I’m proud of you.”
“Thanks, Mom.” She sees me eyeing the casserole and puts some on a plate before sitting down with her breakfast. “That means so much to me. I’m glad everyone’s getting along, and for once, things are going well.”
“I’m very happy about that too. At first, I admit, I was scared. After seeing how he is and talking to your sisters, I think you’re making the right decision. A young boy needs his father. You’re the happiest I’ve seen you, and I know this will be great for everyone.”
I agree. We continue talking about how Dana’s doing when Alex walks in with Clayton.
“Let me get your plates ready.” My mom says and attempts to get up.
“Don’t worry about that, Kelly. I’ll get the breakfast. Alex, have a seat, and I’ll get your plate.”
“Thanks, Dad.”
The four of us enjoy breakfast and listen to Alex talking about camp and how excited he is for school to start again.
Chapter 31
Clayton
Looking around our bedroom, I know she’s going to freak out when she sees the new bedroom furniture I had delivered and set up. We’re starting our lives, and I want everything new for our room and Alex’s room.
The door opens, and I hear Alex laughing. I walk out of the bedroom and walk to the two people I love more than anything. Giving Ashley a kiss, I lift Alex in my arms, and we walk into the living room. Ashley gasps.
“What is this?”
I laugh. “I know you probably want to kill me, but I changed the house and bought new furniture for us. I want us to start with new things, and I hope you’re okay with it.”
“This is amazing. I don’t know what to say.”
“Tell Daddy you love it!” Alex jumps up and down and claps.
“Yes, I love it. Thank you for doing this for us.”
“I’ll do anything and everything for us. I hope you know that.”
She nods and rests her head on my shoulder. “I do now.”
We lay in our new bed, wrapped in each other’s arms after making love a few times tonight. It’s nearly three in the morning, and we’re finally catching our breaths. I want new things in our home because this is the only bed I want us to share. I bend my head forward and take in her scent, listening to her fall asleep in my arms.
The next night, Alex is spending an overnight with Dana while we spend more time together. I’m thankful for how supportive and flexible they are, and with my parents coming to visit soon, it feels like everything’s coming together.
“I’m ready,” she says and places her hand on her hips. “Will you tell me where we’re going?”
“No.” I laugh and pull her so we can get going.
“Come on. Tell me, please.”
“I’m putting my foot down and not telling you. This is a surprise, and you love my surprises.”
Laughing, Ashley nods in agreement and follows me.
The drive, to my surprise, is quiet. I’m a little nervous, and I hope she loves everything I’ve set up for her.
When I park the car and open the door, she lifts herself up and looks at me. I lean down and kiss her nose.
“What are you up to?”
“It’s a surprise.” I smile, and we walk toward the picnic I’ve had set up for us. With Leigh and Gina's help, they make it look like a fairy tale, and I get to spoil her and give her a night to relax and forget about what’s going on in the world. For tonight, it’s us, and nothing else matters.
When we get to the site of the picnic, Ashley gasps and covers her face. “This is so beautiful. Why do you do these things for me?”
“Because I love you and I want you to be happy. Seeing you like this is worth it. I love the smile on your face. I love the laughs that come through your lips.”
A large blanket covers the group with large pillows and candles surrounding the area. There are rose petals on the blanket and a basket with our dinner. Champagne glasses are next to the basket with a champagne bottle chilling in a bucket.
We stand before our picnic for a few minutes, holding hands and simply embracing our night to come. I’m pretty sure Ashley’s crying, and as much as I hate seeing her cry, I like seeing tears of joy.
Once we’re seated and have our plates filled with dinner, I watch Ashley taking slow bites.
“What’s on your mind?” I ask