"Did you hear what we said in there?" he asked, coming to stand next to her.
She turned and made a face of confusion, and he knew she had no idea.
"In the bedroom? What'd you say?"
"Nothing. Are you just feeling thankful in general?"
"Yes. Today was great. Lu's doing so well, and she really enjoyed it. Last year, it sort of hung over us like—never mind. I'm just thankful about today, that's all. But what did you guys say in the bedroom just now?"
"Nothing," he said. "We were just talking, and then I prayed. She might want to hang out with me a little tomorrow whileyou're at work. I told her I'd come by there and see if she wanted to."
"Aw, you asked her to hang out? Yeah, that would have probably made me cry," she said.
She turned to him, smiling sweetly with glossy eyes. Her face was like home to him—those lips so inviting.
"Your mom and Val were great today."
"They loved it. Val wants you to teach her how to make those chocolate things."
"I'd love to," she said, nodding.
"Audrey, let's get married," he said, pulling her into his arms.
She smiled up at him and shook her head.
"Why are you smiling?"
"At you," she said.
"I'm serious, though."
"The smile isn't because I'm not serious. I'm just smiling at you."
"So, you'll marry me then?"
"I, I hope so, one day."
"When?"
"I don't know. Are you saying you want to ask me in the future, or are you asking me right now?"
"I have no ring and no plan, but I wish I were asking you now. I want you to say 'yes' now."
"Well, then I'll say 'yes' now, and we'll come up with a ring and a plan later."
Ash almost told Audrey that Luna wanted to take his last name. It was on the tip of his tongue to bring it up with her. But he held it inside. She had so many emotions going on already. They both did. He thought he would save that one for another time.
Plus, he was done with talking, anyway.
It was their first moment alone, and he couldn't wait to kiss his lady. He put his hand on her lower back, drawing her in. His hand moved slowly, embracing her as he ducked and touched his lips to hers. She kissed him two, three, four times—her beautiful, soft, pillowy lips touching his gently. She pulled back and stared up at him—those eyes—looking right into his heart.
"What did I ever do to deserve you, Ashton Adams?"
Those words. He had been thinking the same thing about her, and hearing her say his name… he was done for.
He was in love. And then, she bit her lip and smiled at him, and he lost his train of thought. He kissed her again, and this time it wasn't so gentle or light. The two of them loved each other, and they said it with a kiss. They were naturally protective, attentive, and devoted to each other—all the beautiful things that came with being in love. They were sweet and passionate, and they did not take for granted that they had found each other.
It was a regrettable moment when Ash had to tell her goodnight. He promised he'd see her in the morning for breakfast and then as many days as possible after that for the rest of his life.
