Thank you to ahowell1993 for reviewing! I will try to have the next chapter up in the next couple of days. I apologize for the delay and short chapter. I've had issues with my computer and writing on an iPad is easier said than done. Until next time!

Chapter Twenty-Five

I wake up too warm and Spence is wrapped around me like a vine, running his hand through my hair. I peek up at him and he's looking at me through slitted eyes.

"Hi."

"Hey, you okay?"

"Yeah. I'm good."

"What happened?"

"Nothing, I swear. I'm just happy that it's over."

"Yeah, me too."

"So, what do you want to do?"

"Get married?"

"What?"

"Well I mean, you did ask me."

"I didn't expect an answer this fast to be honest."

"What is there to think about? I'd be happy going down to the courthouse."

"Well if that's the case, let me take care of it. In the meantime, Rossi is having everyone over tomorrow night,"

"Oh okay. Is your mom going to get to stay for a couple of days?"

"I think she was wanting to go back home. I asked if she wanted to stay a couple of days and she didn't seem very excited about the idea."

"Oh…"

"Yeah."

…

After a while, Spencer goes to take his mom home. Says he should be back around bedtime, he just wants to fly with her to keep her from getting too upset. I'm reading when there's a knock at the door.

"Oh, hey Chelsea. Come in. No offense or anything but, what are you doing here?"

"Just wanted to see if you could come out for coffee or something. You said Spencer was gone, right?"

"Yeah he's gone but, I kind of already made plans. Emily, Jennifer, and Penelope asked me out for coffee."

"Oh my god! What happened to you? You're covered in bruises! Is that a scar on your chest?" I quickly wrap the afghan around myself.

"I'm okay. I was just in an accident."

"Did he do this to you?"

"Spencer? No," I laugh.

"It all makes sense now. You never leave home alone, constantly going out with his team uncontested. Is that because they won't turn him in?"

"Okay, I think you should go now."

"What? I'm not going anywhere. To the police maybe."

"Spencer hasn't lain so much as a hand on me. I'd advise you to get out of my house. Now."

"Ashleigh you-"

"I said get the hell out of my house! Now! Go!"

I jerk the door open, intent on throwing her out. That's when I see Emily. Oh fuck. Now I've got to tell them about this shit. She storms away and Emily gives me a sideways glance, but she thankfully doesn't say anything.

"Let me get my purse," I mutter. I grab my phone and my purse and turn to leave, locking the door behind me. Once in the car, I lose it.

"For someone who hasn't even seen me in two months, she really has nerve coming here and throwing around accusations!"

"I'm sorry, I don't understand."

"Chelsea! She came to see me and was barely in the door before she started accusing spencer of abusing me."

"That's ridiculous."

"Don't tell him about this."

"Your secret is safe with me."

A few moments pass before she speaks again.

"Just a heads up, Will Reid was killed yesterday."

"Oh my God, how?"

"He supposedly died accidentally but Spence said he wanted to look in on the autopsy."

"So that's why he went to Vegas?"

"Partially."

"Oh."

We all go out to lunch before shopping. They talk me into a cocktail dress and I get the feeling they're up to something but I let it be. They actually hang out at the apartment with me until Spence comes home.

"They told me about your dad."

"He was actually poisoned. No doubt by Garner."

"What happens now?"

"Nothing. Is it wrong that I'm actually...relieved. In a sense, I mean."

"I don't think that's wrong at all. He hurt you."

"Should I have told my mom?"

"I don't think that's something she needs to worry about."

"Yeah...you're right."