From Bully To Beloved

An hour later, I leave The Diner for the last time (as an employee and almost-owner). Dennis is waiting for me by the car, and he opens the back door when I approach. “All right, Mrs. Ashton? There are crackers and water back there if you need them.”

I laugh. “Thanks, Dennis. The morning sickness isn’t so bad today.”

“Glad to hear it.”

At my request, he drives me to the dealership. Time to surprise Cal! This is my second time here at Ashton Motors. I hadn’t thought to stop by and see it for myself until the grand opening-I’m such a bad, bad wifey. I’ll have to remind him tonotspank me for it later. I’ve got to say, it’s an even more impressive sight than it was the last time. Several salesmen are out in the parking lot, showing off the rows of shiny bikes to potential customers.

On the way here, I noticed several billboards advertising Amoria’s gallery. There’s a billboard across the street too. It is visually striking, in bold red and yellow, with strong lines, showcasing the innovative style of the featured artist. I wonder if Coltonhas anything to do with it being directly opposite his dealership. God, I love that man.

Dennis lets me out near the entrance, bidding me goodbye before he drives away.

I take the time to walk through the place, where all of Cal’s hard work has come to fruition. When I rushed through here to surprise him on the day of the opening, I was too nervous to take any of it in. He and Justin have managed to turn the place into a stunning dealership. Granted, I don’t have much knowledge about selling cars and bikes. However, aesthetically, it’s sleek and modern, using lighting, display cases, and other elements to create a sense of drama and excitement. The logo is illuminated, creating a bright, inviting presence. The walls are decorated with huge creative display glasses that showcase photographs of bikers enjoying the freedom of the open road.

In the shop, I recognize some of the guys from the night I went to Mom’s Dirty Dogs bar with Cal, and they wave to me. I smile and wave back. I ask where I can findmy man(love it!), and they’re kind enough to steer me in the right direction.

Coltonand Justin are at a workbench tucked away from the main workspace.

“Hey, you,” Coltonsays with a big smile as I approach. “This is a wonderful surprise, babe. What are you doing here?”

“Thought we could do lunch.”

I reach out to hug him, but he hugs my middle instead, saying, “Hi, baby.”

Huffing, I look at Justin over Cal’s head. “Thing is smaller than a pea, and he’s more focused on her than me.”

Justin chuckles. “If you think he’s annoying now, just wait. He’s been talking baby names all morning.”

Coltonstands up straight. “Did you just call the baby ‘her?'” he teases, giving me a tender peck on the lips.

“It just slipped out,” I say. “It’s way too soon to tell, but I’ve got this feeling.”

“I’ll love them either way. How did it go with Marie?”

“It went well. She suspected I was going to turn her down.”

“And how do you feel now that you have?”

I take a deep breath. “Excited. Nervous as hell, but ready to move forward. Free.”

“That’s my girl.” Coltongrins and kisses me.

Justin makes a noise of disgust. “Ugh, I know you’re technically my boss, but this is a workplace, Ashton. Take it outside.”

“You’re right, I am your boss, and I can make out with my wife wherever I want,” he teases. “Get back to work.” He kisses my nose. “I have something to show you.”

He whips out his phone and flips through several photos showing a spacious and luxurious penthouse with breathtaking views of the city.

“My realtor, Jane, called me this morning. I’ve hired her to my team, and she’s found the perfect place for us. Nice area. The art gallery isn’t too far. It’ll keep you and the baby close, and we can make it exactly how we want. Here’s the best part.” He flips to the next photo. “Check this out.”

My eyes widen, and I almost start to cry. I look at a photo of a dream art studio with high ceilings and large windows in a U-shape, letting in an abundance of natural light.

“Really?” I ask and face him. “Isn’t that going to be expensive?”

Coltonshrugs. “I recently came into some money.”

I snort. “Oh, really? You don’t say?”

“Yeah, my gran wanted me to marry some goody-goody with legs for days. If I did it for a month, I got an inheritance. Crazy-ass idea, I know, right? Well, I got lucky, but I think my wife got lucky as well. And a good chunk of change too.”Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.

“She sounds clever.”

“Oh, she is.”

I kiss him deeply, my heart swelling. I swear it’s grown two sizes in two days. “I love it. Let’s do it.”

“I meet with Jane tomorrow. Now, I believe I need to feed my pregnant wife because she barely touched her breakfast.”

“Yes, please. I know a little diner around the corner.”

Coltontakes my hand and leads me to a side parking lot where his bike is waiting. I motion to the billboard across the street. “Just think,” I say as Coltonclimbs onto his bike, “next month, your dick is going to be on that, and in the gallery for all the world to see.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, Mr. Amoria and I picked several of the new drawings depicting you to display. Including the first one I drew of you. And some of the later ones.” I wink at him.

He laughs.

I laugh too.

While putting my helmet on, and still grinning, I climb onto the bike with him. I wrap my arms around his waist tightly, a thrill of excitement rushing through me.

“Ready to go, Mrs. Ashton?” I hear him say, muffled.

“Step on it, Mr. Ashton.”

The motorcycle roars to life, and we speed off.