An Old Fashioned Man

An Old-Fashioned Man By Laylah Roberts ©2012 by Blushing Books® and Laylah Roberts

Copyright © 2011 by Blushing Books® and Laylah Roberts,a contactable at [email protected] All rights reserved. No part of the book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. Published by Blushing Books®, a subsidiary of ABCD Graphics and Design 977 Seminole Trail #233 Charlottesville, VA 22901 The trademark Blushing Books® is registered in the US Patent and Trademark Office. Roberts, Laylah An Old-Fashioned Man eBook ISBN: 978-1-60968-740-3

Cover Design by Carey Abbott: www.ebookcoverdesignsbycarey.com

This book is intended for adults only. Spanking and other sexual activities represented in this book are fantasies only, intended for adults. Nothing in this book should be interpreted as advocating any non-consensual spanking activity or the spanking of minors.

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Chapter One Ava turned in her seat to look at Jaron sleeping peacefully in his car seat, his hand clasping his fluffy bunny tightly. Tears welled in her throat. He was so beautiful, this little boy of hers. A miracle. At six months old, he was still small for his age, testament to the fact that he’d been born so early. But the fact that he’d lived and thrived despite being born prematurely, was only part of the reason he was her miracle. The other part was the fact that she’d discovered she was 8 weeks pregnant with him only a fortnight after her husband had died. It had been over a year since John had died and the pain was lessening. Days now went by before she remembered. She still missed him. Theirs hadn’t been a romantic pairing, they’d been friends who were lonely and their friendship had turned into affection. John had insisted on marriage and she’d agreed after a long think. It wasn’t like she was ever going to find love. She simply couldn’t trust someone enough for that. But she cared for John as much as she could care for anyone and he had always been there for her. She missed him. But it wasn’t as bad as it had been at the start. Jaron helped with that. He was a piece of them both. They only had each other. Both she and John had been single children. John’s parents had been older when they’d had him and had died before she’d even met him. They’d left him well off, rich even. Something she’d struggled with when she’d first met him. Ava had always worked for everything she’d ever received. She’d been in foster homes since the age of two. A child no one ever wanted for long. It was one thing Jaron would never know. Being unloved. Because he was the first person in her life she could ever remembering loving. She sighed and turned back to look out the front window. “Hey,” Frankie cried next to her, from the driver’s seat. “No being sad. It’s Christmas! The best time of the year.” Ava tried to smile, tried to feel her friend Frankie’s enthusiasm, but in truth Christmas had never held that much appeal for her. It usually made it poignantly clear to Ava what she didn’t have. A family. When it had been just her and John they’d always had plans to go somewhere fun and just explore. But then John’s health had begun to fail. She’d had him for such a little time before she’d lost him. Now she was twenty-four, a widow and a single mother. Sometimes she felt so overwhelmed she’d thought she’d collapse under the weight of it all. Then she looked at Jaron. She couldn’t fail him. She wouldn’t. That was part of the reason she’d taken up Frankie’s offer to spend Christmas at her family’s ranch. Frankie had been John’s nurse when he’d had to go into hospital. She and Ava had become friends despite all odds. Sometimes it seemed like John had been deliberately pushing them together. But he’d been so sick, that must have been her imagination. Still, she’d have been lost without Frankie. She’d been her rock. Helping her through the funeral, being there when Ava had been pregnant, and lost, in shock. She’d even offered to be Ava’s birth partner. But Ava hadn’t wanted to put Frankie through that. She may be a nurse, but she’d never gone through birth herself. So Ava had done it alone.

But there was no need to spend Christmas alone. Not with Frankie’s generous offer to spend the holidays with her and her family. It was time to learn what a real Christmas could be like. She had too. For Jaron’s sake. “Sorry.” Ava shook her head. “My mind was a million miles away. Are you sure your family won’t mind me coming to stay?” Frankie sighed. “For the millionth time, Ava. No, they won’t mind. My brothers are fine with you and Jaron coming to stay. The ranch is huge. There are plenty of rooms. Please, can you just stop worrying for a while and be happy.” Frankie’s voice was exasperated and Ava didn’t blame her, she did tend to worry a lot. About everything. Mind you, sometimes she thought Frankie needed to worry about things more. Like paying her rent on time so she didn’t get evicted. Ava had had to bail her friend out more than once. She knew Frankie spent more than she should on clothes and shoes; still she seemed to go through money quickly. Ava wondered if Frankie’s family was well off. There was only her and her four older brothers and Ava thought perhaps they’d spoiled the other girl and she didn’t have any idea how to budget. Still, Ava didn’t mind picking up the bill for things. It was the least she could do to pay Frankie back for all that she had done. Ava had never had a friend like Frankie before. It was nice to have someone to shop with, talk to. “Sorry. I’ll stop worrying and try to have fun. Do you think my presents will be all right for your brothers?” Ava and Frankie had gone shopping a few days before and bought presents for everyone. Well, Ava had paid, but Frankie had picked them all out. Ava had gulped at the cost of it all. But still, she had plenty of money and they were opening her house to Ava and Jaron. “Are you kidding? They’ll love them.” “So, let me go over this again. Heath is your oldest brother. Then Kent, Cameron and last Brax, right?” “You got it. See, not hard is it?” “No. I just hope Jaron doesn’t bother them.” Frankie waved a careless hand, her manner one of someone who’d only known love not rejection growing up. “It’ll be fine. We’ll put you in the guest room furthest away. They’ll never even hear him. And you have the stroller; you can take him for a run around the ranch if you need to.” Ava nodded. She often took Jaron out for a run with her, particularly if he woke and wouldn’t settle again. If it was the deep of night she just ran around her garden, if it was light enough, she went around the town. But a ranch sounded perfect. It was growing dark an hour later when they turned off the motorway. Ava’s stomach growled. Jaron had been awake for thirty minutes and was happily talking away to himself in baby speak. “We’ll be there in another hour,” Frankie said cheerily. “I’m sure, Alma, our housekeeper will keep us some leftovers for tea. Or she’ll make us up some big sandwiches.” Ava didn’t bother to remind Frankie she couldn’t eat bread. Ava had coeliac disease. She could get very ill if she ate gluten. They’d stopped earlier to eat at an Italian restaurant-Frankie’s choice-luckily they’d had salad available. But Ava had a high metabolism and was borderline hypoglycemic. The salad wasn’t going to hold her for much longer.

Another hour passed and Jaron was just starting to grumble, hungry for his dinner when they pulled into a long driveway. The house that was revealed at the end was magnificent. Huge, with a large wrap-around porch. Two stories high, it stood against the landscape, the sun setting behind it. “Wow. Beautiful,” Ava breathed. Frankie looked out and shrugged. “Yeah, guess it is.” She jumped from the car just as the front door opened and two large men piled out of the house, jumping down the stairs to grab Frankie, hugging and kissing her enthusiastically. Ava felt a stab of jealousy, but pushed it down ruthlessly as she climbed out of the car then opened the back seat to reach in and grab Jaron. She held his slight weight against her as she grabbed the bag filled with his stuff. Another man was coming from the house now, joining in the greeting. Ava slung the bag over her shoulder and moved to the rear of the car to grab some luggage. Fatigue pulled at her, making her tired and sluggish. Perhaps it hadn’t been a good idea to come here. Ava got tired easily and all the travelling had worn her out. She couldn’t afford to be exhausted or get sick, not with Jaron depending on her. Sighing, she pulled her suitcase out. “Oh no, you don’t,” a stern voice said and a hand reached in to cover hers, pulling the suitcase from her grasp. Ava gasped and took a step backward, her heart racing. She held Jaron protectively against her. Glancing up, she ran her eyes over long legs encased in dark denim, a wide chest covered in a checkered shirt, way up until she met serious dark brown eyes. Her heart quickened further, not from fear, but attraction. Dear Lord, this man was attractive. Not classically handsome nor did he have a modern masculine beauty. But she’d never gone for that sort of look. This man was rugged, huge, his features carved firmly into his face. Soft, deep chestnut colored hair framed his face. “Around here, young lady, women do not carry luggage. You try it again and I’ll be warming that bottom for you, understand?” He turned away, easily carrying her luggage, and a piece of Frankie’s. Ava gaped after him. Had he just threatened to spank her?

Chapter Two Frankie bounded over to Ava, a big grin on her face. “What’s wrong?” she asked. “You look like you’ve had a fright.” “Ahh, that man, he just threatened too, ahh…” She couldn’t even spit it out she was so shocked. “Who?” Frankie turned around. “Oh, Heath?” Her hands came to her hips. “What did he say to you?” “Well, I, ahh, I could be wrong, but I think he just threatened to, um, spank me.” Frankie shook her head. “Jeez, he couldn’t even wait until I’d gotten you settled in?” “Wait, what? You mean he was serious? You don’t seem shocked,” Ava said in amazement, jiggling Jaron up and down as he grumbled. She needed to feed him and put him to bed. “No, umm,” Frankie hesitated, her cheeks going red. “Remember how I told you that my family is old-fashioned? That my brothers open doors for women, don’t believe in sex before marriage, and have set ideas about the role of men and women in a marriage?” Ava nodded. She’d thought those sort of men extinct. “Well, those old-fashioned views include spanking.” Ava’s mouth dropped. “You are kidding me?” Frankie shook her head, looking serious. Wow. Oh wow. Ava didn’t know how to react. She felt dumbfounded, amazed and oddly, a tiny bit aroused. “Frankie!” Heath called from the house. “You and Ava get yourselves inside please. It’s getting cold and dark and I want to have a little chat with you about why you drove here instead of flying.” Frankie’s cheeks went a darker shade of red. “You’re in trouble, little sis.” One of the Frankie’s brothers came up to them and turned her around, giving her a slap on the ass while pointing to the door. “Better get in and face the music, while we get your pile of luggage in.” “Oh, shut up, Cam.” He gave her a harder smack, his face growing serious. Frankie yelped and rubbed her backside while glaring at her brother. “No sass, thank you. Get.” Frankie grabbed Ava’s hand and tugged her along after her. “They spank you? But you’re a grown woman,” Ava whispered. Frankie shrugged. “To these Neanderthals, a woman is never too old to get her bottom spanked.” “Too right,” another brother agreed as he walked past carrying the box of wrapped Christmas presents. “Jeez, how much did you buy, Frankie?” “Enough, Brax. Just put them under the tree for me, will you?” “Frankie, Ava, in here, please.” Frankie sighed and tugged Ava into a large study. Heath sat behind a desk, frowning slightly as he looked up at them. His gaze softened as he looked at Jaron. Then he looked over at Frankie and ran his gaze over her.

