Chapter 14

Sorry about taking so long. I've been in the middle of a big move and I'm about to be back in a big move so I've been really busy. I want to think y'all for all the reviews and favorites.

Disclaimer: I don't own SON.

Spencer's POV

It's been three days since Ashley started staying here and life couldn't get much better. She is one of the sweetest and most considerate people I've ever met; I have to say I'm not used it, as awful as that sounds. She still continues to work on the house but she also does other things like helping me do dishes, picking up the boy's toys, and straightening up the house with me. She even takes the time to play with the boys and indulge Skylar in his curiosity of the three very large and lively horses that I let Ash bring over to stay in the old barn out back. I'm not so keen on it but Sky loves them and the ten watt smile that lights up on his face when he is around them is enough to melt my resolve.

As a matter of fact I'm sitting on the front porch watching as the two brunettes brush a bulky gray horse, that Ashley explained was actually called a dapple, named Sunny because of his shining disposition. So I'm told anyway.

"Now remember, Sky, if you wanna walk behind ol' Sunny here you have to drag your hand around his backside here." The ex marine explains patiently to my son, demonstrating the move with a soft smile, "You're a little short but for now put your hand here."

She places his little hand on Sunny's lower leg to walk him around the horse that is just munching on an apple slice happily. Watching how gentle and caring Ashley is with Sky brings warmth to my heart. She really is perfect.

I turn away from the lesson to look at my little blonde boy who is stretched out between Rocco and me coloring on some printer paper he stole from one of my office boxes.

"Don't you want to go pet Sunny, Scotty?" I ask quietly, running my fingers through his golden curls.

He shakes his head without looking away from his drawing. "No. I wanna cowor. Sunny is too big."

Before I can answer him Ash rasps, "It's alright kiddo. Sunny is like an oversized puppy. You like Rocco don't ya?"

Scotty nods slowly. "I wove Rocco."

Ashley grins. "Then ya have nothin' to worry 'bout, buddy. Sunny loves kids. He's just a big guy. He doesn't wanna hurt ya."

Scotty looks up at me with wide eyes. I shrug at him and hold out my hand. "You want to try, baby boy?"

He hesitates for a second before taking my hand and nodding weakly. "Otay."

We walk over to Ashley slowly, once we are standing a few feet from Sunny the horse turns his head to look at us causing Scotty to stop abruptly.

"It's okay Scotty." I whisper.

He takes a deep breath and looks up at Ashley. She smiles gently and picks him up, placing him on her hip. She walks up to Sunny and places a hand on his shoulder.

"See, Scotty, he likes people." Ashley says, giving the horse a pat.

"Yea, Scotty. He's nice." Skylar pipes up as he strokes Sunny's nose.

My little blonde glances at me for confirmation. I nod and reach out to pet the soft fur on Sunny's chest. The dapple huffs and shifts his weight to another foot, leaning closer to the hands on his sides.

Scotty stretches his hand out and touches the mane. He quietly pets the horse for a few minutes before a smile breaks out on his handsome little face.

He twists in Ashley's grip to beam at me. "I like the horsey!" He chirps excitedly and continues showering attention to the stud.

Suddenly, Rocco starts barking from up on the porch causing me to look out towards the road. I squint my eyes at a small silver car making its way slowly down the road.

"Hey Ash? Isn't that Clay's car?"

Ashley swivels her head around to look. "Yeah I think so."

She places my son on the ground and dusts off her jeans and blue tank top before walking over to her truck. I tell the boys to go inside. After the front door slams shut I join Ash who has found a seat on her tailgate. I look over at the handsome brunette woman who is fidgeting and twisting her ball cap nervously in her hands.

I place my small hand on the small of her back. "Are you okay, Ash?"

She places her hat back on her hand and slowly puts her arm around my shoulders. That is another thing that I've been getting used to; it's odd but very nice to have someone who wants to sit with their arm around you and watch movies without having to fear breathing the wrong way. I still flinch away when she surprises me with a hug or a playful nudge of an elbow or what not but I'm getting better.

She clears her throat, tightening her arm gently. "I'm fine Darlin'." She says reassuringly.

