He sighs, resting his head back against the pillow.“He said you and Ivy used to run around the backyard with pillowcases on your heads, pretending to be brides.”
I laugh.“So? Doesn’t every girl do that?”
He shrugs.“He said you’ve had your wedding planned since you were eight.”
I roll my eyes.“Yeah, when I wanted to marry Justin Timberlake!”Letting out a breath, I add.“I’m not naive, Ben. I know as long as you’re married to Molly, you can’t marry me.”
His head lifts slightly.“And you're okay with that?” There's uncertainty in his voice, and I realize we probably should have had this conversation sooner.
I cup his jaw, my thumb tracing the rough stubble there.“Yes. I wouldn’t be here if I wasn’t.”
Nash was right. I always dreamed of being a bride. But a wedding is just one day. It’s the lifetime of commitment that truly matters. I don’t need a piece of paper to prove that. If Ben is the one, and right now, it’s feeling more and more like he is, then I’m perfectly content spending my life with him, marriage license or not.
Relief washes over his face.“I’m so in love with you, Ashlyn Brookes, and I want to give you the world.”
My heart stumbles over itself, the weight of his words making it feel like it might beat right out of my chest.
“I love you too, Ben.”
A wide smile spreads across his face, and I lean down to kiss him. It’s deep and all-consuming, a kiss that speaks volumes about how he feels. It sends a thrill through me, making my stomach flip and my heart race, and I silently hope he always kisses me like this.
“Night, Ash,” he murmurs against my lips as our kiss breaks.
“Night, Ben,” I whisper back, resting my head on his chest as his arms wrap around me. My eyes grow heavy, and I drift off to sleep feeling happier than I ever have before.
“Are you okay?”Ben asks, his hand resting firmly on my leg, halting its nervous bounce.
It’s Sunday afternoon, and we’re on our way to Ben’s parents' place for dinner. I’ve never been through the whole ‘meet the parents’ thing before, and I’m feeling a little nauseous.
“I’m nervous,” I admit, glancing over at him. “What if your parents don’t like me?”
He gives my leg a reassuring squeeze. “Ash, they’re going to love you.”
“How can you be so sure?”
He sighs, a small smile tugging at his lips. “They’ve been worrying about me for years. They’ve seen a change in me lately, and they know it’s because of you. They’re excited to meet you.”
I raise an eyebrow, surprised. “Really?”
“Really.” He chuckles, his eyes warm.
“I’m sorry for freaking out. I’ve just never met a guy’s parents before. I have no idea what I’m doing.”
“Just be yourself, Ash. It’ll be fine.”
I’m not entirely convinced, but I offer him a small smile and nod. There’s no time to worry further as Ben pulls into the driveway of a stunning two-story house and parks. The front yard is a lush display of wildflowers, with a white picket fence lining the lawn. The porch steps lead to a wraparound porch, where a swing gently sways in the breeze.
“The house is beautiful, Ben. Have they lived here long?”
“About ten years, I think. They moved here when they retired. They wanted a quieter pace of life.”
Ben steps out of the car and I follow, meeting him by the hood.
“Ready?” he asks, intertwining his fingers with mine.
I take a deep breath, pushing down the nerves swirling in my stomach. “Ready.”
Hand in hand, we walk up the porch steps, and Ben pushes open the front door. “Hello!” he calls out as he shuts it behind us.
