by S. Moose
“Yes, ma’am.”
“It looks like she’s still in the emergency room.” She writes on a label and hands it to me. “Follow the red signs and then the receptionist there will help you.”
“Thank you.”
I run down the hall, following the red signs, and when I get to the next receptionist, she immediately takes me to Ashley. My heart drops when I hear the machines from her room. I’m terrified to walk in and see her.
I’m shifting my weight from foot to foot, staring at the cream-colored curtains that are between us. If I take a few steps forward, then I’ll be in her room and we’ll be facing each other. I’ll see the wires hooked up on her and I’ll see her in pain.
“Be a man,” I mutter and walk in to see her staring at me.
“Took you long enough to come in.”
“You knew I was here. Standing outside the door?”
“Yes.” That’s all she says before turning her head away. “I’m fine. Just got a little dizzy and nauseous. The doctor wants to keep me here overnight for observation, so I’m waiting for a room on a different floor.”
“I’ll stay with you.”
“I tried calling you, but you didn’t answer so I had to call Memphis. He got ahold of Kemper.”
“I’m sorry, baby. I left my phone home. As soon as Memphis told me you were here, I rushed over. I’m so fucking sorry.”
“It’s okay.”
“Where’s Kemper?”
“He left to get Mama. I promise you I’m fine.”
“Well, I’ll feel better once I hear that from the doctors,” I tell her and sit down on the chair beside her.
I can tell she’s about to cry from the way her eyes glaze over and she refuses to look at me. Her hands are gripping the blanket and when I look back at her face, I see the tears rolling down her cheek. Immediately, my hand reaches for hers, and I’m holding it tightly, letting her know I’m here and I’ll be her rock. Her everything. Whatever she needs.
“I’m not going anywhere.”
“I know,” she whispers.
“Then why are you crying?”
“I’m so scared, Landon.”
I lean over and kiss her forehead, whispering how much I love her and that she’s going to be fine.
Once she’s in her own room, away from the ER, I run back to the house and grab everything I can think of to ensure she’s comfortable. Mama Monroe, Kemper, Leigh, and Shelby are with her now so she’s not alone.
Before I left, the nurse took her vitals and informed us her blood pressure was still low, so they were going to monitor that and run more tests.
The silence meets me when I rush into our bedroom. Every little trace of Ashley is around me. Her hair ties scattered across the vanity I have for her and there’s some on the nightstand on her side of the bed. The pink slippers she loves so much are by the door, so I reach down to pick them up and hug them to my chest.
If only I had my fucking cell phone then she wouldn’t have worried and it would’ve been me taking care of her. It would’ve been me putting her in the car, comforting her, and holding her fucking hand. I shake my head and wipe the tears from my face. I’ll do anything it takes to make sure she gets the best care. I don’t give a shit if it’s a cold or the flu. Whatever’s wrong with her, she’ll have the best doctors and nurses.
I pull myself together and remember I need to hurry so I can get back to her. I find her bag in the closet and careful place her things inside. I’m opening all the drawers, rushing in and out of the bathroom, and rummaging through the closet to get her things. My mind’s racing and I check my phone to make sure I didn’t miss a text or call. I check to see that my phone’s on ring and it’s on the highest volume.
A picture of us on the nightstand grabs my attention. Slowly, I turn around, and grab the frame, staring at her beautiful smile. I’m clinging onto the picture and praying she’s going to be okay.
In this moment, I make myself a promise that Ashley will never cry or feel pain again. She’ll always be happy with me and I’ll give her the best life. I’ll put the plan in motion for the bed and breakfast she wants, and one day I’ll put a ring on her finger and give her my last name.
Chapter 15
Ashley
ALL THE TESTS ARE NORMAL and the doctor gives strict instructions to rest and stay hydrated. I have a respiratory infection virus and the antibiotics I’m on are working wonderfully. I feel better and want to get out of this room, but my annoying boyfriend won’t let me. He has Memphis, Leigh, and Shelby taking turns to come over and keep me company while he works. I feel like a child and I’m ready to kick everyone out of the house, so I can be alone and plot Landon’s death for making me stay in bed.
