Chapter 499: Return of the King

Thursday, February 16th, Morning

The flight from Houston to Atlanta was late. The flights were shutting down, so he had about a half-hour to get to Minute Suites. After getting one, he overnighted in the Minute Suites. He got up, got coffee, and some form of pasty in the morning. Not much for Continental Breakfast. His flight was one of the first out of Atlanta in the morning.

On the flight from Atlanta to Wilmington, James Scott took a nap. He paid extra for the extra legroom, so he took advantage. The flight wasn't terribly long, just enough to get a few winks.

James went to baggage claims upon landing in Wilmington and found the driver for the car service he hired waiting. After getting his bag, he loaded it into the car. The ride to his house was slow and quiet.

Once he arrived at Jamlyn, he grabbed his bag and walked into the house. James found it surprisingly quiet, as he expected that the children would be home and being kids. They weren't, which made James think about his wife.

Ashlyn and her mom never got along, as long as James knew her. So, James wasn't sure how Ashlyn would have reacted to the news of Maddie Pierce's death. James now half expected to find Ashlyn blasting Ding Dong the Witch is Dead, dancing in her underwear. The other half of him expected a more traditional approach, with Ashlyn a crying mess.

James walked through the house, looking around. Eventually, he walked upstairs and heard some music playing. It wasn't the song he expected to hear, so he nodded. James walked to his bedroom door and slowly opened it.

Ashlyn sat on the bed, leaning against the headboard. The music played and kept her eyes closed.

James walked into his bedroom, dropped his garment bag on the bed, and dropped his suitcase on the floor. He looked over to Ashlyn, who slowly opened her eyes.

Ashlyn looked at him with questioning eyes. James looked back at her. He must have been a picture, wearing his suit from the night before, now wrinkled. Ashlyn still wore her pajamas from the night before.

"You're home," Ashlyn said.

James nodded, "Yes, I'm home," he said.

Ashlyn sat up, "You're home," Ashlyn said.

"Yes," James said, puzzled.

Ashlyn sat on the side of the bed. "Oh my god, you're home," she said.

James nodded, "Mhm!" he said.

Ashlyn jumped put and attacked James. She wrapped her arms around his neck, and her lips aggressively pressed his. James could feel the weight of her body against his. Ashlyn pressed her body hard against him. Once she finished kissing him, Ashlyn looked at him with loving eyes.

"You're home," Ashlyn said.

James nodded, "I believe we've established that," he said.

Ashlyn shook her head, "It's just hard to believe," she said.

"I said I'll be here this morning," James said.

Ashlyn shook her head. "It's just been so much," she said.

James sighed, "I got it," he said.

Ashlyn rested her head against James's chest. "My dad is devastated, and he doesn't want my help," she said.

"It's okay," James said.

"My dad has already booked a viewing for tonight, and he's talked to Cale about a funeral," Ashlyn said.

"That's quick," James said.

"I guess my mom had it planned out ever since Savannah died," Ashlyn said.

"Okay, make sense," James said.

"So, it's been crazy; Brett seems indifferent," Ashlyn said.

"Well, Brett's hardly been around Maddie, so it makes sense," James said.

"Yeah, it's my fault my children didn't know my mom," Ashlyn said.

"Why did you say that?" James asked.

"Because I kept them away from her," Ashlyn said.

"Ash, Maddie disowned you when we were in high school; she wanted no part in our lives and our kids' lives," James said, "She even called Brett that Ginger Irish Bastard."

"Still, they were her family," Ashlyn said.

"I guess you're right. Speaking of the kids, where are they?" James asked.

"I sent them to school, it keeps them busy, and there's nothing for them to do at home," Ashlyn said.

"That makes sense. Did Chase and Huck do the same with Brett?" James asked.

"Chase gave her the option, but she went to school. Lucas will keep an eye on her during the day," Ashlyn said.

"That's the wounded helping the confused," James said.

"James, that's your uncle," Ashlyn said.

"Truth trumps family," James said.

"Yeah, well," Ashlyn said.

"So, how are you doing?" James asked.

Ashlyn shrugged, "I don't know, I feel like I'm all over the place," she said.

James nodded, "I guess it was to be expected," he said.

Ashlyn nodded, "So, what are your plans for the day?" she asked.

"I'd like to shower, and maybe get in a nap, and unpack," James said.

"Okay," Ashlyn said and dropped her arms. James also let go of her.

"Thanks," James said and picked up his garment bag.

"The visitation is tonight at Waddle and Dobb's Funeral Parlor," Ashlyn said.

"Okay, have we been there before?" James asked.

"No," Ashlyn said, "I don't think so."

James nodded, "Okay," he said, "I have to go to the dry cleaners and drop off my suits."

"Okay," Ashlyn said, got back on the bed, and curled up.

James nodded and started to unpack his stuff while Ashlyn slept. He sorted out his clothes and knew the laundry service would pick up soon. James nodded and head