“You well, little sister?” he asked. She nodded. Then he stood and held open his arms. She flew into them. Ava looked away, feeling awkward. Jaron let out a little wail. “Umm,” she interrupted. “I need to feed Jaron. Would someone be able to show me to my room? Sorry.” Heath let Frankie go and stared at her intently. “No need to apologize. Of course, Frankie will show you to your room. Then she can come back and explain to me why she drove here, when I specifically told her to fly. That’s too long a drive to make in one day, Frankie. Especially with a baby.” Frankie let out her bottom lip in a pout. “But it’s cheaper to drive. And this way you didn’t have to come get us from the airport.” Heath folded his arms over his wide chest. “You know that is no excuse, young lady. After you show Ava to her room and take her up some leftover pie for dinner, you can meet me back here.” “Urgh,” Frankie cried and stomped her foot. “You are so infuriating. When are you ever going to realize that I’m all grown up and can make my own decisions?” Heath reached over and kissed her on the forehead. “You’ll always be my baby sister; I will never stop caring about you. Now go.” He sent her on her way with a heavy smack to her backside. Ava flinched and then wished she’d never moved as Heath’s eyes narrowed, looking at her thoughtfully. “Welcome to our house, Ava. If you need anything you just let one of us know, okay? I put her in the flower room,” he said to Frankie. “Oh, but I was going to put her over the kitchen.” Heath frowned. “What and wake her up early in the morning when Alma starts cooking breakfast for us? Besides, that bedroom is down the other end of the house.” “Further away is better,” Ava interjected bravely. “I don’t want Jaron waking anyone.” Heath shook his head. “No, you’ll stay close to the rest of us.” “Please, I’d feel much better if I knew Jaron and I weren’t waking you in the middle of the night.” “The rooms are sound-proofed, honey. He won’t wake anyone.” Yes, but Ava thought that the further away she was from this man, the better. There was something about him, pulling her to him. He was magnetic; she almost couldn’t tear her gaze away from him. As though sensing her continued reluctance, Heath relented. “Hmm.” He nodded. “All right, then, you can stay over the kitchen and we’ll see how it goes.” Ava followed Frankie up the stairs with a relieved sigh. Heath was an intimidating man. “Frankie?” she asked, puffing slightly as she tried to keep up with the other woman who bouncing ahead of her with endless energy. Ava was exhausted and carrying Jaron and his bag, she just couldn’t keep up. “Yeah?” “Will you be okay? He won’t hurt you, will he?” Ava had seen violence from people who were supposed to care for one another too many times. She wasn’t going to let anyone hurt her only friend.

“Heath? No. Oh, he’ll redden my butt. But he only does it ‘because he loves me. Neanderthal. Here’s your room.” She opened a door to a large, spacy room. “I’ll bring you up your dinner.” “Oh, don’t worry, I’m, umm, not hungry.” It was an out and out lie, but she couldn’t eat pie and she didn’t want to make a fuss. Not with the frightening Heath downstairs just looking for excuses to spank people. She shuddered, remembering the belt one of her foster dad’s had liked to use. No, she was going to do nothing to incur his wrath. “Oh, if you’re sure.” “I am. Night, Frankie.” “Night.” *** Heath looked up as Frankie stepped reluctantly into his study. He loved his sister, adored her as he loved all his siblings. They’d been his responsibility since his parents had died ten years ago when Frankie was just fifteen. Heath had been just twenty-five. But he’d taken on the ranch and his younger siblings, raising Frankie and Brax who’d still been at school as well as turning the ranch into a very profitable endeavor. Still, even though they were grown, he worried about them. His brothers were easier; they were large, good men who lived close by. But Frankie was different. She was tall for a woman, nearly 5’10 and curvy with it. She was full of fun, of life and he knew she attracted a lot of attention, not all of it good. He was proud of the fact she was a nurse, but hated that she lived so far away where he couldn’t keep a closer watch on her. Make sure she was taking care of herself, following the rules he’d set out the day she left the ranch. “Well, young lady, what do you have to say for yourself?” “Heath, I’ve only just gotten home. Do you have to scold me? All I did was drive instead of fly, it’s no big deal.” “Did I or did I not ring you up and tell you to book some tickets then wire you the money to pay for them?” “Yes, sir.” “And are you or are you not supposed to drive at night or for long hours?” “I’m not.” Frankie stared at her feet, trying, he knew, to look contrite. “So, why did you disobey me, young lady? And just what did you spend that money on?” Frankie’s greatest flaw was her inability to curb her spending habits. Partly his parents fault, they’d spoilt her, being the only girl. And though he’d tried to install good budget habits into her, he knew he hadn’t been that successful. “I’ll pay you back.” “You know it’s not about the money, although yes you will. I do not want you driving for long hours. You should have at least stopped for the night along the way.” “I just wanted to get home.” “I know that, honey. But did you think about your guests? A baby shouldn’t have been in the car that long and poor Ava looked absolutely exhausted.” He’d wanted to pull the slight brunette into his arms, hug her tight then tuck her into bed and tell her to stay there for the week. And he didn’t want to think too closely about that

reaction. She’d seemed so frail; a stiff breeze would knock her over. Petite women weren’t for big, hard men like him. Yet he couldn’t help the way his cock had stirred at the sight of her beautiful face, no matter that it was pale and drawn with exhaustion. At the very least, he could make sure she got plenty of rest and food into her while she was here. It couldn’t be easy, raising a child by herself. And if she didn’t do as she was told…well, he’d seen her shock when he’d threatened to spank her. He wasn’t sure why he’d said it. But watching her struggle under the weight of holding the baby and pull the luggage out for her-it had made him angry. And it had made him want to take care of her. What sort of husband had hers been that she thought she had to lug her own bags around-that she had to do it all alone? But perhaps she’d been alone for so long she’d gotten used to doing it for herself. Well, not while she was here, under his roof, he told himself. He’d be taking good care of her while she was there. And he’d see if he couldn’t ease some of the loneliness and fear he’d seen in those big brown eyes of hers. “She never said anything,” Frankie replied, drawing Heath back into the present. “Didn’t you tell me that she was shy, and scared of bothering people?” Frankie nodded. “So you should have kept a close eye on her, shouldn’t you? Made sure she was happy?” “Yes, sir.” “I’m not happy with you, Frankie. I love you; I only want to keep you safe and happy. To do that, though, you need to listen to me. You know better than to blatantly disobey me, don’t you?” Chastised, Frankie nodded. “I would be devastated if anything happened to you, honey.” “I know,” she sniffled. “Then you also know there are consequences when you take foolish risks, don’t you?” “Yes, sir.” “You know what to do then.” Frankie nodded and retrieved the straight backed chair from the corner. It didn’t fit in with the décor of the room and was only there for one purpose. She placed it in the middle of the room then quickly undid her jeans, pulling them down to her feet. She then turned and bent over, placing her palms on the seat of the chair, her panty-clad bottom pointing upward. “Have you eaten?” Frankie nodded. “Good, you know the rules. Straight up to bed and go to sleep. No talking to anyone.” “Oh, but-” She turned around slightly to look at him, but he shook his head sternly. With a sigh, she turned back and Heath opened his drawer to pull out the paddle he kept there for just this reason. “Right, twenty it is.” Whack, whack, whack. He spanked steadily with the paddle. For a start she was quiet, and then she yelped. Then cried and begged. “Heath, I’m sorry, please,” she yelled, almost breaking his heart. But Heath was an experienced disciplinarian. He truly believed she benefited from him holding her to account. He would never forgive himself if he went easy on her and then she turned around and did this again, perhaps falling asleep at the wheel and killing herself or others. “I know, honey,” he said soothingly. “Five more.”

When he stopped her buttocks were red and angry, visible even through her panties. He helped her pull up her jeans and she did them up with shaky hands. Heath then took his baby sister into his arms and rocked her, letting her cry on his shoulder. He kissed her on her forehead. “Go on up and get into bed. I’ll come in and say good night. Okay?” She nodded and moved gingerly toward the door. “Oh, and Frankie?” “Yes?” She turned. “I love you and I’m glad you’re home.” She smiled. “Me too.”

Chapter Three Heath walked down the stairs and into the kitchen. Normally, he’d have been up by now, working. But when his family was home he took things easier so he could spend time with them. Even though his brothers lived close by, they all stayed together at the house on the holidays and everyone chipped in around the ranch to help out, not that Heath didn’t have a perfectly competent manager and plenty of cowhands. But he didn’t like to sit around all day doing paperwork. And his brothers were all active men as well. He walked in to find Alma cooking and Frankie standing, leaning against the wall, drinking coffee and chatting with the housekeeper. His brothers were all sitting at the kitchen table, Brax reading the paper, Cam and Kent chatting. “Good morning,” Alma called out to him. He smiled as she handed him a cup of coffee. Heath gave Frankie a kiss good morning as he passed her. Cam stood to refill his cup. As he passed Frankie he tapped her on the nose teasingly. “What’s wrong, Frankie-girl, don’t you wanna take a seat?” She poked her tongue out at him. “No, thank you.” “I take it Heath’s hand hasn’t gotten any lighter then,” Brax teased, taking a seat as Alma put steaming dishes of scrambled eggs, bacon and mushrooms on the table. Frankie just growled. Heath’s lips twitched but he didn’t let himself smile. “Stop teasing your sister. Sit down, Frankie. You’re not eating standing up. Where’s Ava?” Frankie sat then immediately stood at those words. “I’ll get her,” she offered. “She’s probably too shy to come down stairs.” Heath frowned. “Then you should have stopped on your way down and made sure she was all right.” “I thought she’d be the first up,” Kent offered. “Don’t babies wake up early?” Frankie shrugged. “They’re probably tired. Ava’s anemic and she gets tired real easy. The doctor said she’s to nap when Jaron does but she didn’t sleep yesterday in the car.” Heath frowned. “Go quietly and check on her. If she’s still asleep then we can put some food aside for her.” “Speaking of food left over, young lady,” Alma interjected before Frankie could leave the room. “Why didn’t you eat the food I left out for you?” “I did,” Frankie replied. “Not much, it looked like two mice had nibbled at it, not two grown women.” “Oh, well, I had a big lunch of spaghetti so I wasn’t very hungry and Ava didn’t want any.” Heath frowned harder. “Well, you should have insisted she eat. Is she breast-feeding?” Frankie nodded. “Then she needs more food than normal, doesn’t she? And she doesn’t seem big enough as it is. She shouldn’t be skipping meals. And she won’t be in this household.” “Oh-ho-ho, seems like another young lady is in for a sore bottom,” Cam sang. “Cam, hush,” Heath ordered and Cam immediately went silent. “Frankie, go see if Ava is awake. We’ll wait.” Frankie returned shortly, her lips pursed.

“What is it?” Heath felt a surge of alarm. “She’s not in her room. Have any of you been outside today? Perhaps she went for a walk.” “Outside?” Cam asked. “Have you looked outside? It’s not snowing yet, but its coming.” “Are you sure she’s not in the bathroom?” Brax asked. Frankie shook her head. “No, she’s probably walking Jaron around in his stroller. I think it was in the back of my car. She does that when he won’t sleep. Don’t worry; she would have stuck to the ranch.” “That’s a small comfort when it’s freezing outside, Frankie, and she doesn’t know this place.” Heath was already standing and moving to the front door. He grabbed a jacket, slipping on his boots as his brothers did the same. Frankie followed them. He pointed a stern finger at her. “You stay inside, young lady. We’ll find Ava and bring her back, and then we’re all going to have a talk about the rules in this house.” *** Heath spotted her first. She was jogging up and down one of the large, empty paddocks at the front of the house. Up and down, she went. At least she had the sense to put thermals and gloves on, but she didn’t have a hat. He was frowning fiercely by the time he got to her. He stood, hands on his hips until she caught sight of him. She stopped, breathing heavily. “Heath? What are you doing out here?” “What am I doing out here? What are you doing here, young lady?” “Oh,” she said, looking around in dismay. “Am I somewhere I’m not supposed to be? I’m sorry, I should have asked. But Frankie said it was safe to run around the ranch. I’m used to doing it in my garden or around the streets by my house.” Heath frowned harder as she began to walk, cooling down. Her breath was coming harshly and he swore he saw her wobble. “It’s freezing out here, Ava, which is why you shouldn’t be outside. How long have you been out here, anyway?” “Umm, what’s the time now?” “8.30.” “Oh, a couple of hours I guess.” “A couple of hours?” he roared. “Shh,” she shushed him, looking quickly at Jaron. “You’ll wake him up and I don’t have the energy to start over.” Heath swore softly under his breath then spotted Cam, waving to him. “Come on,” he grabbed the pram and began to push. “You and I are going to have a little talk about rules. I do not want you outside in this weather. It can’t be at all good for a baby. Have you got him wrapped up?” “Of course I have! He’s in a snowsuit.” Heath looked under the blanket she’d put over the front of the stroller, to find Jaron wrapped up snugly. Too bad, Ava hadn’t thought about her own comfort so well. “You’ll catch your death of cold.” She snorted. “That’s rather old-fashioned.”