Clay pulls up, shutting off his car, before getting out with a grin. "Howdy y'all!" He greets us excitedly.

Ashley chuckles. "Howdy Clay."

I wave then jump off the tailgate. "Hi, Mr. Lewis. How can I help you today?"

He reaches out to shake both Ashley's and my hand. "I'm just checking up on ya out here. Making sure you're all settled in."

"We are just fine. Ashley here has been fantastic. Everything you promised and more." I say, giving Ash's hand a quick squeeze and letting go.

Clay's eyes seem to follow the movement but shoot back up to my face so quickly I might have imagined it. "Well that's great! Do you mind if Ash shows me all her repairs so far? Just to make sure all's golden."

I nod in understanding. "Yes that's fine. I was about to make lunch…will you be staying Clay?"

The dark skinned man shakes his head. "Thank you but no ma'am. My wife has a treat planned. I'll just be here a moment." He explains.

"Oh okay," I turn to Ashley with a smile, "Are sandwiches fine?"

Ashley grins. "Turkey?"

I giggle. "Of course."

I wave to Clay who tips his hat to me before I make my way back in the house.

Ashley's POV

Once Spencer shuts the door I gesture to the house. "What do ya wanna see first Clay?" I ask, walking towards the porch. I feel a hand clamp around my forearm before I can take another step.

"Actually, Ash." Clay starts nervously without releasing my arm.

I turn back towards the man and look up at him with anxious eyes. "What is it Clay?"

He takes off his cap and rubs at his bald head. "I heard something about you yesterday over at Granny's…" He trails off.

"Really…" I mutter and start untying Sunny from the porch railing.

"Look you know I don't listen to gossip and rumors but this one has got everyone's britches in a twist." He continues slowly, never looking away from Sunny as he strokes the stud's neck.

"Doesn't every rumor get 'em all riled up?" I chuckle humorless knowing exactly where this is going.

"Yeah but this one is too much to ignore Ashley." He sighs.

I take a deep breath. "Is that so?"

"Yea." He mutters, "And seeing as your horses are here and no one has heard from ya in a few days, I'm starting to think it's true."

I groan and throw Sunny's lead rope around his neck. "Just spit it out Clay. I mean really!" I snap.

He gives a start and begins stuttering. "Well- I- um – everyone…"

I take a calming breath and let it out slowly. "Sorry for snappin'…what is it?"

He looks me in the eyes. "I heard that you are having a affair with Amy." When I don't say anything he continues, "I know it's terrible to accuse you have that. I know you wouldn't do that."

"Clay," I sigh his name, "I'm not havin' an affair with her…anymore."

He shakes his head. "I know! I shoulda known- wait. What."

"Amy and I had a relationship but I couldn't do it anymore so I ended it." I say quietly.

Clay watches me with surprise and disbelief on his face. "Really? That's crazy. Um, wow."

I turn to him and look him right in the eye. "We started that a few months after Shawn died and not anytime before! If anyone says different then they can shove it! And if anyone ever says I let Shawn die because I wanted Amy then they will end up with a few missin' teeth or worse."

Clay puts his hands up in surrender. "I didn't say that Ash! I wouldn't believe that part for a second. The two of you were closer than two peas in a pod or better. I know you wouldn't do that to anyone much less Shawn."

I relax my fighting stance which I unconsciously took. "Look I'm sorry. My father called me the other night and said some pretty messed up things…"

Clays eyes soften. "I know how he is Ash…I'll try and help ya out."

I scoff. "How are you gonna do that?"

"By telling people the real story to calm things down and then maybe you can explain things later. You and Amy." He suggests.

I nod slowly. "Yea that'll be great. Thanks Clay."

He nods and walks back to his car. "Anytime Ash. Anytime." He then slips in his car, turns around, and drives away.

Spencer's POV

I'm finishing up the last sandwich when I hear the front door open and close back. I hear the heavy foot falls of Ashley's boots go past the kitchen door and into the living room.

I frown. She always comes in here while I'm cooking to talk with me or to try to help me with the food. Slightly concerned, I grab her plate and walk into the living. My frown deepens when I take in the marine with her head buried in her hands, shoulders tense.

