer, Chris. The best money can buy. You really want to add assault charges to your résumé?"

Ashley stood now, positioning herself slightly between them. "What do you want, Clayton?"

"Want?" Clayton's eyes moved over her. "What, a man can't come say hello to friends? To the woman who said her pu—" Chris lunged forward, but Ashley pressed against his chest.

"Aw, don't be like that." Clayton leaned against the booth, making himself comfortable. "We used to be friends, remember? Business partners. I made you rich, Chris. The least you could do is buy me a drink."

"Fuck you. You tried to screw me. Frame me for all your shit."

"Is that what you think happened?" Clayton's expression shifted to something almost wounded. "Chris, I was the victim in all that. My father, Tom, they were the ones pulling the strings. I was just the scared son trying to keep his head above water. The courts saw that. The evidence proved it."

"Don't feed me that shit," Chris spat. "We both know you edited those files."

"That was never proven." Clayton's smile returned. "I served my time, shortened though it was, and now I'm a free man. Clean slate. I'm just trying to catch up." His eyes moved to Ashley's stomach.

"I gotta admit," he leaned in slightly. "Part of me wonders if you secretly wish that was mine. I know you miss what we had."

Chris took a step forward, but Ashley gave him a reassuring look.

"You want to know the truth?" Ashley asked, her voice suddenly softer as she stepped toward Clayton.

"Ash, don't—" Chris started, but she squeezed his hand and let it go.

"No, it's okay." She took a step toward Clayton, and Chris felt his stomach drop. "The truth is..." She ran her hand through her hair, and smiled as Clayton's body reacted. "I mean the sex was..." her fingers trailed down his chest. "You certainly know how to use that thing." She gripped his belt.

"See? I knew you—"

"Then you fucked it up," Ashley interrupted, her voice turning cold. "You thought you could just do whatever you wanted and I would, what, fall in love with you because you have a nice cock?"

Clayton's smile faltered slightly. "So you're admitting it was nice?"

"I've had better." Ashley moved closer, and Chris felt his heart hammering. What was she doing?

"Bullshit." Clayton put his hand on her waist closing the distance between them. "You still think about those nights. The way I made you cum like no one else could."

Ashley tilted her head, studying him. Then her smile widened. "You know what? You're right. I do think about it." She looked at Chris and winked. "Which is why we should make this interesting. For old times' sake."

Clayton's eyes narrowed. "What are you proposing?"

"A bet, obviously. That's what you boys used to do, right? That's how all of this started."

Clayton laughed. Chris felt like the world was spinning too fast. Like he may topple over at any minute.

"What's the bet?"

"Simple." Ashley gestured toward the bar. "See that blonde over there? The one in the black dress?"

Chris followed her gaze and felt his stomach clench. A woman sat at the bar, nursing a drink, her back mostly to them. He couldn't see her face from this angle.

"Yeah, I see her," Clayton said. "What about her?"

"She's cute. Made me think of our night together with Katie." Her hand traveled down his slacks. "You remember that night, right?"

"How could I forget?"

"Good. If you can get her number, Chris stays here at the bar while the three of us go back to your place. One last time. A proper goodbye."

Chris's blood turned to ice. "Ashley, what the fuck—"

"But," Ashley continued, ignoring Chris completely, "if you can't get her number, you agree to leave us alone. Forever. No contact. No running into us in bars. No checking up on us through mutual friends. You disappear from our lives completely."

Clayton studied her face, looking for the trick. "That's it? I get her number and you come home with me?"

"What can I say? These pregnancy hormones really have me turned on."

"Ash—"

she turned to look at him. "Trust me. Please."

Chris's mouth went dry. After everything, after therapy and tears and ten months of rebuilding they were right back here. Did he trust her?

"Okay," he said finally. "I trust you."

Ashley's smile was genuine this time. She turned back to Clayton. "So? Do we have a bet?"

Clayton's smirk returned full force. "Oh, we definitely have a bet. This is too easy."

"Then go." Ashley gestured toward the bar. "Clock's ticking."

Clayton straightened, adjusting his shirt. "When I come back with her number, I expect you to honor the deal. No backing out."

"I never back out of my bets," Ashley said. "You should know that by now."

Chris turned his attention to the bar. Clayton had reached the woman, sliding onto the stool next to her with that same confidence he'd seen a million times before. His heart was in his throat. He couldn't understand why Ashley would propose this. Did she really want one more night with Clayton? Was that really what this was all about? Chris couldn't hear what he was saying, but he could see Clayton's body language. He was leaning in, gesturing, using that smile that had worked on Ashley so many times.

The woman turned to face him. Even from across the bar, his eyes went wide. It all made sense now. Chris could see her expression shift from polite interest to recognition to something cold.

Clayton was still talking, his hand moving like he was about to touch her arm.

The woman picked up her drink, a martini maybe, and threw it directly in Clayton's face.

The bar went quiet but Chris couldn't contain his laughter. It felt almost as good as the day he punched Clayton.

Clayton stumbled back, sputtering, ice cubes sliding down his shirt. He stood there for another moment, his face bright red from embarrassment. Then he straightened, wiped his face with his hand, and started back toward their booth.

His confidence was gone. The swagger had been replaced with anger. Chris had tears in his eyes he was laughing so hard.

"She's probably a fucking lesbian," he muttered. "Not my fault she's not into guys."

"Or maybe she just has standards," Ashley said coolly.

"Whatever." Clayton's jaw clenched. "Stop fucking laughing. It's not like you could do better."

"Actually," Chris's gaze met Ashley's. "I bet I can."

"What?" Clayton's face was bright red.