“I’m an old-fashioned guy. And it is not safe for you out here or anywhere at night alone.” “There’s no one around and it’s safer than walking the streets at home,” she said wearily. “I usually take pepper spray in case.” Heath came to a stop and looked at her incredulously. “Woman, you are in so much trouble. You need a keeper.” “No, I…” she swayed. “I don’t feel…” Heath caught her just in time as she fell in a deep faint. *** Ava woke feeling sick and headachy. She looked around, unsure where she was. She attempted to sit, frightened, when she was pushed back by a firm hand. “You just stay lying down, young lady.” She blinked and looked up into a hard face. “Heath?” That’s right; she was in Frankie’s family’s house. How had she gotten on the bed and why was Heath in her room? Frankie moved up beside her, taking her wrist in her hand to feel her pulse. “Her beat’s better. I think she just over did it.” “What? What happened?” Heath frowned. “You fainted. I carried you in here. The doctor should be here soon.” “Oh, I don’t need the doctor. I’m so sorry to be such a bother,” she said ashamed. “Frankie’s right, I just overdid it. I’m fine now.” She tried to sit again and again he pushed her back. “Lie down and stay there or the next time you move you’ll be going over my knee!” “W-what?” she gasped. Heath just glared at her sternly. “Doc’s here,” Kent called through the doorway, peering in curiously. “Send him in.” “Good morning.” A handsome looking man walked in, his face creased in a grin. He shook Heath’s hand quickly before looking over at Frankie, who was now staring at the bed spread. “Hello, Frankie, you’re looking well.” Frankie didn’t reply. “Frankie,” Heath scolded. “Where are your manners?” Frankie looked up, blushing. “Hello, Tom, it’s nice to see you again.” Tom winked at her. “Now, now, no lying. You know what that will get you.” “Urgh.” Frankie stood and stomped her foot. “You are insufferable.” “Well, you-“ “Excuse me,” Heath interrupted. “But perhaps you could continue this after you’ve examined Ava.” Tom blushed a little and immediately moved to Ava’s side. “Where’s Jaron?” Ava asked Heath. “Cam and Brax have him in the living room with them. He’s still sleeping in his pram, is that okay?” She nodded, relaxing. “That’s fine.” “So, Miss Ava, I hear you fainted.” Ava blushed. “Yes, I’m fine now. I just overdid it.”

“She’d been running for hours,” Heath interjected, his voice clearly disapproving. “In the cold. And she never had any dinner last night. Or breakfast this morning. Alma has put some food aside.” “Hmm. How are you feeling now, Ava?” “Umm, fine. Could we, umm, have some privacy?” “No,” Heath answered shortly. “While you are here, you are my responsibility. I need to know how to care for you.” “I’m a grown woman, with a child. I know how to care for myself.” “You would think so. But obviously you have no common sense or you wouldn’t be out running in the dark and cold when you’re clearly exhausted and underfed.” “Well, maybe I should just leave then.” She made to get off the bed, when Heath held her back once more. “What did I say would happen if you moved again.” Ava gaped at him. “You didn’t mean it.” “Didn’t I?” “I’m nothing to you, you have no right.” Heath frowned. “You’re under my roof. I’m responsible for you.” “That’s ridiculous. Listen to yourself! It’s not the 1800’s for goodness sake. There is such a thing as woman’s lib. I will not stay here and have you abuse me.” “Abuse you? As far as I can see the only one abusing you is you. I’d spank your bottom to remind you that next time you risk your health or safety there will be consequences. And you will not threaten to leave again!” Tom cleared his throat. “Perhaps you could save this argument until after I’ve examined Ava.” It was Heath’s turn to be embarrassed. Although he didn’t show it. “Heath,” Frankie interjected. “You’re going to scare her off and I promised-” Frankie cut herself off short. “Promised what?” Ava asked. “Nothing, well, I promised you a good time.” Heath narrowed his eyes and stared at his sister, probably thinking the same thing Ava was. That Frankie was lying. “Ahh-hmm, if we can get back to Ava. Ava, the truth please, how are you feeling?” “Kind of sick feeling. I think I just need to eat.” “What have you eaten today?” Tom asked. “Nothing.” His eyebrows went up. “Yesterday? Heath said you didn’t have any dinner, but what else did you eat?” “Umm, I had a salad for lunch.” “Are you on a diet?” Tom asked disapprovingly. “I’d have to put you on some scales, but from what I can see you already look underweight.” “And she’s breast feeding,” Heath interjected. “You’re not on a diet, are you Ava?” he asked, his voice telling her she’d better give him the answer he wanted. “No, I’m not, well, not really, it’s just-” “She can’t eat gluten,” Frankie intervened, her voice dejected. “Wow, Ava, I am so sorry. I keep forgetting. And I’m the one who insisted on Italian yesterday, I didn’t even click when

you ordered a salad. And last night, I could have offered you something else other than pie. I’m a horrible friend.” “No, you’re not. I should have brought some food with me.” Ava grabbed Frankie’s hand as the other woman sat on the bed beside her. “Yeah, and even that’s my fault. I was meant to take you grocery shopping on the way but I was running late.” “You have coeliac disease?” Tom asked, noting it down as she nodded. “What does that mean?” Heath asked. “It means that Ava cannot have any gluten, even the smallest bit can make her very ill. She can’t eat bread or pasta, anything with flour or wheat. Meat, vegies and fruit are fine but she’ll need some special food. They sell some in the market at Hammersley. I have to go there today, I’ll pick some up.” “Oh, no, please don’t go to any trouble. I’m sure I can go and get some,” Ava said, distressed. “No, you won’t. However, Frankie will be happy to go with you, Tom and get some, since she was supposed to take Ava shopping in the first place.” “Oh, but,” Frankie looked from Tom to her brother then sighed and nodded. Ava bit at her lip, feeling a terrible bother. “Please, I’ll be fine. I-” “It’s settled,” Heath said decisively. Ava sighed a little helplessly. “Take my card,” she said to Frankie. “You know the number.” “Frankie will pay with her own money,” Heath said sternly. Frankie’s jaw dropped. “That’s not fair,” Ava interjected. “It’s my food and besides, Frankie doesn’t have any money.” Heath frowned and turned to his sister. “That so?” he said quietly. “I think we’ll need a talk about your lack of money, Frankie, considering I give you an allowance on top of what you earn.” Frankie looked sick and Ava felt sick for getting her in trouble. “Sorry, Frankie, I-” Frankie stormed from the room without a word. The men looked on sternly. “Don’t worry, Heath, I need to talk to Frankie about some other things. I’ll be sure to talk to her about her poor manners.” Heath turned to Tom. “Just remember, she’s my sister. You’ll treat her well, you hear?” “Of course. Now, can you tell me anything else about your medical history, Ava?” Tom asked as he attached to cuff to her arm. “Umm,” she hesitated, looking over at Heath. “I’m, umm, fine. Healthy as a horse.” “Fine?” Heath raised his eyebrows. “Do we have to add lying to your list of transgressions?” Ava gulped. “Umm, I’m up, borderline hypoglycemic.” “And yet you didn’t eat properly and over did it on the exercise?” Tom said incredulously. “Not wise, was it?” “No.” She looked down at her hands, fiddling a little as he took her blood pressure. “Very low. Is that normal for you?” She nodded. “It makes me tired and light-headed.”

“Yes, I would think it would. Anything else?” “Ava,” Heath prompted. “The last time the doctor did some tests he found I was anemic.” “Did you have iron tablets?” Tom asked. “Yes, but, well, I’m not very good at remembering to take them.” Tom frowned and wrote more on his notepad. “Where are they?” Ava pointed to her bag and Tom got them and read the label making more notes. Heath then grabbed the bottle and pocketed it. “Don’t worry,” he said. “I’ll make certain she takes them from now on. What’s the verdict, Tom?” “Well, I want her to rest. It’s tiring enough being a mother, but to do it alone is even more exhausting. The more help everyone can give her, the better. She needs to eat lots of little meals every couple of hours. She should stay in bed the next couple of days, then get up gradually. Nothing strenuous, build up to light exercise. Lots of water, lots of calcium and red meat. Anything else?” “No thanks Tom.” Heath shook his head. “I’ll go find Frankie, then head into Hammersley.” Heath folded his arms and stared down at Ava. “You and I, young lady, are going to have a talk. First, though, you’re getting back into your jammies and having some breakfast.” “I need to have a shower.” She was sticky and sweaty. “And Jaron will wake up soon. He’ll need fed.” “Cam will bring him up when he wakes. I’ll run you a bath.” “A shower will be fine.” “I’d stop arguing if I was you; it’s only going to add to your tally.” “Tally of what?” she called out as he entered the attached bathroom. “Spankings,” he replied.

Chapter Four Ava ate as much as she could before pushing the plate away with a sigh. Heath looked at her then the plate. He picked up her fork and spooned up some more food, holding it up to her lips. She shook her head. “I can’t, I’ll vomit.” With a sigh, he put it back. “Fine, but I’ll get Alma to bring you up some fruit in a few hours.” “I can come down and get it myself.” “Ha, no way. I think now is a good time for a little talk.” Ava came to attention at that. “Jaron…” “Is fed, happy, playing with Brax. You, on the other hand, are in big trouble. Firstly, you should have told one of us immediately that you couldn’t eat the dinner that had been put out for you last night.” “I didn’t want to be a bother-“ “Second, you do not leave this house without letting someone know-“ “That’s ridiculous, I’m a grown woman-“ “Living in my house.” “That could change.” She folded her arms over her chest. This man managed to rile her, she barely knew him and yet he had the power to make her furious in seconds. She never talked to people this way. “I don’t think so. And I’m getting tired of hearing that threat. You are living here, you follow the rules.” “Here they are: No lying, no speeding-although you don’t drive so I guess that won’t matter, no leaving the house without telling someone, no running outside in the cold, no skipping meals, no suffering in silence, you talk to someone if you need something. You will stay in this bed for the next two days, and then you can get up for small bits at a time. You will nap twice a day.” “That it?” she said sarcastically. “For the moment. Now, I suggest you stash the sass.” “Or what?” “Or I’ll forget that you’re not feeling well and spank that bottom until its red.” “Get out,” she said between gritted teeth. Surprisingly enough, Heath did as she said. He turned at the door and pointed at her. “Stay in bed.” Ava gave it five minutes before she climbed from the bed. She swayed a little as she stood. But then she grabbed the bedpost and waited it out. Cam had put Jaron in his room next door, but they hadn’t left her the baby monitor so she knew she had to be quiet when she got him. She got dressed slowly then crept into his room and grabbed the sleeping boy and his bag. She hadn’t quite worked out how she was getting out of here yet, but she refused to stay in a household where she was threatened with abuse, she’d put up with enough of that as a kid. She certainly wasn’t going to let Jaron stay in such an environment. Ava tip-toed down the stairs. She’d made it to the front door when a voice stopped her. “Going somewhere?”