“I don’t know why you’re complaining,” Leigh says with a laugh. “That man worships everything about you and wants to take care of you. Woman, you need to let him.”
I grunt and throw a pillow at her head. “Shut up. You’re not helping. It’s been six days, and he still carries me down the stairs and caters to me. It’s sweet, don’t get me wrong, but come on. I need to get out of here.”
“Girl, just relax and let it soak in. Trust me.”
“Ugh. Whatever. Okay, fill me in with everything that’s going on. I’m losing it!”
Leigh puts down her phone and taps on her chin, thinking of things to tell me. “So, Magnolia tried sinking her claws into Kemper. She told him how worried she was about you and if he needed anything to let her know.”
“What the fuck?”
Leigh waves her hand like it’s nothing. “He told her he wouldn’t ask her if she were the last person on the planet.”
I’m laughing so hard that I’m crying. Serves that bitch right for trying to use me being sick to get to Kemper. Will she ever learn and move the hell on to someone who isn’t in my life?
“I’m sure she won’t be showing her face around here any time soon.”
“Good. I’d rather not see her.”
Leigh continues to tell me about her dating life and I’m so thankful I don’t have to go through that. Dating is hard these days. There are so many apps you can download to find a date, and half the men you find only want sex. It’s crazy.
“Oh! You have to come outside with me. It’ll do you some good to get sunlight.”
“Thank God!” I push off the covers and change into shorts and a tank top. Leigh’s checking her phone again and it’s a little irritating. “Leigh!”
“Yeah?”
“You’ve been on your phone all day. What’s going on?”
“Nothing, girl. Come on. We need to hurry before that hot boyfriend of yours comes back and whoops my ass for taking you outside.”
I forget my irritation, and we quickly go down the stairs and rush out the back. As soon as we’re on the deck, my hands fly over my mouth, and I’m looking around to see the people I love most.
And the man who has my heart.
He’s facing me, smiling, and I can’t help to smile back. I take him in, admiring the way the polo stretches across his chest.
“Landon?” I whisper. “What’s going on?”
Mama and Kemper are on one side, and our friends are on the other. Ellie’s clapping her hands and Gunner’s trying to calm her down. This is really weird. I look at them and can’t figure out what’s going on until I turn back to Landon. He walks closer to me and gets down on one knee.
A small box appears in his hand, and he opens it slowly as a diamond ring shines from the sun. I gasp and pinch myself because how is this happening? We haven’t talked about marriage and the next steps. I mean, do I want this? We’re still learning each other. There’s still so much to get over.
Do I want this?
“Ashley Monroe, I’ve loved you ever since we were kids. The day I asked you to be my girlfriend and you said yes was the happiest day of my life. We’ve been through so much together and when we were apart, there wasn’t a day that passed I didn’t think about you. I kept our memories ali
ve in my heart and I prayed hard for you to come back. So, when you were standing next to me, my heart leapt. I forgot how to breathe and that moment my cold heart felt warmth. No matter what I did or how hard I tried pushing you away, you were strong enough for us both. I know I wasn’t easy to get along with, at first. You broke down those walls and made me a better man. I solemnly swear to love you with everything I am and give you the best life, because finding you made me find myself.”
“Landon,” I gasp and kneel with him. “You don’t have to do this, babe.”
“I love you. My love for you runs deep. Marry me, Ashley. Be my wife and let me show you what forever will feel like.”
“Yes! Yes, I’ll marry you!”
Cheers erupt and when Landon slides the ring down my finger, his hungry lips capture mine. We’re on our feet again, hugging our family and friends, while the girls tell me we have to get married soon.
I look at my future husband and smile because I want to be married as soon as possible. I don’t need a big wedding or anything fancy. As long as I’m walking to him then everything else will fall into place.
