When There Is Nothing Left But Love

Jackson sighed as he drove.

Back at Glenwood, I followed the doctor’s instructions with the herbal remedy. Summer began crying again. Jackson said that she’ll cry whenever she’s feeling hungry. But she didn’t seem to enjoy the milk formula very much.

Nick stayed back at the office that night. That presented a dilemma, as he was the handiest with Summer. Without him, Jackson and I were at a loss in regards to her constant crying.

The only thing we could do was to hold her and paced around the room. It wasn’t easy, but we managed to get her down for a nap.

The remedy was ready. I helped myself to a large bowl of it. Jackson stared at me glumly. “The smell alone is bitter enough to make me gag. Are you sure you want to do this?”

I nodded, took a deep breath, pinched my nose, and gulped it all down. It was bitter as hell, and the honey lozenge that Jackson handed me afterward couldn’t have been more welcome.

My stomach wasn’t agreeable, either. It rumbled on and on like a grouchy old dog. I went back into the bedroom and lay down for a bit. Not long after, Nick came home and took Summer and Jackson out for a walk.

I was almost asleep when the phone rang; It was Ashton. I picked up groggily. “What is it?” I mumbled, irritated.

“Come down, we need to talk!” He said in a low voice.

“Can we do this another day? I’m not up for moving much today.” I didn’t feel like having another quarrel again, and I felt that my irritation might just spark one. Besides, another day might give us both time to calm down and talk things through better.

“I’m coming up!”

I…

yelled in a panic. I got up,

wooly sweater and a dark overcoat, Ashton leaned against his car, looking as aloof as ever. He

I repeated. I felt extra prickly today, for some reason. It might be

me, he put out his cigarette and flung it into a bin nearby. He straightened up, took off his coat, and pulled it around my shoulders. “Why aren’t you dressed

for!” My patience wore thin and I was not in the mood for idle chatter out here in

read his expression. “Come back

coat and handed it back

as I sensed another argument

“Don’t you know that?

If you’re not happy with this arrangement, I’m happy to sign the divorce papers for you,” I said

joke to you? Have you become so comfortable

Ashton, when are you going to

his eyes, his eyes dark and dangerous. After a long while, he tightened his grip around my

Before I could sit upright, he drove

was a dangerous ride; he sped past countless red lights. At breakneck

daze when Ashton yanked me out

up on his shoulders. I grew dizzy and lost my bearings. With every

He climbed on top of me and

into

know what to do with

and opened my eyes. I couldn’t divorce him, nor could I get rid