Ava turned to see Kent leaning against the hallway wall, his arms crossed over his chest. She gulped. “I don’t want to stay here anymore.” He raised a brow. “That so? How come?” “I won’t stay here and be abused.” “Abused? How?” He looked genuinely shocked. “B-by Heath. He threatened to-to-” “Ahh? He threatened to spank you? And you think that’s abuse?” “I don’t think, I know,” she said furiously. Jaron let out a little cry as if sensing his mother’s agitation. She swayed, feeling weak. “Hey, there.” Kent was suddenly before them, picking them both up in his arms. “Let’s have a little talk, shall we? And then if you still want to leave, I’ll take you myself. Okay?” Ava peered at him, trying to judge his trustworthiness, then she nodded. He carried them into a small living room and laid her on a flowery couch. He must have seen the surprise on her face at the feminine décor because he chuckled as he sat on a chair opposite. Ava laid Jaron down on one end of the couch, putting a cushion on the outside edge so to box him in. “Very feminine, isn’t it? It was our mother’s room. When she died, Heath couldn’t bear to change it. No one comes in here anymore; I don’t think he’s had the time or inclination to redo it.” Kent sighed. “Now, tell me, why do you think spanking is abuse?” “It’s hitting! It hurts!” “So you think all parents that spank their children are abusive?” “Yes!” She folded her arms. He just raised a brow and she relaxed a little, feeling ashamed. “No, of course not, but in my experience-” “Yes?” He leaned forward. “In my experience, it was painful and long. Do you know how much a belt hurts?” Both brows rose this time. “Someone hit you with a belt? Why? Who? Your parents?” She shook her head. “My parents died when I was five. My first foster mother was a drunk. She’d take to me with a belt, a cord, whatever was handy. When she finally broke my arm they took me out of there.” “Oh, Ava, that’s horrible and you’re right, it was abuse. No child should ever go through that.” “So you see why I want to leave.” “Honey. When my parents died I was twenty. An adult, but it still hurt. I loved them. They’d raised us with love and with discipline. If we misbehaved we were punished. Grounded, spanked, or paddled. But it was never abusive. It was done with love. Does Frankie seem like she’s been abused? Like she’s scared of any of us?” “No.” Ava frowned. It was obvious how much Frankie adored her brothers and they her. Would she feel that way if she was truly abused? But Heath spanked her, and she wasn’t frightened of him. “No, because we adore her. We only try to do what is best for her. We’re an oldfashioned family. Heath is the head of the household and he sets the rules for Frankie to keep her

safe and healthy. If she doesn’t follow them then there are consequences, but never abuse. We would never want her to be scared of us. Understand?” “Yes, and I guess you could be right. But I can’t, I don’t think I can…” “Trust me?” She looked up, startled to see Heath standing in the door. Kent stood and patted his brother’s arm as he passed him. He turned at the door. “You can trust him, honey. We only want to help you.” Ava took a deep breath and looked into Heath’s concerned eyes. “You heard it all.” “Yes.” He took a deep breath. “Ava, I’m sorry for scaring you.” “You didn’t know. Just like I didn’t realize that families could love each other as much as you guys do.” “How about you give us some time, get to know us, trust us. Can you do that?” “A-and the spanking?” He grinned a little. “Tell you what. Give us five days. If you still believe it abusive, I’ll let you leave without a word. But if you want to stay, then you have to come and ask me for the spanking you’re owed and any you build up between now and then.” Ava sat thinking for a moment then nodded. “Okay.” “Good. Oh, and the tally’s now up to two. I believe I told you to stay in bed.”

Chapter Five Ava looked around at the Chase family four nights later as they ate dinner. She’d finally been allowed to stay up for the day. Heath was extremely over-protective and Ava wasn’t really used to being taken care of. There had been arguments, yelling, but she’d never felt like he might hurt her. And that was a real revelation. He’d bullied her into taking naps, even today. But he’d relented on letting her stay up for dinner. After all, Ava was feeling a lot better. In fact, better than she’d felt in ages. Everyone had helped with Jaron. It had been hard to accept for a start, but they’d all seemed so genuine, she hadn’t been able to turn them away. So this was her first dinner with them all, sitting around the large dining room table. She sat to the left of Heath who was at the head of the table. Frankie sat across from her and Kent to her right. Surprisingly they were loud, boisterous, teasing each other. Dishes flew around, food landing on her plate without her ever touching any of the plates. When everything had settled she looked down at her plate with dismayed amazement. “Oh wow, this looks wonderful.” There was no way she could even eat half of what was on her plate. “Dig in, don’t wait,” Brax said cheerfully from across the table between large bites of food. Heath smiled at her and winked. “We don’t stand on ceremony around meal times. Every man for himself.” Tom had been invited for dinner. He sat beside Frankie. “Make sure you eat that beef, Ava,” he said. She wrinkled her nose at him. “You’re not my doctor tonight.” “He’s always a doctor,” Frankie said sourly. “He never has any fun.” “Cheer up, Frankie,” Tom said quietly. “Hard to do with the Christmas Grinch beside me.” She reached for her glass only to find it empty. She grabbed some wine and poured herself some more, gulping it down. Ava looked over at Heath to find him frowning at Frankie and when she turned to stare at Tom he was doing the same. Frankie placed the empty glass down and went to grab more. Tom grabbed her hand. “That’s enough.” Frankie shook her hand free. “No, it’s not. Come on, Tom, stop being such a spoilsport, its Christmas, time for fun and frivolity. In fact, I think I might go into town tonight. You want to come with me, Ava?” “Umm,” Ava suddenly realized that Frankie hadn’t just had that one glass of wine; she’d obviously been drinking before she’d even appeared at the table for dinner. “I’ve got Jaron to look after.” “Oh, pooh, you’re never any fun, either. Fine, I’ll go by myself.” She stood. “Sit down, Frankie,” Heath said sternly. Ava gulped. Frankie glared at her brother. “Big, bad, Heath, always bossing everyone around. Well, you know what, fuck you.” Ava gasped; certain Heath was going to blow his top. But he merely stared up at Frankie somberly.

“Frankie!” Tom scolded. “How much have you had to drink?” he asked. She shrugged, but she looked a little shocked herself by what she’d said. “Frankie, we talked about your drinking and spending, didn’t we?” Tom asked as he stood and grabbed her hand. Frankie nodded. “Well, I think the time for talk has ended. Now apologize to your brother.” Frankie threw herself at Heath who caught her easily. “Sorry, brother.” “I know,” he replied, holding her tight. “Love you.” “Love you too.” “Excuse us, everyone.” Tom tugged a subdued Frankie out the door. “Are you going to just let him do that? What is he going to do?” Ava was alarmed and went to stand. “Sit down, Ava, eat your dinner. Tom and Frankie are going to have a little chat then if I know Tom; he’s going to paddle that girl’s ass.” “And you’re going to let him do that to your sister.” “Tom loves Frankie. And she loves him. She just doesn’t think she’s ready to settle down. He’s the best thing for her.” All of his brothers nodded and Ava sat, reassured by their calm acceptance. She knew that they’d be the first ones to come to Frankie’s defense should someone try to harm her. And even Ava had seen the spark between Tom and Frankie. Ava sat. “Good.” Heath smiled at her. “Eat your dinner.” *** “Oh God, I can’t believe I said that. I have to go back, Heath must be so mad at me.” Frankie tried to tug her hand out of Tom’s as he pulled her to the living room. “Heath forgives you. However, your behavior tonight has been unacceptable, hasn’t it?” Tom said seriously. “What did I tell you about your drinking, Frankie?” She pouted. “You’re being a spoilsport. So I like a few drinks, so what? You’re so old and boring; you wouldn’t know a fun time if it bit you on the nose.” “Maybe I am a bit boring. I like quiet nights. I don’t really like to drink. But you’re destroying yourself with your partying, Frankie. All your money goes on alcohol and clothes. You are out of control and you know it. Which is why I limited your drinking to one glass at a time. A rule you just broke.” “You have no right to set rules for me and definitely no right to spank me! If Heath wants to spank me, he can, but not you!” She couldn’t stand it. She loved him. But she was scared of being with him. What if it didn’t work, what if it got boring. So she’d run from him to the city to work. And she’d partied, drunk too much, trying to forget him. It hadn’t worked. And now he wanted to spank her. No gentle words of affection or trust had ever been said. “Frankie, look at me.”

She looked up into his dark blue eyes, surprised to see the affection in them. “Don’t you know how much I love and adore you? That’s why I’m so stern with you. I don’t want you following this destructive path anymore. It scares me.” “I-it does?” “Yes, baby.” Leaning down he framed her face with his hands and kissed her, softly at first then harder. When he pulled back they were both panting hard. “Oh, Tom.” “Tell me my feelings aren’t all one-sided, Frankie. Tell me you love me as much as I love you.” “Yes, yes I do.” He kissed her again, hugging her tight. “And will you submit to my discipline. That’s the sort of relationship I want, the sort you need, baby.” She was quiet, thinking then nodded. Tom pulled her over to a chair and patted his lap. “Over you go, honey.” She bit her lip. “I haven’t been spanked over anyone’s knee since I was a kid.” “Well, I don’t consider you a child, but you will be spanked over the knee.” Tom fell quiet and waited. Frankie was highly embarrassed at having to place herself over his knee, but she did it, knowing it was what they both needed. He moved her skirt up over her back. “Hey,” she cried out. “Shh, I’ll leave your panties in place. For the moment.” Then he started heavy smacks that showed he meant business. Soon her bottom was flaming and Frankie was kicking, crying out. “Please, stop, Tom. I’m sorry.” “I’m sure you are, baby.” He slowed his spanking. “You’re going to apologize to your family and Ava?” “Y-yes,” she cried. “You’re going to stop drinking.” “Wh-what?” She turned to look at him but he gave her a volley of spanks to her hot buttocks and she dropped down, limp and sobbing. “Y-you didn’t say I had to stop.” “I’m saying it now. It’s for your own health. Well?” He’d stopped spanking and was waiting for her answer. “Y-yes. I will.” “Good girl.” He pulled her round, sat her on her knee, careful of her sore bottom. “And will you marry me?” She smiled at him as tears streamed down her face. “Yes!” she squealed. *** Ava stood outside Heath’s study. He was inside, had shut himself in there after bidding her good night. She was supposed to be in bed and knew he wouldn’t be happy but there was something she had to do before she could sleep. Her mind still whirled with everything that had happened tonight. Frankie and Tom had come down all smiles at their engagement despite the fact that Frankie’s eyes were swollen from

sobbing and she obviously couldn’t sit. And yet she’d cuddled up to Tom like she couldn’t bear to let him go. Ava was jealous of that easy affection and love. She wished she could be that way with someone. Maybe she’d never love someone like that. But she liked being here, being around Heath and she wasn’t ready to leave. Not yet. It had almost been five days; she needed to give Heath her answer. And she was curious. She found that she actually trusted Heath not to harm her and she wanted to know how it felt. To be disciplined by someone who was doing it with her best interests in heart. Not theirs. So she knocked on his door and entered when he called out. He frowned a little when he saw her. “Ava? What are you doing up? You should be in bed resting. Jaron’s alright isn’t he?” “H-he’s fine. I came down because I want to talk to you.” “Couldn’t it wait for morning?” “No, I might have lost my nerve by then.” His brow rose at that. “Oh?” She nodded. “I want you to spank me.” “You do?” “Yes. I want to stay. So you need to spank me.” “Ava,” he sighed. “I should never have put that stipulation on you. You’re welcome to stay as long as you like. There will be no repercussions.” “No.” She shook her head. “This is your house, your rules. I broke them.” She blushed. “And besides, I want to know what it’s like.” “A spanking?” She nodded. “But you’ve been spanked before.” She nodded. “But not because someone cared about me.” He stared at her for a long moment. “All right. Go lie down on your bed. Keep your panties on but pull your nightgown over your hips. I will be there in a moment.” Ava drew in a shuddering breath then did as he said. She was trembling slightly when he sat beside her. He rubbed her back and she jumped a little. “Ava, we don’t have to do this.” “I want too.” “I don’t like you being scared of me.” “I’m not. I-I couldn’t do this if I didn’t trust you. I find it really hard to trust people after the way I grew up.” He continued to rub her back. “What about your husband?” “Oh, it was easy with him. We were good friends. He was used to me not talking much, he didn’t either.” She paused. “Well?” “Well what?” “A-are you going to get on to it.” “Honey, one thing you need to learn is you don’t control when or where. I do,” his voice was stern but his touch gentle. “Right, you’re getting twenty with my hand. These are because you risked yours and Jaron’s health by going out in the cold running. You’ve also been fighting me during your