She doesn't even seem to acknowledge me as I softly set her plate on the coffee table beside her, not even when I take a seat next to her on the couch.

"What's wrong Ash?" I question cautiously, putting my arm around her waist.

She looks up at me with a forced smile. "I'm just fine, Darlin."

I swallow nervously, unsure if I should push or not. "I told you I would listen if you need to talk…"

She sucks in a deep breath and nods. "Can we talk later? After the boys are in bed? I'll need time to explain." She relents lowly.

I give her waist a squeeze. I let her go and gesture to her plate. "Feel free to eat in here. The boys and I are going to go for a walk around the maze.

I wait for her nod before heading upstairs.

8:30

As I put the boys to bed I couldn't stop myself from thinking about what she could possibly want to talk about. What did Clay tell her today?

I sigh and shake my head back and forth.

"What's the matter Mommy?" Scotty asks as I tuck him and his twin into bed. The mattresses and bed frames had finally made it yesterday.

"Nothing baby. Mommy is just tired." I say, kissing his head and then Skylar's, "Sleep tight my boys. I love you."

"Wove you too mommy." They say through matching yawns.

I flick on their night light and shut the door until there is only a crack. Slowly, I walk down the hall to my bedroom where I last saw Ashley tacking down a troublesome loose board.

"The boys are in bed." I mumble.

She looks up at me with a half smile. "Oh yea? I'm gonna go say good night…why don't you start a movie…if you want that is."

I nod and walk off to the TV in the corner of the room, flipping through the movies. After looking through the movies twice I settle on The Mummy.

"This is one of my favorites," Ashley rumbles from behind me. "I guess we are chillin' in here?"

"Is that okay?" I ask, turning to face her. I'm surprised to see that she has changed into basketball shorts and a new tank top. From what I noticed she falls asleep in her jeans.

"Yea its fine Honey. Mind if I sit?" She asks nodding at the bed.

"Go ahead. Of course."

As soon as she is seated I press play and sit on the other side. Despite her earlier comment, Ash didn't watch the screen for the first twenty minutes. Ash waits until the part where Brendan Fraser throws Rachel Weisz off the burning boat and into the Nile to pick up the remote and press pause.

She runs her hand through her chocolate hair, watching the ceiling fan spin. "I need to tell you somethin'."

I place my palm against her shoulder to rub the skin there comfortingly. "What is it?"

"Please don't be upset with me. I'm still the same person and I really lo- like you and your little family a lot." She rambles anxiously.

Okay now I'm a little worried. "It's okay Ash. I'd like to think we are friends. You can tell me."

She takes a shaky breath and licks her lip as her eyes meet mine. "I'm gay, Spence."

Gay? Is this what she is afraid of? That's it?

I laugh and hug her to me in relief. "That's fine Ashley. I don't care! Not at all. There is nothing wrong with it."

I feel her sag in my arms in her own relief as she hugs me back. "Oh good. You don't know how big of a relief that is…but that's not all I need to tell you."

I lean away from her. "What is it?"

She runs her hand through her hair again. "My father kicked me out because I had a relationship with Shawn's wife after he died."

I just look at her, not knowing what to say.

She continues. "We were both so sad and lonely. We needed each other but it became too much for me to stand. I had to stop it…my father found out and so did the whole town."

"Why are you telling me…I don't judge you Ash. Not at all. You were hurt and you needed someone…and she needed someone. No one can blame. Not really." I whisper leaning back against her shoulder.

I feel her sigh against me. "Thank you." She pulls away and places a feather light kiss to my forehead.

Immediately, I feel a blush climb up my neck and to my cheeks. "You're welcome…do you want to finish the movie." I say, dunking my head in embarrassment.

She smiles and nods her head, leaning back onto the bed. "Yeah. I'd like that. Join me?" she opens her arm to the spot by her side.

Another blush rushes to my cheeks for reasons beyond me but I accept the invitation and cuddle into her side. After a few minutes I can hear a snoring in my ear which causes me to smile. Reaching for the remote I switch off the movie before turning off the lamp, sending us into darkness. I fall asleep in her embrace seconds later.