We say goodbye to everyone and watch Mama get in the car with Kemper, before Landon turns to me with lust in his eyes. As soon as we’re inside, he takes the steps, two at a time, and rushes into the bedroom. My ass is on the bed before Landon’s mouth covers mine. His hands go right to my breasts, and as much as I want to talk, there’s no way I’m stopping this now. He devours my lips, taking in the bottom, and sucking a little, before squeezing my breast.
We’re out of control. Clothes are flying everywhere and the hunger from our kisses and touching ignites. I need him like I need my next breath. He’s wild with me. Hungry. Consuming. Intoxicating.
He’s towering over me, claiming my mouth, and doing delicious things to my breasts. I can’t get enough of him. I need more. I want more. Landon kisses a trail down my neck, licking between my breasts, and then taking a nipple into his mouth. The heat from his breath is driving me wild. I’m trembling underneath him and grab his hair, forcing his mouth to stay where it is because the sensation of his teeth biting my nipple is perfect. The ache between my legs grows and I need him.
“Landon!” I scream when he moves to my other nipple, showing it the same attention. His hand travels down my body, and I open my legs for him, his fingers tracing my entrance.
“Fuck. You’re soaking wet,” he whispers, burying his head in my neck. “So wet. Just for me.”
“Always for you.”
Landon releases my nipple and kisses down my body to my stomach, until his tongue is touching my pussy.
“Mmm, you taste so good. This is mine, Ashley. This will always be mine.” His fingers slide inside and I scream from the strength of them. They’re sending me closer to the edge. I feel my orgasm building. As if he can sense it, he removes his fingers, and lifts my legs over his shoulders and spreads them wide.
“Hottest thing I’ve seen.”
“Please, Landon. Please.”
“Does my baby need me to suck on her sweet pussy?”
“Yes. God, yes.”
He laughs before covering me with his mouth. I loudly cry out when I feel the flick of his tongue over my clit.
“Landon, I need you inside me.”
As soon as he stands up, I move myself higher on the bed, and the bed dips with Landon’s weight. His eyes are on mine, never leaving, as he guides himself inside me.
“Fuck.” He loudly moans.
He’s fully inside me. Completely full, I wrap my arms around his neck and find his lips again. The intensity of our kissing makes him pump faster and deeper.
“Fuck me harder,” I pant in his ear.
“Baby, you keep saying that and I’m going to blow too soon.”
“Bend me over and fuck me until I’m screaming. I want that so badly.”
“Fuck,” Landon groans and does exactly that.
My ass is in the air, and his lips kiss each cheek before his hands find my hips and he tightly grips them.
“You want to be fucked, baby?”
“Yes!”
He pounds into me so hard that as my orgasm hits me, I scream his name, clawing at the bedsheets. With two more thrusts, Landon growls my name, and slows down.
When he slowly pulls out, my body instantly misses him and I want to feel him again. Before I can suggest a round two, he places a kiss on my forehead before walking to the bathroom. I admire his firm ass and cover my mouth to hide my sighing and moaning.
This feels right. Being here with Landon, screaming his name, loving his dirty mouth, and feeling complete.
Once we’re both cleaned up, and under the covers, his chin is resting on top of my head and I’m staring at the night sky through his large bay window.
“You’re so beautiful. I don’t think I told you that, but I’m going to tell you every day how beautiful you are and how much I love you.”
The beauty of his words causes my heart to beat harder. I love hearing his voice, and the way he tells me how he feels.
“Are we going to bed like this every night? And every morning I’ll wake up in your arms?”
“Yes,” he answers with a gleam in his eyes. “Forever.”
“Then let’s get married as soon as we can. I want to have your last name and call you my husband.”
“Whatever you want, sweetheart.”
Chapter 16
Ashley
I’M STANDING IN FRONT OF the mirror, still wearing my robe, and watching Shelby put the finishing touches on my makeup. I tell myself to breathe and pinch myself to make sure I’m not dreaming.