recovery by trying to do too much and not accepting your limitations. If something had happened to you, what would happen to him then?” Tears immediately welled. It was suddenly too much as she began to sob. “I know,” she cried. “I have to be more careful, I’m all he has. I don’t want him to end up like me.” “Like you?” he asked. “Alone, stuck in foster care. It’s just that he won’t go back to sleep and I don’t know what else to do, and I…” “Shh, shh,” he soothed. “It’s okay, you’re not alone now. We’re all here to help. You can lean on me, on all of us.” “I know, I’m just scared that if I lean on you too much, well, it will make it really hard to going back to being just me.” “Shh,” he soothed. “Don’t worry about that right now. Just accept our help. It will all work out, I promise. For now, all you need to do is take care of yourself and then I won’t have to spank you again. Do you know when I saw you, it was like something clicked.” She took a deep breath, nibbling at her lip. “I-I think I know what you mean. But I still don’t know you and my husband, I’m not, I don’t know if I can.” “Shh,” he soothed, rubbing her back once more. “We’ll take this slow, real slow. First, though, do you trust me to spank you as you deserve.” She nodded. When his hand landed, she yelped, shocked by the sharp sting. He didn’t stop, or let up. He started on her buttocks then moved to her thighs. Soon she was sobbing, the bed wet beneath her face. When he stopped her bottom was on fire and she was bawling. He held her close, running his hand over her hair, crooning to her softly. Then she was lying on her side in the bed. She fell asleep instantly.

Chapter Six Enough was enough as far as Ava was concerned. It was the night before Christmas Eve, and she’d hardly done anything more than sleep, eat and feed Jaron. She was feeling much better. She was tired of sitting around, doing nothing. It wasn’t her. She wanted to join in the Christmas festivities. She wanted to be around Heath. So she dressed herself and walked down the stairs quietly, carrying Jaron in her arms. She was just about at Heath’s study when she stilled, hearing voices. “I want to know what you meant the other day, Frankie. You’ve been avoiding me, but now’s the time to tell me what’s going on. You lied when you said you’d promised Ava a good time when you bought her here.” “But I did,” Frankie protested. Ava started to move away, not wanting to eavesdrop. “But that’s not what you meant to say. You promised someone that you would bring Ava here, didn’t you? Who was it?” Frankie sighed and Ava stilled, unable to help her curiosity. “Her husband.” “You took care of him, didn’t you?” Heath asked. “Yeah, he was a nice guy. He saw that Ava and I got on well. So he, umm, we, came to a deal.” “What sort of deal?” Heath’s voice was hard and Ava swallowed, recognizing that tone. Heath was about to stop talking and start spanking. “He, well, he was worried about Ava. She didn’t really have anyone but him. So he paid me to hang out with her. I mean, I liked her, I would have done it anyway, but the money didn’t hurt. So, he made me promise to bring her home for a Christmas. He said she’d spent so much time in foster homes growing up she’d never had a real Christmas. I couldn’t bring her last Christmas, she wouldn’t come. But this time she wants to know how a Christmas can be for Jaron’s sake. So I fulfilled the last part of our deal, and brought her here.” They continued to talk, but Ava couldn’t hear anymore. A rush of humiliation and anger drowned out their words. She turned and walked up the stairs. Quickly, she grabbed Jaron’s diaper bag and her purse as well as their coats. Then she bundled them up and snuck down to the car. She didn’t have a license but she’d once had a foster brother who’d taught her the basics. She grabbed Frankie’s keys from the side table in the hall where they were kept and snuck out. She was at the end of the drive when she began to shake. She only made it ten minutes down the road before the tears begun. She pulled over, unable to drive anymore. “Hell, I shouldn’t be driving anyway. What am I doing?” she asked herself. She turned and looked back at Jaron who giggled at her. “What is mummy doing, baby? Huh, she’s a mess. She can’t even get a real friend. No, someone has to be paid to be her friend, how pathetic is that?” She jumped at the sound of a horn, looking up as a large truck pulled up on the other side of the road. Tom jumped out, his frown turning to surprise then a frown again. Instead of coming to the driver’s side, he walked to the passenger seat and climbed in. “Ava? I thought you couldn’t drive? What are you doing out here in Frankie’s car?” “I-I-”

“Have you been crying? What happened? Did you have an accident? Are you hurt?” “No,” she sobbed. “Frankie was paid to be friends with me,” she cried, unable to hold it in. “What?” His face went blank with shock. “I overheard her telling Heath. She’s only friends with me because my husband paid her too. That’s why she bought me here, because he asked her too.” She shook with her tears by now, moving over when he held open his arms to hold her. Ava cried against his chest until his shirt was soaked. “Sorry,” she sniffled against him, rubbing her eyes with her hands. “Here.” He held up a handkerchief to her nose. “It’s clean. Blow.” She blew. Ava laughed a little. “You’ll make a good dad.” “First, I have to convince Frankie of that. With the way she’s behaving lately, well, she has a lot of growing up to do…I’m really sorry for what she’s done, Ava.” “Not your fault. Not Frankie’s fault either. She needed the money.” Tom frowned. “That girl needs some discipline, desperately.” “Please, don’t be angry at her because of me. I couldn’t bear that.” “Shh.” He pulled her in tight as she cried again. “I thought she was my friend.” “She is. She’s just a fool.” “I find it so hard. I don’t know how to be a good friend. Maybe I didn’t do it right. I mean, she’s always saying I worry too much. Was she really just nice to me because I paid for things?” “You paid for things?” Tom asked, stiffening beneath her cheek. “Umm, sometimes she needed help with her rent and stuff.” “That so? I can tell you now that she will be paying you back every penny.” “No, I-” She was interrupted as a truck pulled up behind the car. Heath jumped from the cab and strode over, storms of anger on his face. “Uh-oh.” He opened the driver’s door. “You are in big trouble, Ava Marie.” “Before you grow too furious, Heath,” Tom interjected. “I suggest you listen to her explanation. I’m going to the ranch to speak to Frankie.” Heath frowned over at Tom. “Frankie’s being punished. No visitors.” “Oh, I won’t be visiting.” “Tom?” Ava said. “Yes?” “Thanks.” “Any time, kid. But no more driving without a license, hear me?” She nodded. “Don’t worry, she won’t be,” Heath said darkly. “Out, Ava and into my truck. I’ll get Jaron. Cam and Brax can pick up the car later.” Ava nodded and moved to do as he said, her shoulders slumped. She climbed into the passenger seat and watched as Heath buckled in Jaron, carefully, speaking to him quietly when he started to fuss. He was so wonderful with him. Like Tom, he’d make a wonderful dad one day.

“All right, you want to explain to me why you ran out of the house, without telling anyone, and drove a car you have no legal right to drive? Do you realize you could have had an accident with Jaron in the car? How could you be so irresponsible?” Ava hadn’t thought she had any tears left, but they began to flow. “I’m sorry I took the car, I was just borrowing it. I would’ve let Frankie know where I left it. I can drive. I just never had my own car to get a license. I had to leave; I couldn’t stay, not after-” “Not after, what?” “After I overheard you and Frankie. She was paid to be my friend!” Ava cried. “Oh, baby.” He clasped her close and for the second time that night she soaked a man’s shirt with her tears. He rubbed her back. “I’m sorry you had to hear it like that. Did you hear what Frankie said at the end of the conversation?” Ava shook her head. “Didn’t think so. She said that she’s grown to love you. That you’re kind and generous and a true friend and she feels sick because of this secret. So guilty that she’s been snapping at you and forgetting things because she’s so worried.” “Oh, really?” “Really. It doesn’t excuse what she did. But she really is your friend.” Ava hunched into herself. “I still feel…” “Betrayed?” She nodded. “And no one blames you for that. But just give her a chance to prove herself to you. You two are such good friends I’d hate for you to lose that.” “I’ve never had a friend. I’ve never had a family. I just wanted to see what a real Christmas felt like. But now it’s been ruined.” “Shh, we can still make this a great Christmas for you and Jaron. Because I want you there. I want you with me. You’re part of our family now, darling. And you aren’t going anywhere.” “Really? But I haven’t even been with you guys that long.” “Time isn’t family. Blood isn’t. Love is. We love you, sweetheart.” “R-really?” “Really.”

Chapter Seven “Come on,” Heath said, taking her hand and pulling her into the house. “You, Jaron and I have a date by the fireplace, reading some Christmas stories.” “Really?” she asked. Heath grinned. “Do you know any other words?” he teased. The next few hours were amazing for Ava. Frankie never appeared, but Heath and his brothers sat around in the living room with her and Jaron, reading stories, eating popcorn and then watching a Christmas movie. When she carried Jaron up to bed that night, Heath went with her. She changed him, put him in his bedclothes, and then looked at Heath shyly. “Umm, I need to feed him.” “Can I stay?” Heath asked. Ava took a sharp breath then nodded. “Yeah, I guess so.” It was the most intimate thing she’d ever experienced, breast-feeding her son, while Heath sat with her, holding her close. He ran his hand over Jaron’s cheek, brushing against her breast. By the time she put Jaron down, her body felt on fire. She turned to him and he kissed her. Fireworks exploded, raining through her body. “Oh, Heath.” He stepped back. “That was amazing,” he whispered. “But, it’s time we were in bed and we still have your spanking to take care of.” “S-spanking? But you know why I left.” “Yes, but you broke the rules and endangered your life and Jaron’s. I can’t let that pass, no matter the circumstances. Go get ready for bed, and then I want you to stack some pillows in the middle of the bed and lie on top with your bottom raised. I’m using the paddle tonight, Ava and it’s going to hurt.” Ava moved slowly to do as he said. When he knocked on the door, she was waiting for him, trembling slightly. “Baby, you really scared me, tonight. When I couldn’t find you,” he paused, breathing deep as he sat beside her, “I was terrified. This needs to be hard, because I can’t feel like that again, you understand. I care far too much about you to ever let you hurt yourself.” She nodded. “I understand.” “Right then.” He started with his hand, by the time he used the paddle she was already begging for him to stop, her legs kicking back. He had to hold her in place while he paddled her bottom. Finally, she stopped struggling, too sore and tired to do anything but cry. Heath lay beside her and gathered her in against his chest. “Don’t scare me like that, again, understand? I can’t take it.” She nodded, still crying. “Just as well these rooms are sound-proof, aye?” he teased, trying to get her to stop sobbing her heart out. It was breaking his heart. She nodded, but kept crying. “Hey, now.” He was starting to get alarmed. “Darling? Talk to me? What’s wrong? Are you in that much pain?” Maybe he’d been too hard.

