And that was something, because Allie was really,reallyhappy.
25
ASH
Ash paced the polished wood floors of Slice of Heaven two days before Christmas, wondering if he had lost his mind.
The delicious scent of pizza cooking in a wood-fired oven made the minimalist space feel cozy. He and Allie had just shared an incredible meal, dreaming about what the future held and simply enjoying each other’s company.
They had been going out for a quiet dinner every night, while Maya was in heaven hanging out at the Lawrence place with Allie’s parents and chasing Tripp all over the farm.
Ash had spent a lot of time longing for Allie to agree to date him for real, and at the same time trying desperately not to let himself fall too hard for her. But now that he’d won her over, and let go of his silly desire to protect his heart, it was incredible how quickly everything had fallen into place. He felt as if he’d finally found themissing puzzle piece that snapped their lives perfectly together.
Ash continued to pace as he waited for Allie to finish chatting with a kindergarten parent who had caught her on her way back from the powder room. He felt more and more amped up the longer he waited for her.
Calm down, Tailor,he tried to tell himself.She might not be ready for all this.
But he couldn’t quiet his thundering heart, or suppress the joyful anticipation that filled his chest.
“Hey,” Allie said, jogging over to him. “Sorry about that. We just needed to chat about their son for a second. He’s such a love.”
“Never be sorry,” Ash told her with a gentle smile. “I’m so glad you care about your students and their families.”
Her answering smile was so beautiful, it almost hurt to look at her.
“Walk with me in the park for a minute?” he asked, offering her his arm.
“You’re such a hopeless romantic,” she teased him.
He chuckled, but she was actually right. Something about spending time in this sweet little town with this lovely young woman had peeled away his jaded layers, leaving him feeling optimistic, and yes, romantic.
He opened the door and sucked in a breath of deliciously crisp air.
“You like the cold, huh?” Allie asked, observing him.
“The air here issweet,” he said, shaking his head in wonder. “I can’t get over it.”
“Everything here is sweet,” Allie said, her eyes on the pavilion across the street.
“It sure is,” Ash told her, wondering if she knew that he included her in his assessment.
They crossed over to the park and he led her quickly up the steps of the pavilion, hoping he’d be able to keep his surprise hidden.
“We’ve spent a lot of time up here,” Allie said softly.
All he wanted was to pull her close, inhale her peachy scent, and kiss her until she forgot her own name.
But there was something very important he had to do first.
There was a time not so long ago, when Ash had thought he might never want to bind himself to a woman again.
But as he sank to one knee in front of Allie. It was the most freeing feeling in the world.
“Ash,” she breathed, her eyes widening.
“You’re everything to me, Allie,” he told her. “You’re everything tous. Please say you’ll be my wife, for real this time, and I’ll spend a lifetime making this family the legacy I dreamed of.”
Allie opened her mouth but the only thing that came out was a sob.
