standby. As soon as I give them the word, they will work with Ashley and help her give the house what it needs.
Nolan: Nice, man. I’ll tell Mom and Dad now. Do you think you got everything you need for tonight?
I take out the ring box and stare at the solitary platinum diamond ring. This is perfect, and everything will go as planned.
I’ve been planning this with Nolan and Gina for weeks. When the accident happened, I had to put things aside, and now that things are back to normal and Alex is better, this is the perfect time.
Tonight, I’m going to make Ashley Jackson my wife.
Ashley Turner.
When night falls, I head to our new house and text Nolan to make sure he’s on the way with Ashley.
Nolan: Dude, she’s freaking the fuck out. You owe me. I don’t know how many times this girl can swear, but damn, she’s got a mouth on her.
Clayton: I got you. Hurry up.
Nolan: We’re here, and she’s walking inside. Gina and everyone are here too. We’ll be outside. Good luck.
“Clayton?”
I turn and see Ashley walking into our living room. “Hey, baby.”
“What’s this? Where are we?”
I walk and kiss her hips. “This is our new home, baby. I bought this for us.”
“You what?” She gasps and places her hands over her mouth. “I cannot believe you did this. How?”
I laugh and place my hand into hers. “Because I want this to be the start of our lives. I already told you how I felt and how much I love you. I was so broken, and then when you brought me back into your life, when I met Alex, I felt like my life had more meaning. My world was dark without you. My world lost meaning. Then you changed it all. When you told me you wanted a second chance with me, I knew I would make it my life mission to make you the happiest woman in the world.
“Clayton.” Tears fill her eyes.
“Let me finish, baby. You took all my broken pieces and put it back together. You and Alex. Both of you are my world. You’re it for me. Alex is the perfect son, and I want to give him brothers and sisters. Baby, I want to build our family. I want to give you the world. The universe. Everything. You deserve all the happiness in the world, and I promise to do that for you.” I reach into my jeans and pull out the ring box and get down on one knee. When I flip open the box, I look back into her eyes. “You are the love of my life. We’ve been given this second chance, and I need to make it right. Will you marry me and complete my life forever?”
She gives me her left hand, and I slide the ring over her finger. Tears stream down her face, and she keeps her eyes on me.
“I can’t wait to be your wife.”
I get up on my feet and bring her in my arms, lifting her and spinning her around the empty room. “You make me the happiest man. I love you. So much.”
“I love you too, Clayton Turner. So much.”
The loud cheering comes from outside. I kiss Ashley once more, and we head outside to our family. Nothing’s going to bring me more happiness than what I’m feeling now. My mom and Ashley’s mom and sisters are surrounding her. Alex is in my arms, and my dad’s standing next to me. Nolan’s grabbing the champagne from the car, popping the cork, and pouring drinks for all of us.
Ashley comes to me and places her head against my arm. “So, this is forever. This is what it’ll feel like.”
“Forever, Mama. This is forever.”
“It’s our forever, baby. We’re going to make this our home and build our family.”
I hear her let out a sigh as she wraps her arms around me, and I hold our son.
A month passes, and we’re completely moved in and ready to plan the wedding. I’m leaving everything to her and the woman. Nothing I say will help. All I have to do is show up.
I lean against the doorframe and watch Alex sleep. It’s one of the best sights, and I take it all in. I’ve missed the first five years of his life. I won’t miss any more. From now until the day I take my last breath, I’ll always put my family first.
Ashley and Alex.
My family.
I head back to our bedroom, and round the bed, so I’m standing on her side of the bed, kneeling and seeing the ring on her finger. I had this moment in my head for the longest, and now it’s a reality. Everything’s coming along, and there’s nothing I could ask for.
She’s everything to me.
Not wanting to wake her, I climb back into bed and pull her body close to mine. Smiling when she’s nestled comfortably, I hold her close and hear her sigh.
“This is everything I want,” she mutters.
“It’s what I want too. Go to sleep. I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Forever.”
I nod and kiss her forehead. “Forever.”
THE END.
The With Me in Seattle Universe
For More information about The With Me in Seattle Universe, click here:
https://www.ladybosspress.com/with-me-in-seattle
Acknowledgments
Lucas, thank you for being the best son ever. I look at you and I’m so proud to be your Mama. You give me the courage I need to get through the obstacles. Always believe in yourself. Always remember the amazing boy you are. I love you so much and hope one day you’ll understand everything I’ve done.
The readers, thank you for giving me chance. I know it’s been a very long time since I released. With everything going on in our society, I escape and find solace in knowing we have books and words to fall in love with. I hope you know how much I adore you and am so thankful to be part of the book community.
My team, thank you for everything. I appreciate you taking the time out of your very busy day to help me create this story. All your hard work and input has brought this book to today.
Jake, all the words I write, it’s for you. It’s us. I love you so much and I’m so thankful to have you by my side. You’ve given me a second chance with love and I’m so grateful to have you in my life.
Being an author has been a dream come true. I never thought this is where my life would be, but here I am, and I cannot say thank you enough. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
Also By S. Moose
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Vision of Destiny
Vision of Hope
Rewriting the Rules
Take Me Away
Beautiful Lessons
Interrupted Vol 1
Interrupted Vol 2
Interrupted Vol 3
Adjusting the Deal
Say It Again
Offbeat
Even Rhythm
Refresh
Why I’m Yours
Tell Me Now:
Show Me How:
Wild and Windy in the City Vol 3: New Year’s Eve Edition
Easy Fall: A Boudreaux Universe Novel