“And you definitely want this?” I stared at him with wide eyes.
“I want you to be happy, Mya. I want to make a home with you, start a family.”
God, the conviction in his voice was everything. Overwhelming in the best kind of way.
Asher meant every word and it just filled me with so much emotion, I bit down gently on my lip. “You know, if we look into doing this, it probably means putting a baby on hold for a few years.”
Why did the thought of making babies with Asher make my heart flutter?
Because he’s your forever guy, your happily-ever-after.
“And that’s okay. I’m in no rush for anything. I just want to know it’s in the cards.”
“It is. It definitely is.” I relaxed back into the crook of his arm. “I think I want two kids. A boy and a girl.”
“A boy and a girl and a house full of foster kids.”
“I don’t know about a house full.” One would be enough. But ever since I’d had the idea, I couldn’t get it out of my head.
“You know, there’s something we probably need to discuss first.” Asher slid off the couch and onto his knees in front of me. He pulled my hand into his and pressed his lips together.
“Oh my god,” I breathed. “Tell me you’re not about to do what I think you’re about to do?” My heart crashed violently against my ribcage.
“I think I am.” His voice trembled. “I didn’t plan it like this... Fuck, I don’t even have a ring. But I love you, Mya. I love you so fucking much, and sitting here, talking about babies and the future… well, it’s got me feeling all kinds of crazy.”
“Asher, you don’t need to do this... not now... not like this.”
“Yeah, babe, I kind of do. Because ring or no ring, I love you and I want to spend the rest of my life loving you. You want a house full of foster kids, but I just want you, Mya. Say yes... say yes and make me the happiest guy on the planet.”
“Yes,” I cried, launching myself into his arms. We landed in a tangle of limbs and laughter.
“Yes?” Asher stared up at me, and I grinned.
“Yes, I’ll marry you, you crazy idiot.”
“Oh fuck, did I really just do that?” The blood drained from his face. “I can’t believe I did that. I don’t even have a ring for fuck’s sake.”
“Asher, look at me.” I gripped his jaw. “I don’t need a ring. I don’t need a romantic gesture or a huge public display of affection. I only need this.” My other hand went to his breastbone, right where his heart lay.
“Yeah?” His voice was small.
“Yeah.”
“Good.” His expression morphed into pure joy. “Because I’m not taking it back ever. You’re mine now, Mya Hernandez, and I’m never letting you go.”
Asher
“Hold on, I’m just connecting Cam now.”
“Ash? What is it?” Cameron’s face appeared on the screen.
“Can you see us?” I asked, and he nodded. “Jason and Fee too?”
Another nod.
“Okay.” I took a deep breath, hugging Mya to my side. “We have something to tell you...”
“Oh my god, you didn’t?” Felicity shrieked, clutching Jase’s shoulder.
“We did,” Mya said, shooting me an infectious smile. “We’re engaged.”
“Congratulations,” Hailee and Cameron said.
“Nice one,” Jase grinned, and Fee blurted out, “Let’s see it then.”
“Well, I... so, funny story...”
“Asher Bennet,” she groaned. “Please tell me you didn’t propose without a ring.”
“It just sort of happened.”
“Oh shit,” Jase breathed. “You didn’t get a ring.”
“Hang on a second, it isn’t like that,” I argued, and Mya buried her face into my neck, smothering her laughter.
“Ash, I was counting on you for the grand romantic gesture,” Felicity let out an exasperated breath.
“I think it’s sweet,” Hailee added. “Spur of the moment. I like that.”
“Back up, Giles,” Jase was no longer looking at us. Instead, his eyes were fixed on his fiancée. “What the fuck is that supposed to mean? I made a big gesture. Or have you forgotten when I got down on one knee on national television?”
“Don’t be silly, babe, I haven't forgotten, and it was very sweet, but I had high hopes for Asher and Mya.”
“Guys,” I interrupted. “It’s not like I don’t plan on getting a ring. We’re going shopping in the week to look—”
“No, no, no.” Fee looked mortified. “You can’t let Mya pick her own ring, it’s bad luck.”
“Well, I’m glad we decided to call our friends and share our happy news with them.”
“Ignore them,” Hailee said. “I think it’s great news. I’m so happy for you both.”
“Thank you.” Mya leaned her head on my shoulder.
“Have you talked about wedding plans yet?”
“Seriously?” I balked. “I didn’t even get a ring...”
Mya dug her fingers into my ribs, and I yelped. “No, we haven’t,” she said. “Sometime after graduation. We’re in no rush.”
“You’re the last man standing now, Cam,” I smirked. “You know that, right? It’s time you upped your game.”
“Ash...” Hailee warned.
“Relax, he knows I’m joking.”
“Trust me, when I do finally pop the question, I’ll make sure to have an actual ring.”
“Burn,” Jason hissed, unable to hide his amusement.
“Okay, this has been nice and all, but I want some alone time with my fiancée.”
“Not until you put a ring on—”
I hit end call and dropped my cell on the counter, pulling Mya around to me.
“Ash, that was rude.”
“Nah, they get it.” Cameron and Jason were as infatuated with their girlfriends as I was with Mya. They understood what it was like to want to bury yourself so deep inside her, you didn’t know where you ended, and she began.
“I need you, Mya.” Heat coursed through my veins.
“Well, I’m right here.” She licked her lips.
I prowled toward her and ran my hand along the curve of her neck. “Mine,” I breathed.
Mya’s breath caught, her eyes fluttering closed. “Is this real life?” she whispered.
“Does this feel like real life?” I asked her, leaning in to swipe my tongue over her salty sweet skin.
She reached for me, curling her hands into my Temple U hoodie. Without warning, I slipped my hands to the backs of Mya’s thighs and hoisted her against me. Her legs wound around my hips and she shrieked with surprise. Spinning us around, I dropped her on the counter and pushed myself between her thighs. “I love you, Mya. Today, tomorrow, and all the days after.”
“Show me...”
Oh, I would.
I intended on showing her all night long.