She shook her head. “It’s just, so much, you know.” “Shh, I understand. Go to sleep, baby, it’s been a long day.” *** “Turkey salad for dinner, anyone?” Alma asked. The resounding groans were a heartfelt negative and Ava added hers to them. It was Christmas day; she was stuffed full and truly happy. It had been a wonderful day. Frankie had apologized profusely, her eyes suspiciously puffy and she’d been unable to sit for long. Ava had been in much the same condition, although without the puffy eyes. Things weren’t the same between them, but perhaps they never would be. And Ava was actually okay with that. She’d had one friend, she could make others. And Frankie’s brothers, as well as Tom and Alma seemed to like her just fine. “I think that’s one yes and the rest no,” Heath replied with a smile. “And you sit down, Alma. I’ll fix it.” “You’re hungry?” Ava gaped at him. “God, no,” he laughed. “But you haven’t eaten in hours. I don’t want your blood sugar getting low.” Ava shook her head. “With all the chocolate I ate? My blood sugar won’t be low for days. Please, I really can’t eat another bite.” Heath shook his head. “Heath, really.” Tom cleared his throat. “She seems fine to me, Heath. I think you can let it slide. Just this once.” He sent a warning look at Ava who just grinned at the young doctor. He didn’t scare her, he was a big softie. Except when it came to Frankie. Then he seemed to take a hard line. “I better go.” Tom rose and stretched. “Thanks for having me over. Frankie, want to walk me to the door?” “All right,” she said ungraciously. Heath sent her a stern look and Frankie plastered a smile on her face, not wanting to risk another spanking. Not that she hadn’t deserved the one’s she’d gotten. Still, it had been humiliating as hell to be getting her ass licked by Kent as the others searched for Ava, then to have Tom walk in and take over. Frankie walked him to the door. “Well, bye,” she said. “Frankie, wait.” He grabbed her hand. “I know you’re mad at me.” “Why would I be mad at you? Oh, yeah, because you’re a mean bastard who spanked me.” “Frankie, you know the sort of relationship I wanted.” “Yeah, well, maybe I don’t want that anymore.” With a cry, she turned away and ran up to her bedroom. Throwing herself on the bed she started to cry uncontrollably. There was a knock on the door. “Go away,” she called out. “Frankie?” It was Ava. She walked inside. “Didn’t you hear me?” Frankie cried. “I said go away.” “What’s wrong, Frankie? This isn’t you? You’re usually so happy and carefree.”

“What makes you think you know the real me? I was just pretending to be your friend, remember?” Ava took in a deep breath, moving her hand away from Frankie’s back where she’d been rubbing it soothingly. “Sorry, I shouldn’t have come in here. I just heard you crying. I-I’ll leave.” “Ava, wait.” Frankie sat up, feeling utterly miserable. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it. You are my friend. I’m just a bitch who can’t help but push people away.” “Why? We care about you, Frankie. I do, Tom definitely does.” “He won’t anymore; I was so horrid to him.” “He’ll forgive you, once you explain.” “But how? How do I tell him that I’m such a bitch because I’m scared? Scared I’m not good enough for him, that I’ll disappoint him, how do I tell him that?” “You just did.” Ava smiled as the door opened fully to reveal Tom. Frankie let out a strangled cry then Tom opened his arms and she flew into them. “I’m sorry,” she sobbed. “Shh.” He was patting her back as Ava left, a smile on her face. “All better?” Heath asked, meeting her by her bedroom door. “Yep. Jaron sleeping?” “Like a baby,” Heath replied and she snorted, punching him lightly on the arm. “Now, off you go to bed, honey. Did you have a good Christmas?” “The best.”

Chapter Eight “I can’t believe I’m having an engagement party. Tom’s so wonderful, isn’t he?” Ava just smiled as Frankie talked, not pointing out that only two nights ago, Frankie had been ready to call the engagement off, terrified of committing herself to Tom and then failing him. But he’d obviously done a good job of talking her round. They’d come to Hammersley to do some shopping. Frankie claimed to need clothes for the engagement party. Tom had given her a spending limit. Which she’d already gone over despite Ava’s warnings. Well, she figured the other woman would soon work out that Tom wouldn’t let her step over the line. Jaron gurgled and let out a small cry. “Maybe we should head back now, Frankie,” Ava said, reluctant to interrupt Frankie’s happy spending spree, but she was probably doing the other girl a favor anyway. “Oh, but, I’ve got heaps more shopping to do and we haven’t even found you a dress to wear to the engagement party.” “I already have a dress, remember?” Ava replied “That teal one I bought two months ago.” “But that’s old you need something new!” “I haven’t worn it,” Ava protested. “And besides, Jaron’s getting tired. We’ve been shopping for hours.” Ava was feeling pretty tired herself, she might grumble and groan at Heath’s rule that she nap during the day, but she’d love to take one right now. Not that she’d ever tell him that. And it wasn’t just that, she had a six-month old who had woken twice in the night. It wasn’t like she’d been sleeping much in the last few days anyway. Tomorrow was New Year’s Eve, she and Frankie had planned to leave in a few more days. But now Frankie was engaged, Ava didn’t know when she was going to return to the city. She’d have to go back and settle all her affairs, but Ava had a feeling Tom wasn’t going to let Frankie out of his sight for long. And Frankie hadn’t once mentioned leaving again. Which was okay. Ava didn’t need Frankie to get her home, she could take the bus. The problem was she didn’t want to leave. “Jaron’s fine. He can fall asleep in his buggy. And you need a dress. After all, it’s my party.” She pouted a little and Ava caved. By the time they arrived home a few hours later, Ava was absolutely exhausted, her feet hurt, her head hurt and her purse was empty. She had a slight pang of guilt. Sure, she had plenty of money, but she had Jaron to think of. She should really set up a trust fund for him. Hmm, yes, she would definitely do that. She’d leave herself a bit to live on until he went to school and she could get a part-time job but the rest she’d put away for when he was older. Ava instantly felt better at that thought. She’d always felt uneasy with John’s money and she knew this is what he would want. She rubbed her stomach. She felt nauseous and hoped it was simply exhaustion rather than a bug. She was surprised Heath hadn’t noticed how tired she was, he was usually very observant. But then she’d barely seen him the last couple of days. And when she had he’d seemed distracted. He was away for the next two nights and she knew she shouldn’t feel this tug

of loss, but she couldn’t stop it. She wanted him around. Even if she now wasn’t so sure he felt the same way. He’d been quieter of late, they hadn’t chatted as much. Perhaps he was wondering when she was going to leave. Ava bit at her bottom lip. She hated to think she was outstaying her welcome. She loved being here, with Frankie and her brothers and particularly Heath. He made her feel safe and happy in a way she could never remember feeling before-even with John. And part of her felt guilty about that, as though she were betraying what she and John had. But Heath was a vastly different man from John. John had been gentle, affectionate but not really demonstrative in public. He’d never pushed her to open up to him, to tell him about her past, her fears, her worries. She felt like Heath knew more about her after a couple of weeks than John ever had. Heath was a force of nature; dominant, demanding, always certain he was right. Frankie put the car in park and bounded out to throw herself at Tom who walked out of the house to greet them. “Shoot, I forgot about dinner,” Ava muttered to herself. Tom was coming over for a family dinner to talk about the engagement party. She climbed out of the car. Instantly the ground began to move and she had to hold on to the car to keep herself from keeling over. “Ava?” A concerned voice asked and she opened her eyes to see Brax in front of her. “Are you okay?” “Umm, just tired.” He frowned. “Well, you’re certainly later than we expected. We’re used to Frankie running late, but you guys are two hours overdue.” Ava swallowed heavily, pushing down her nausea. She was not going to throw up. She was not. “Ava? You’ve gone all pasty. Hey!” Brax grabbed her as she swayed and swung her up into his arms. “Tom!” he called frantically. “Ava’s not well.” “I’m fine,” she said weakly. “Can you put me down, please? I need to get Jaron.” She tried to struggle but was too weak to make any impact. Tom was suddenly standing over her, his hand over her forehead. “She’s warm. Do you feel sick, Ava?” “Yes,” she gritted out between her teeth. “Now move.” Luckily he jumped back just as time as she leaned her head to the side and vomited on the ground. “Oh, God, Ava, why didn’t you tell me you weren’t feeling well?” Ava could hear the self-reproach in Frankie’s voice. She laid her head back against Brax’s chest. “Just tired. Please get Jaron; I need to put him to bed.” “Which is exactly where you’re going, young lady,” Tom said firmly. “No, I-” she protested. “No buts,” he said sternly. “Frankie, you grab Jaron and take care of him please. Brax, carry Ava up to her room while I get my bag.” “Jaron needs to be fed, though,” Ava said, trying to find the energy to move out of Brax’s hold. But she was limp with fatigue and dizzy, even though she wasn’t standing. “You’ve got bottles made up, Frankie knows what to do. Jaron will be fine,” Brax soothed as he placed her on her bed and removed her shoes. “Where are your pajamas?” “I can get them,” she insisted. Both of them looked over as Tom walked into the room. He frowned.

“Brax, can you get her some pajamas please? I’ll get Frankie to help her put them on when she’s finished taking care of Jaron.” “I can do it myself,” Ava said stubbornly. “Ava, I know you’re not feeling well. You have to let us help you.” Yeah, Ava wasn’t very good at that. She preferred to rely on herself. Everyone had always let her down, foster parents, social workers, even John. As unfair as it was she couldn’t help but feel he’d let her down when he’d died leaving her lost and alone. “Ava, I’m going to take your temperature. When did you start feeling ill? And when was the last time you ate?” Ava felt overwhelmed by the attention as Tom fired off questions as he reached into his bag. Brax sat beside her on the bed and peered down at her in concern. “Are you gonna puke again? Want me to get you a bucket?” She looked at him incredulously. “Ahh, no thanks.” “Ava?” Tom reminded her impatiently. “I’m fine, you’re both over-reacting. I’m just tired. I didn’t sleep well.” “Answer the questions, Ava,” Tom said sternly, pushing her down when she tried to sit up. “I suggest you behave yourself, young lady and do as I say.” “Excuse me?” she said in disbelief. “You know, I’m a grown woman, I can do as I like.” “Not under this roof, you can’t.” Ava looked up to see Kent staring at her sternly from the doorway. He was the most serious of Frankie’s brothers and she thought he might even be stricter than Heath. “Under this roof, we take care of our women and they do what we think is best.” Her jaw dropped. “Do you know how you sound?” she asked weakly. She wanted to fight their chauvinism, but found the last of her energy was fading fast. “Here, put this in your mouth before you find yourself in real trouble,” Tom advised as he placed a thermometer in her mouth. Ava clamped her lips around the thermometer as she attempted to glare at Kent. He merely raised a brow back at her before pulling out his cell phone. “I’ll ring Heath; tell him to get his ass back here.” Ava opened her mouth, spitting out the thermometer. “No, you won’t. He’s away on business. There is no reason for him to come home.” “Ava, keep that in.” Tom popped it back in her mouth. “No reason? You’re sick. There is every reason.” “No, Kent.” Ava tried to sound emphatic, but ended up coughing instead. “Ava,” Tom said sternly. “Keep that in your mouth else I’ll be taking your temperature the old-fashioned way.” Ava blushed when she got his meaning. No way was he sticking anything up her butt. She clamped her mouth around the thermometer even as Kent held the phone to his ear and walked away. “And Heath will want to know, even if he can’t get home earlier.” She shook her head then immediately wished she hadn’t as the room swirled. Tom took her pulse then withdrew the thermometer from her mouth. “That’s quite a temperature you’re running sweetheart. I’m going to send Frankie in to help you change then we’ll start getting some fluids into you, okay?” Ava just sighed, too tired to do anything else.

