Epilogue
Chase motioned for Beth to follow him, and they crept into the room where Ashley was reading to Tyler and Gabby. Tyler, who had never shown any interest in books, or sitting still, was cuddled up next to Ashley on the bed. This is where the three of them could be found most nights at eight-thirty.
It was what Chase was counting on.
Beth collapsed on the end of the bed to listen, and Chase gave Ashley a quick kiss on the cheek before sitting in the desk chair nearby. He loved to hear Ashley do all the different voices from whatever book she was reading. Right now, she was doing the scratchy voice of Templeton, the rat inCharlotte’s Web.
Her cheeks reddened when she looked up and caught him staring, but she continued on until she reached the end of the chapter. Then she folded down the corner of the page and put the book on the nightstand. “Okay, you two. Time for bed.”
“Nooo!” Tyler shot up like a firecracker and began jumping on the bed.
Beth grabbed him up and tucked him under her arm in a headlock. “Is that any way to treat your brother’s girlfriend?”
Gabby looked up at Ashley with puppy dog eyes. “Just one more page?”
Chase eased himself off the desk chair and came to kneel by the bed. “I can give you two a little more time if you can sit still and be quiet for a few minutes. It’s time for a family meeting.”
“A family meeting?” Tyler whined. He had no idea what a family meeting was since Chase had never had one with them, but to Tyler, anything unfamiliar was worth complaining about.
“Okay, meeting is adjourned. Tyler can’t be quiet. Off to bed with you.” Chase winked at Ashley as Tyler immediately sat up and pretended to zip his lips.
“Is Ashley family?” Gabby asked quietly.
Chase gazed at Ashley. “Good question. First order of business, all in favor of making Ashley part of the family, raise your hand.”
He watched Ashley’s eyes as she took in all the raised hands, including his. She still didn’t get it. But she would.
He reached in his pocket and brought out a black velvet box, placing it in front of Ashley on the bed. Weeks ago, he’d gotten her ring size from Lina, and a long description of what she might like.
Ashley reached out and gripped his hand. “Chase, what is this?”
“You didn’t vote. I thought this might help you make your decision.”
She shakily laughed and opened the box, gasping when she saw the diamond winking at them as it caught the lamplight. “Um, I think we should do a recount.”
Chase looked around. Beth was already crying. Gabby couldn’t stop wringing her hands, looking from Ashley to Chase and back again. The poor girl was probably afraid Ashley would say no.
Chase had once held a little of that fear too. But now, he couldn’t wait to start forever with the only woman he’d ever loved.
“Recount, recount,” Tyler chanted.
Ashley held out her left hand to Chase, and he carefully pulled out the ring and slid it on her finger. Then she raised her hand high in the air, waving the ring back and forth.
“I vote yes.” She gave Tyler a high five when he put his hand up to join hers.
With all hands in the air, the waterworks opened. Ashley started sobbing and hugged Gabby to her. “Come here, Beth.”
Beth looked embarrassed, but she moved in for a hug from Ashley, too.
“I’m good with a high-five.” Tyler jumped from the bed and ran out the door. He’d never been comfortable around crying females.
Chase gave Ashley a quick kiss and followed Tyler out so he could get him to bed. The countdown until Ashley had to go was beginning. Sometimes they went to her apartment after the kids went to bed, but eventually, they had to say goodnight, whether at his place or hers. Hopefully soon, there would be no more good night phone calls, no more kissing her at the door and watching her drive off.
He turned on Tyler’s sound machine, closed his closet door, found his stuffed monkey under the bed, and gave him a goodnight hug. When Chase turned to leave, Ashley was waiting for him in the doorway, her eyes sparkling.
“Hey you,” she whispered, taking his hand. She led him out to the couch and curled up on his lap.
He kissed her forehead. “Do you mind that I asked in front of the kids? If you’d like to turn me down now, here’s your chance.”