Today’s really happening. I’m marrying my best friend and we’re going to start our forever together.
“I come with presents.” I look over and see Leigh coming in. She stands to my side and hands me a small box. “From Landon, sweetie.”
“What is this?”
Leigh hugs me tight and leans over to kiss my cheek before stepping back to stand with Shelby. Both are looking at me to see the gift as well. A small gold package rests in my hands and I touch the note in between my fingers. It’s from Landon.
Ashley,
Do you remember when we were sixteen years old and we watched my parents dancing in the kitchen? I brought you over for another Sunday dinner and you leaned into me, telling me that one day you want that to be us. I kissed the side of your head and promised that it would be.
Now I get to give you that promise forever.
Inside the box you’ll find a necklace my daddy gave to my mama on their wedding day. When I was a little boy, telling her about you, she told me that one day I’d marry my best friend, and she’d give me the necklace my daddy gave her because it symbolizes eternal love and devotion. I want you to wear this necklace and know I will always and forever love you. I will devote my life to you and make sure every day you know how I feel.
This is your something old.
I love you,
Landon
I open the box and pick up the lovely necklace and see the radiance of the single teardrop diamond.
Leigh and Shelby sniff and I roll my eyes at their emotions.
“My goodness. Are we sure Landon’s an only child, because those words are the sweetest things I’ve heard.”
I turn to face the mirror and put the necklace on around my neck. It gently sits on my chest and a light breeze flows through the room. I look around and feel at ease.
“Thank you for raising a wonderful man,” I whisper into the breeze and look outside to the sky.
Shelby comes over to me, makes me sit down on the chair, and fixes my makeup. I can’t take my eyes off the necklace. My heart leaps and I’m doing everything I can to not cry.
“Clench your butt cheeks together. If you do, then it stops you from crying,” Leigh tells me.
“Are you sure?”
“I Googled it,” she says, and hands me her phone and do just that. A single tear rolls down my cheek and I hear Shelby�
��s exaggerated groan.
“It didn’t work,” she seethes through gritted teeth. “Now I have to redo her makeup. No more presents or letters! Tell Landon if he wants to get married today, he’ll have to wait until after they say I Do. I’m working way too hard to have my masterpiece get messed up.”
The wedding. Our wedding.
I didn’t want to wait to get married. The reception and ceremony is taking place at Memphis’ parents’ barn. It’s very big and so many of our family and friends worked overtime to turn it into our fairy tale.
A knock gets our attention and in walks Kemper. He looks so handsome in his tuxedo. Since our father isn’t in the picture, he’s going to walk me down the aisle and then stand with Landon with Memphis, Gunner, and Jeff.
“I have something for you.”
Shelby stops what she’s doing and walks over so she’s blocking us. “If that something makes her cry, you better believe I will hurt Landon.”
Kemper holds up his hands and laughs while handing me a small box. I look at it before slowly opening the letter that’s resting on top of the box. Once the letter is open, I read it and my heart explodes.
Ashley,
The moment you came back into my life, I tried everything to make sure you wouldn’t touch my heart. I failed. Once I realized the honesty behind your words, I could open myself and love you again.
Since the day you said yes, we’ve shared new memories and I can’t wait to share more with you. This new journey will be full of love and happiness. You mean the world to me. You are my world.
Inside you’ll find your something new. I hope this brings that smile to your face I love so much. I wish I were in there with you to see your expressions. You’re so beautiful, and in a few minutes, you’re going to walk to me and we’ll be husband and wife. This world sparkles now that you’re back. I’m never letting you walk away from me again. I love you so much, so hurry up and meet me under the lights.
Your future husband,
Landon
My butt cheeks are clenched and I’m still crying. Stupid Google search.
I carefully tear off the gold wrapping paper and open the box to find a beautiful diamond bracelet. Kemper takes the box from me and pulls out the bracelet while taking my hand. He puts it on for me and leans down to kiss my cheek.