Kent walked back in. “Heath can’t get home any earlier, in fact, the weather’s turned to crap so he may be delayed. But, young lady,” he stared at her sternly. “He’s going to be ringing often to check on you. And he said you’re to do as Tom tells you else he’ll be reddening your butt when he gets home.” Frankie came in before she could voice her opinion on that. *** Ava leaned over the toilet and vomited again. She felt awful, horrid. She was shaky and cold then hot and sweaty. She’d thrown up so much all she had left in her tummy was bile. It had been this way throughout the night. It was now the early hours of the morning and she wasn’t feeling any better. She hoped Jaron was all right. Frankie had assured her that she’d look after him, but Ava had never relied on anyone else to take care of Jaron this much and she was worried. Frankie had never looked after a baby and even though she was a nurse, Ava was all too aware of how forgetful she could be. She wished Heath was here. She knew he’d ensure Jaron was fine. She knew that he’d take care of her too. Tom had checked in on her a few hours ago. He’d caught her when she’d managed to make it back to the bed. She’d pretended to be asleep, not in the mood to be poked and prodded. But minutes after he’d left, she’d been back in the bathroom, throwing her guts up. They’d given her a bell. Like she was an invalid. She was supposed to ring it if she needed help. Yeah, not gonna happen. Ava was a private person. She didn’t want anyone to see her like this. She just wanted Heath. She lay beside the toilet, grateful for the cool vinyl beneath her head and closed her eyes. “Ava? Ava, where are you? Shit!” Ava managed to open her eyes, staring blurrily up at Tom who was leaning over her. Then suddenly she was in his arms and being placed on the bed. “What’s wrong?” Frankie’s voice. “Stay back, darling,” Tom replied. “I don’t want you getting sick.” “I’m a nurse,” Frankie protested. “And Ava’s friend. I want to help.” “You can help by staying away and taking care of Jaron.” “Tom, I may be your fiancé, but you are not my boss.” Ava felt Tom’s hand over her forehead. He then grabbed her wrist. “She’s burning up and dehydrated. I need to get some fluids into her. Frankie, get out now or you are going to be at your engagement party with a sore bottom.” “That’s not for three days.” “Exactly.” Ava heard Frankie stomp away. “You’re hard on her,” she whispered. “I love her,” he replied. “I want her safe.” “And you think spanking her is the way to do that?”

“Frankie needs firmness. She gets out of control when no one holds her to account. I know you’ve helped her out a lot with finances. She will be paying you back. She needs to know there are consequences. As do you, Ava.” “What?” “You’re going to be in trouble when Heath gets here, young lady. I told you to use your bell if you felt worse. How much have you been throwing up? How long were you stuck lying on the bathroom floor?” She shrugged. “Hmm, well, if you get any worse then you’re going to be in big trouble.” He filled her water jug and poured some into a glass then held the straw up to her mouth. “I want you drinking a lot more. You’re becoming dehydrated and your temperature is still high. I’ll be back soon with some soup.” The idea of food made her feel very, very nauseous. She was up, stumbling toward the toilet before she even realized she’d moved. “Ahh, dammit, Ava.” Suddenly Brax was there, holding back her hair, his hand rubbing her back as she dry-wretched. When she was finished, he picked her up and carried her to the bed. He went back into the bathroom and returned with a cool washcloth to wipe down her face. “Where’s Heath?” she asked. “Still stuck, sweetheart,” he replied. “Shouldn’t you stay away from me, I’m probably contagious.” “I’ll risk it.” “I wish Heath were here.” She was near tears, exhausted beyond belief. “I know, honey, I know.”

Chapter Nine “Ava Montgomery, you get back into bed this instant,” Cam’s voice boomed down the hallway. Ava stiffened then turned, frowning. “Jaron’s crying.” “And how do you know that?” he asked. “You don’t have a baby monitor in your room.” “I heard him, I can hear him now.” Just then Frankie bounded up the stairs. “Ava, you shouldn’t be up, Tom’s going to be mad.” Cam frowned and picked Ava up, carrying her into her room. She knew better than to fight him, nothing swayed any of Frankie’s brothers. “The only way you could have heard him is if you were already in the hallway,” Cam said sternly. “I just want to see him,” Ava explained. “I’m not contagious anymore.” It had been four days since she’d first become ill. Heath wasn’t home yet, he’d gotten trapped in a really bad snowstorm with no available flights. Ava missed him like crazy. And she was going insane with the whole household fussing over her. They’d even postponed the engagement party because of her. Tom hadn’t even let her see Jaron until yesterday afternoon and only then for a short time, claiming he would tire her. Tire her! Her own son! As if. She needed to be there for him. He needed her. Sure, she was a bit tired, well okay, exhausted. And yeah, she was shaky and weak. But she’d stopped throwing up days ago. “Leave me alone, Cam,” she protested as she attempted to sit up and he held her down. “Just following doctor’s orders. You’re to stay in bed, eat, drink and get plenty of rest.” “He is my son, and I will take care of him and you will let me make decisions about my own life, dammit.” “Enough.” She looked up to see Kent frowning down at them both. “Ava, you stay in that bed or the next time we catch you doing something Tom said not too, I’m going to take you over my knee. Got it?” Her jaw dropped. “How dare you! That is it. I am leaving.” “Ava, you stay still.” Ava stared at the doorway as Kent moved in, revealing a very tired and rough looking Heath. “Heath,” she cried. He was frowning. “Are you having problems doing what you’re told, Ava?” She scowled. “You’ve been gone days and that’s all you can say?” “I’m tired, hungry and grouchy. I’ve been travelling for hours to get back here to find you look worse than I do, you’re pale, you’ve lost weight and you look fragile enough to break and yet you’re still not doing what’s best for you. Now, you’re going to lie back on the bed like a good girl, aren’t you?” Ava took his advisement under careful consideration. Then following the stern order in that voice, she lay back like a good girl. Heath sat on the seat beside her bed. “You look awful,” she said.

He snorted. “You think I look awful, honey? You, my darling, don’t look well at all. Where’s Tom?” He turned to look at Cam. “He had to go out to see a patient. She’s on the mend. Which is the trouble, she feels better so she’s trying to do more when what she really needs is rest.” “She is right here. Speak to me,” Ava said angrily. “She’s also grumpy and about to get a spanking if I catch her out of that bed again,” Kent interjected. Ava crossed her arms over her chest. “I’m not a naughty five year old, Kent.” “Then stop acting like it,” Heath said as he ran his hand over her forehead. “You still feel a bit warm.” Concern lit his eyes and Ava softened a little. “I’ve been worried about you, baby,” Heath said. Cam shifted a little. “We all have been, we just want to make sure you get well, Ava.” Tears pricked her eyes. Damn, she was so emotional at the moment. “I know, I’m sorry I’ve been so difficult. It’s a wonder you guys haven’t kicked me out on my butt. I’m just not used to having to rely on others.” “Or doing what you’re told?” Heath had a spot of humor in his voice. “Yes,” she agreed. “Or following orders. I am an adult, after all.” Heath kissed her on the cheek. “Yes, and most of the time you make good decisions. Sounds to me, though, like you’ve been putting your health foolishly at risk. I can’t allow that, Ava.” Ava shivered at the promise of retribution in his voice. “We’ll leave you alone,” Cam said, coming over to kiss Ava on the forehead. As Kent kissed her cheek she whispered her apology to him. When they were gone, Heath picked her up and started carrying her down the hallway. “What are you doing?” she squealed. “Taking you to my room.” “Why?” she asked, slightly alarmed. He stared down at her before opening the door to the master bedroom. It was magnificent. There were large windows, framed by ceiling to floor dark curtains. His bed was huge and raised. He sat her on a large, plush chair sitting beside the bed as he pulled down the covers. Ava felt a pang of nerves and excitement. She was going to sleep in his bed? “I haven’t slept in more than twenty-four hours, I stink, I’m grouchy and I don’t want to let you out of my sight. In order for me to take care of you properly, you’re going to sleep here with me. Don’t worry, nothing funny will happen. I don’t take advantage of ill women.” Surely that wasn’t disappointment she felt? “Do you need to go to the bathroom before I have a shower?” he asked. She nodded and went to stand when he picked her up and carried her to the attached bathroom. “Heath! I can walk, you know.” Ava blushed as he set her down on the toilet and glowered at her. “Ava, I do not expect an argument every time I help you with something, understood? By the sounds of it you make a very bad patient.” Her eyes skittered to the floor, ashamed. “I know. I’m sorry for all the trouble I’ve been. I’ll leave if you want.”

“Hey.” He reached for her chin, raising her face. “You can stop that way of thinking right now, okay? You are not being kicked out for being grumpy and temperamental. That’s not the way family works.” “I’m not family. I’ve never had a family.” “Well, you do now. Consider yourself adopted.” There was a warm feeling in her stomach, but at the same time… “I don’t want to be your family,” she blurted. He raised an eyebrow. “Why? Am I such an ogre?” “No, it’s just, if we’re family, we can’t, you know,” she trailed off, utterly embarrassed. “Well at least you have color in your cheeks,” he said amused. “And darling, we can definitely do that. But not now. Very soon, we’re going to talk about this habit of yours of wanting to run away when things get tough later. For now, do you need any help?” “No,” she squealed, mortified. “Okay then,” he said calmly. “Call out when you’re finished.” She just nodded to get rid of him. *** Heath had just gotten a very slight and shaky Ava back into bed when there was a knock on his door. He scowled, wondering who would interrupt him now. Frankie stood at the door, a clearly upset Jaron in her arms. “I’m really sorry,” she said tiredly, tears in her voice. “He just won’t go down. I didn’t know what else to do. The guys have gone out and…” “Shh,” Heath soothed her and Jaron as he grabbed the sniffling baby up against his chest. With his other arm he gathered Frankie close. “I’m really proud of you for helping out, you know that?” he asked as he held his exhausted sister. “You go on to bed now. I’ll take care of Ava and Jaron.” “But you’re tired too,” she protested. “I’m fine. Now get.” He turned her around and with a soft tap to the butt sent her on her way. It was a clear testament to how tired she was that she didn’t complain at his high-handed treatment of her. “Poor Frankie, I feel so guilty, leaving her to take care of Jaron.” Heath turned to find Ava standing behind him, looking frail in her over-sized pajamas. In fact, were they men’s pajamas? Her husbands, perhaps? Jealousy ate at him and he had the sudden urge to strip her and place her in his pajamas. She didn’t speak much about John. Heath was sorry the guy had died, but he wasn’t sorry that Ava was now free to be his. Heath jiggled Jaron up and down as he frowned at the woman he intended to marry. “What are you doing out of bed?” he grumbled. “Here, give me Jaron. I’ll settle him down and put him to bed. I better get the baby monitor from Frankie’s room.” “I will get Jaron to bed and grab the monitor. You, young lady, are going straight back to bed.” “Heath, he’s my son. He wants his mother.” “Then she should stop arguing with me over what’s best for her and get back into bed so she gets well enough to take care of him once more. Because at the moment, she’s being so stubborn, she’s not only going to get her butt spanked but she’s going to put back her recovery.”

