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…

a panic. I got up, got dressed,

that he knew I was living here. The winter in J City wasn’t that harsh. Clad in a wooly sweater and a dark overcoat,

I repeated. I felt extra prickly today, for some reason.

into a bin nearby. He straightened up, took off his coat,

in annoyance. “Say whatever it is you’re here for!” My patience wore thin and I was not in the mood for idle chatter

his expression. “Come back to Peakville

on!” I shrugged off his coat and handed it back to him. “Besides, I

as I sensed

“Don’t you know that? Do you think it’s appropriate for you to be

looked up at him. “Ashton, I’ve told you this before. If you’re not happy with this arrangement, I’m happy to sign the divorce

to

a joke! So, Ashton, when are you going

while, he tightened his grip around my arm and flung me into the backseat of his car,

to retaliate. Before

past countless red lights. At breakneck speed, we arrived at

when Ashton yanked me out

on his shoulders. I grew dizzy and lost my bearings. With every step he took, I

brought me into a bedroom and flung me onto the bed. He climbed on top of me and took off his coat before I could

I shouted as I bit into

didn’t know what

 I couldn’t divorce him,