Gracynn is 15. Vannah's ex-husband, Gideon is 50.


It had been three months since Vannah's stargazing date with Asher, and their relationship had blossomed into something truly special. Vannah felt lighter, happier than she had in years. Asher brought a warmth and joy into her life that she'd been missing since her divorce.

That Wednesday evening, Vannah was curled up on the couch, watching her favorite film, "The Town That Came A Courtin'", when the doorbell rang. Frowning, she got up and went to answer it, not expecting any visitors.

The moment she opened the door, her heart sank. Gideon, her ex-husband, stood on her doorstep, his eyes narrowed and his jaw set in a hard line. Vannah knew that look and that it meant nothing but trouble.

"What are you doing here?" Vannah asked, dread pooling in the pit of her stomach.

"I think you know damn well why I'm here," Gideon growled, pushing past her into the house. "I heard you've been seeing someone new."

Vannah's mind raced as she quickly closed and locked the door, putting some distance between them. "Gideon, you need to leave. Now."

"Leave?" he scoffed. "No, I don't think so. I want to see this... this replacement of mine." His eyes gleamed with a dangerous light.

Upstairs, Vannah heard the telltale sound of a door opening, and her heart lurched. "Gracynn, stay in your room!" she called, her voice sharp with fear.

Gideon whirled around, his gaze landing on the staircase. "So, the brat's here, too," he sneered. "This is a family matter. She should be part of it."

Vannah stepped in front of him, blocking his path. "Gracynn, sweetheart, call 911. Now!"

With a snarl, Gideon punched Vannah in the face, sending her crashing into the glass table that stood in the entryway. Pain lanced through her head, back and shoulders as she hit the floor, her vision swimming.

Upstairs, Vannah heard the muffled sound of Gracynn's frightened voice on the phone. Relief flooded through her, even as Gideon advanced menacingly.

"You think that little shit can save you?" he hissed, looming over her. "No one's coming to save you, Vannah. You're mine."

Vannah cowered, bracing herself for the next attack, when suddenly, the front door burst open.

"Get away from her!" a familiar voice roared.

Asher charged into the house, his normally warm eyes blazing with fury. He tackled Gideon, the two men grappling on the floor. Vannah watched in stunned silence as Asher fought to restrain her ex-husband, his movements fueled by a primal need to protect her.

The sound of sirens in the distance only spurred Asher on, and soon, the first of the police cars arrived. Officers flooded the house, pulling Gideon off Asher and placing him under arrest. Vannah sagged with relief, her entire body trembling.

Gracynn came running down the stairs, tears streaming down her face. "Mama!" she cried, throwing herself into Vannah's arms.

Asher was at Vannah's side in an instant, his hands gentle as he checked her for injuries. "Are you okay?" he asked, his voice hoarse with emotion.

Vannah tried to nod, unable to speak past the lump in her throat. She clutched Gracynn tightly, her eyes fixed on Gideon as the police officers hauled him away.

"Love, I think we need to get you checked out. You have bruises forming over your lovely green eyes and it looks like there are some bloody cuts on your shoulders, arms and back.

In the end, Gideon was charged with assault, harassment, and assault on a police officer. Vannah knew that she needed to get restraining orders for herself, her kids, Asher and his daughter Isla, but in that moment, she felt a profound sense of gratitude and relief and didn't want to focus on that just yet. Asher had come to her rescue, and for that, she would be forever thankful.

The police took their brief statements and the house fell silent after they left. Wincing at the pain she was in, Vannah still pulled Asher into a fierce embrace, her tears of fear now tinged with relief. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice trembling. "Thank you for being here."

Asher held her close, his own heart pounding. "I'll always be here," he murmured, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead. "Always."