"Double or nothing. I go over there I get her number and you leave us... and Katie alone forever."

Clayton stared at him for a long moment. Then looked back at Ashley. "I told you he loved it." His cocky smile was back. "Alright, playboy. But when I win I'm keeping your wife occupied all weekend long and she'll be calling you with... updates."

The heat was back, surging through Chris's system like an inferno. He smiled at Ashley then looked back at Clayton. "Deal."

He took a deep breath and started toward the bar.

Chris's hands were shaking as he walked toward the bar. Not from fear, but adrenaline. From the sheer audacity of what Ashley had orchestrated. She'd planned this. Somehow, she'd known something like this would happen and she was ready for it.

He reached the bar and slid onto the stool next to the blonde woman. She was facing away from their booth now, her back to Clayton, but Chris could feel his eyes boring into them from across the room.

"Hey," Chris said, his voice slightly unsteady. "Didn't expect to see you here. Where's Dave?"

Jen turned and faced him sizing him up like he was just another patron from the bar. "That's a strange pickup line, sir." She gave a coy smile, stirring her drink. "But if you must know, he stayed home tonight. Something about a raid on some game."

Chris looked back at Ashley, she had a smile on her face and he hoped it was from the setup she had orchestrated and not from the way Clayton's hand rested on her back.

"I believe you had a question for me?" Jen prompted, pulling his attention away.

"Right. I um... I'm supposed to ask for your number."

Jen smiled, putting her hand on his arm then threw her head back laughing like he was the funniest person in the world. It took Chris longer than it should have to realize she was playing the part, and slowly he got into character.

A pen sat just out of reach on the bar. Chris stretched out to grab it then grabbed a napkin. "Should I buy you another drink to make it look more... real?"

"Oh, that won't be necessary." Jen grabbed his shirt and pulled him into a kiss.

Chris's brain short-circuited. He hadn't expected that and for a second he just froze. Then muscle memory kicked in and he leaned into it, his hand coming up to her shoulder. He tried to pull away after their lips touched, but Jen's tongue pressed against his lips forcing its way in.

When she finally pulled back, Chris's heart was hammering. "Jesus." He looked at Ashley wide-eyed but she wasn't upset. In fact, she was laughing, even Clayton stood slack-jawed.

"Too much?" Jen asked, grinning.

"I um..."

Jen scribbled her number on the napkin and made a show about tucking it into the front of his pants.

Chris stood on shaky legs and held up the napkin triumphantly as he walked back toward their table. Clayton's entire body was rigid, his jaw clenched so tight Chris could see the muscle twitching. Ashley stood beside him, her arms crossed, still giggling.

"Definitely not a lesbian," Chris said, as he got back to the table.

"This is bullshit," Clayton spat.

"It was easier than I thought," Chris said confidently. "I just told her the asshole that just walked away bet me I couldn't get her number and the next thing I knew her tongue was in my mouth. I don't think she liked you very much."

Clayton's hands clenched in rage, his face turning a dark shade of red. "Fuck this. I don't need you."

"Aw sorry, lover." She could barely contain her laughter. "Guess you lost your touch while you were gone. Don't worry, I'm sure those guys all thought you were real pretty."

Clayton's face went from red to purple. For a second Chris thought he might actually take a swing. But then he seemed to deflate. The fight went out of him all at once, leaving just humiliation in its wake. He stared at Ashley for another long minute, as if he wanted to ask her one final question. Then turned around and stalked toward the exit with his head hung low.

Chris let out a breath. "Holy shit." He dropped into the booth beside him. "How did you know—"

"I didn't." She slid in next to him in the booth. "Honestly, I invited Jen here just in case the pregnancy conversation went sideways, but man, this was so much better." She wiped the tears from her eyes as she let out a long sigh she seemed to be holding.

Chris's face went serious. "You didn't think I'd be excited?"

Ashley looked at him, placing her hand on his cheek. "It's not that it's just... It's been a long couple of years. After everything that happened I wasn't sure if you could ever..."

Chris grabbed her hand. "I love you, Ashley."

"Even if I'm kind of a whore?" She was smiling but there was something genuine in her voice.

"Especially then." Chris pulled her into a kiss and felt all of his anxiety melt away.

"We're going to be parents," Ashley whispered, keeping her forehead pressed against his.

"You're going to make a beautiful mother."

"I'm going to get fat."

"You're going to be perfect."

"Okay, get a room, you two." Jen appeared next to the table.

Ashley laughed, wiping her eyes. "Thank you seriously. For everything."

"Are you kidding? That was the most fun I've had in months." Jen grinned. "Besides, it was the least I could do after everything."

"Still," Ashley said. "We owe you."

"You don't owe me anything." Jen squeezed Ashley's shoulder. "But if little baby Jen needs a godmother."

"Oh, you think we're going to name it after you?"

Jen shrugged. "It was worth a shot." She gave Ashley a hug. "I should get going. Dave's raid will probably be over in another hour or two."

Ashley smiled then glanced at Chris. "Or, you could come back with us. We're celebrating."

Jen raised her eyebrow. "Well, I did give my number to someone. I guess if he wanted to we could continue our conversation from the bar."

It was suddenly very hard to breathe. Chris looked at Ashley then back at Jen trying to decide if they were fucking with him or not. "I... um. What about..."

The girls laughed and linked arms, walking toward the door. "Told ya, he's easy to fluster."

"Yeah, but he's kind of cute," Jen added, looking back at Chris with a wink.

Chris left cash on the table and grabbed their coats nearly stumbling out the door.

"We probably shouldn't mention this to Dr. Andrews," Ashley called back over her shoulder.