Ava stomped her foot, look delightfully put out. But she turned and climbed back into bed. “You know, you won’t get your own way all the time,” she complained. “When it comes to your health and safety I most definitely will,” he replied. Once she was settled, sitting up, he handed her Jaron. “I’ll go get the monitor. You hold him for a moment, then I’ll try putting him down again. Ava held out her arms, cuddling Jaron close. Heath just stood looking down at them. A feeling of rightness came over him. She was his. Her baby was his. He wouldn’t ever let them go. *** Ava awoke by herself, panicking at first when she didn’t immediately realize where she was. Then she remembered, she was in Heath’s room. She looked over the other side of the bed. He wasn’t there. Had he moved rooms? He’d been there before she’d fallen asleep; he’d been sitting up beside her, reading a book. Ava climbed from the bed, swaying a little. Dammit, she still wasn’t at full strength. Mind you, she hadn’t felt at full strength since before John had gotten ill. Worry and a long, hard pregnancy had taken a toll on her and she never seemed to recover that same energy she’d had before. She moved from the bedroom, towards Jaron’s room, wanting to check in on him. She pushed the door open carefully, coming to a complete halt at the sight before her. Heath lay in the large, plush chair she used to feed Jaron in, sleeping. Jaron lay on his chest, his mouth open as he snored softly. They looked so gorgeous she wished she could take a photo of this to remember for all time. Ava wished it was her right to cuddle up next to them, to claim this man as hers, the way she could claim the gorgeous little boy. But he wasn’t hers. And soon she had to leave. She just wished she could be sure she would leave with her heart in-tact. Heath stirred, opening his eyes. “Ava, what are you doing up?” Ava sighed, exasperated, but not angry. She knew he only fussed and worried over her because he cared. But caring wasn’t the same as loving she reminded herself. She carefully moved Jaron into his portable cot. “That can’t be good for your back,” she whispered, holding out a hand to him. “Come on.” Ava pulled a sleepy, grumbling Heath back to his bedroom. “Get into bed,” she ordered. He narrowed his eyes at her. “Bossy.” She snorted. “Hello kettle, meet pot.” His lips twitched but he lay on the bed with a groan then reached over and pulled up the covers. “In you go, miss.” She shook her head. “I’ll go back to my own bedroom.”

“Oh no you won’t.” He grabbed her hand and tumbled her into the bed, cuddling in close to her. “I’ll never be able to sleep like this.” “Shh, just close your eyes. You’ll sleep I promise.” And funnily enough, she did.

Chapter Ten Ava took a sip of champagne and stared around at the room filled with laughing, happy people. Frankie was at the center of it all, flitting from group to group, having the time of her life. The engagement party was a huge success. Frankie and Tom had put it off until Tom had deemed Ava well enough to attend. Even so, she got the feeling she wouldn’t last the entire night. Already she was feeling tired. She had another sip of drink only to find her glass was empty. A waiter passed by with a tray and she quickly grabbed a full one, swapping it for her empty glass. “Frankie seems to be having fun.” Ava looked over at Heath with a small smile. “Yes, she is. She’s so happy, it’s lovely. I sure am going to miss her, though.” Heath went silent and she peered up to see him looking very serious. She took another sip of her drink. “Miss her?” “Well, yes, when I go back, I’ll really miss not having her around. I suppose I can visit.” Frankie hadn’t said a thing to her, though. Perhaps she didn’t want Ava to visit. “I suppose I had better be going back soon. Don’t want to wear out my welcome.” She tried for a cheery voice; not at all sure she was pulling it off. When she noticed her glass was empty once more, she reached for another. Alma was babysitting Jaron tonight, so Ava knew he was in good hands. Still, she’d better get back soon. Heath snatched the full glass from her hand. “Hey,” she cried out. “That’s enough. You’re still recovering from the flu.” “It’s a party.” “Come with me for a moment, I want to talk to you.” He grabbed her hand to tug her away, but just then a call went out for speeches and he halted. “You better go up there,” she said, nudging him toward where Frankie and Tom were standing. He turned to her and tapped her nose. “This isn’t over. I’ll talk to you later. And no more drinking.” Ava wrinkled her nose at him as he walked away. As the speeches started she drifted to the back of the crowd and grabbing another glass of champagne, drunk it down, more in defiance than because she wanted it. A wave of exhaustion fell over her. Suddenly all she wanted was her bed and her son. She certainly didn’t want to find out what Heath wanted to talk to her about. With everyone’s attention on those giving speeches, it was easy to slip away. She grabbed a taxi, paying extra for him to take her out to the ranch. Ava dragged herself up the stairs. The house was dark except for a few lights left on in the hallway. She checked in on Jaron to find him sleeping peacefully. Alma was sleeping over in one of the spare rooms. Ava moved on to Heath’s room. She paused outside his door. She’d been sleeping in his room since the night he carried her in there. But really, there was no need for her to stay there anymore. She was well now. She should go back to her own bed. In her own house.

Mind made up, Ava moved toward the original room she’d been given. Heath had insisted she stay in his room, saying he wanted to ensure she didn’t relapse. But enough was enough. She needed space, to draw herself back. She needed to prepare herself to leave him. *** “Ava!” Ava jumped into a sitting position, her hand going to her chest as though to hold her racing heart inside her chest. She gaped at Heath who stood, furious, in the doorway to her room. “You frightened me,” she yelled back at him, her fright morphing into anger. “I scared you? You terrified me. What the hell are you doing in here?” She started to feel nervous. “Shh, you’ll wake Jaron.” “The rooms are soundproof.” He stalked toward her. Ava lay back as he loomed over her, his arms on either side of her body. She swallowed heavily. She had never seen him this angry before. “Why are you so angry? It’s the middle of the night and I was asleep. You gave me a fright.” “Why am I so angry? I’m not angry, sweetheart, I’m furious. When the speeches finished, I went looking for you, expecting to find you at the party. But you weren’t there. I started to worry. I started thinking that Ava wouldn’t leave without telling anyone. She wouldn’t be that inconsiderate. So I searched for you. Finally, I found someone who saw you get a cab. So I came home, expecting to find you in my bed, but you weren’t there. I got really worried then. Where could she be? And then I find you in a different bed from where you should be, sound asleep. Yeah, that’s why I’m furious.” “Look, ahh, perhaps you should go to sleep and in the morning you’ll be in a better mood.” “No.” “No? Hey!” she yelled as he picked her up, chucked her over his shoulder and strode down the hallway to his room. She found it hard to hold onto her anger-not after he’d picked up the baby monitor without her even having to remind him. She wondered how many men would be able to think through their rage and think about the welfare of a child that wasn’t even theirs. “Heath,” Ava attempted a reasonable voice as he dropped her on the bed. “Let’s just talk about this in the morning, okay.” “No, we’re going to deal with this right here, right now.” Sitting beside her, he pulled her face down over his lap and swiftly began to spank her. “Do not ever, ever leave without telling someone where you are going. Anything could have happened to you and I would have had no idea where you were. Do you understand me?” He spanked as he scolded. Hard and heavy smacks, without hesitation. “Heath, please.” “You sleep in this bed. No other. You sleep with me. Because you are mine. You will not miss Frankie because you and Jaron are staying with me.” Suddenly Ava found herself on her feet before him, swaying slightly with the shock of being upright. “Do you understand me?” He shook her a little.

Ava wiped the tears from her face. “What are you saying exactly?” she asked, trying to ignore her flaming bottom so she could concentrate on his words. “I am saying, Ava Montgomery, that,” he got down on one knee before her, “I want you to marry me.” She gaped at him, her mouth opening and closing. “B-but we barely know each other.” “I know I love you. I know you’re kind, caring, and sensitive, and you’re a fantastic mother. You have a great sense of humor, but you also have a temper. I know that you’re extremely private—which is something we’ll be working on—and that you don’t take care of yourself very well. You need guidance, someone to care for you, to make sure you’re healthy and happy and safe. I know you still love John and I don’t want to replace him, not for you or for Jaron. But I’m hoping I can fill a different piece of your heart.” Tears dripped out of her eyes, this time they weren’t due to her sore backside. She swiped at them. “This, it just, it feels sudden, I mean, we haven’t even slept together.” He grinned wolfishly. “Not because I haven’t wanted to, believe me.” “Then why haven’t you?” she asked curiously. All those nights of sleeping together, he hadn’t once tried to touch her in any way that could be construed as sexual. “Because, as you know, I’m an old-fashioned guy. I believe that a man is the head of the household. That it is his responsibility to take care of his family and that he should show true respect to the woman he wants to be his wife. That means no sex before a firm commitment was to be made.” “So if I said yes tonight, we could have sex?” “Yes. Is that a yes?” Her eyes shifted away. “What about Jaron? I mean, he’s not yours. Are you sure you want to take him on as well?” “Ava, look at me.” She raised her eyes to him. “You say yes and Jaron will be mine as well. I don’t expect you not to tell him about John. But he will be my son as well. That may not be that easy for you for a start. I’ll expect to have equal say in anything that affects him, but I love him.” Her heart wrenched. “What’s wrong, baby? Something is. I know you love me. I know you’re attracted to me. What’s holding you back?” “Could it be the fact that you spank me? Like I’m a child?” “No.” He shook his head. “You need that and you know it. What is it?” “You’re so arrogant.” “Yes, and you love me anyway. Talk to me.” He pulled her onto his lap. “You’re not good at opening up and we’ll need to work on that. I want you to know that you can tell me anything.” “It-it doesn’t matter. It’s foolish.” “Nothing’s foolish if it’s worrying you.” “Well, it’s just, what if you get tired of us. What if you get sick of my temper or Jaron’s crying. I just, I don’t think I can stay if one day you’ll just walk away.” He clasped her chin in his hand. “Didn’t you hear the part about me being old-fashioned? Once we’re married, sweetheart, its forever, better or worse. I don’t believe in divorce. We talk about our problems, or in your case, you get spanked.” He tapped her butt. “Not every problem can be solved with a spanking, you know?” “No?” He raised an eyebrow teasingly. “Did you worry about John leaving you?”

“No. But John was, well, he was more of an introvert. He only really had me. And in the end he left me anyway.” He rubbed her back. “Why are you worried I’ll get tired of you?” “Everyone else did.” “Who?” “All my foster parents. No one wanted a troubled kid for long. I went from home to home. In the end I stopped hoping I’d find a home.” “Oh, baby.” He held her tight and rocked her. “I understand why you’re having trouble trusting me. But I would never let you go. In fact, you’ll probably wish I would give you some room to breathe. I’ll be a bit smothering, definitely over-protective and arrogant. But, honey, I will love you with every piece of me and there will never be a day that goes by that you won’t know that.” The decision settled over her. “Then I say yes.”

Epilogue Ava danced, held tightly in Heath’s arms. She looked across the room to where Brax held Jaron. He was talking to some cute friend of Frankie’s as he jiggled the little boy up and down. Jaron was giggling, loving the attention. He had adjusted to his new surroundings with ease, and had quickly become the center of the family, adored by his new father and uncles and aunt. His adjustment had been far easier than Ava’s. She could still feel the effects of the spanking she’d received last night for staying up too late, trying to do some last minute things to make Frankie’s day perfect. Heath took her health and safety very seriously. Since they’d married, he’d become even more strict. There wasn’t a week that went by where she hadn’t received a spanking for something. They’d married quickly, neither wanting a big wedding, just immediate family and Tom. It had taken far longer to arrange the elaborate affair Frankie had wanted, with many a late night and frayed temper. But finally, Ava could relax and let herself relish some time with her husband. “I’ve missed you lately,” he whispered. She looked up in shock. “I haven’t gone anywhere.” “Haven’t you? You’ve had your time so filled with wedding preparation; I’ve felt like I’ve hardly seen you.” Her lips twitched as he pouted. “Jealous, darling?” “Maybe.” He twirled her. “But now you can make it up to me.” “Oh, yes, how?” He whispered wickedly in her ear. She shivered. Sex with Heath was amazing, out of this world. “Well, you know, Jaron needs to go home soon to bed,” she whispered back. “Perfect,” he replied with a grin. “Yeah, it is.”

The End

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