Chapter 144

• MICHEAL'S POV
• The minute I stepped into the hospital room, Ashley lifted her head from the pillow, her eyes already glimmering with a mischievous sort of warmth. “My baby daddy is here,” she teased, her voice was soft but edged with the kind of humor that had always disarmed me.
• Despite the heaviness sitting on my chest, I found myself smiling back. I just couldn't help it. I walked closer, sat carefully on the edge of the bed, and brushed my knuckles on her cheeks.