Saving Us || l.h

S I X

Anna ran around the house, Harry and Lauren entertaining her. I laid back on the couch, watching tv when Anna landed on my stomach. I let out an oomph, looking down at her. "Come play daddy!" She says, her dimples popping. "In a little bit, I need to rest." I say, kissing her head. "Please?" She asks, giving me puppy dog eyes. I sigh, sitting up. "What are we playing?" "Hide and seek!" She says, jumping up and down. "You're it!" She touches me before running off to hide. "One, two, three." I begin counting. I count to sixty before opening my eyes and looking around.

I go to the kitchen, looking under the table and counter, then head back into the bedrooms. I check the closets, under beds, still not finding anyone. I check Harry's bathroom, finding him behind the shower curtain. "Gotcha." I say, watching him climb out of the shower. I go to Lauren's room, looking under the bed to find Anna. "You found me!" She laughs. "I did!" I say, picking her up. I look in the closet, lauren hidden amongst the clothes. I almost didn't see her.

"Dinner!" Mum calls. I carry Anna out and we all sit down, the turkey set in the middle of the table. "What time is everyone getting here tomorrow?" I ask as I give Anna some food, cutting it up for her. "Around 9, make sure you and Anna are ready." "I will." I nod.

-

"Daddy?" Anna comes in, climbing on my lap. "What's up?" I ask, looking down at her. "When do we open presents?" I laughed, shaking my head. "Once everyone's here we are going to have lunch then open presents." "Why can't we open them now?" "Not everyone is here, Anna." "But I want to open them." She pouts. "I'll let you open one, how's that sound?" I was such a sucker for her, I can never say no.

She grins, running over to the tree. She grabs a big bag, and I sigh, nodding my head. She pulls it open, my mum coming to sit next to me. "You spoil her, you know that?" She asks. "You try saying no to her. It's impossible." I laugh. She lights up when she sees the giant tiger, hugging him close. "His name is Rory." She grins. "Sounds like a good name." I nod. I clean up the tissue paper and sack, putting it off to the side. Anna ran around with the stuffed tiger, showing everyone.

Mum announced that everyone was here and that it was lunch time. I sat Anna down in her booster seat, serving her some food. We all talked about the past year, everyone asking about my tour and Anna.

After lunch, we all sat around talking for a while before Anna practically pulled all of us to the living room to open presents. Everyone kept going on about how precious she was and it was one of those proud father moments. I always thought I'd want a son, but I'm loving having a daughter, I'll probably hate the teenage years, but right now, I absolutely love it.

We sat around opening presents, Anna having fun. I smiled as I watched her unwrap everything, squealing with joy. I wish Kiera was here to see this, she would have loved this. I can't believe it's almost been a year and a half since she died. It feels like it was days ago.

All the kids were now playing with their toys, and I stepped outside, getting some air. I pulled my phone out, going to photos. I swiped through all the pictures of Kiera and I, her laughing in most of them. We were always laughing, that's what I loved about our relationship. I came across the picture of the ring I had picked out, never getting the chance to give it to her.

My mum comes out, putting a hand on my shoulder. "She would have loved it." She says softly, pointing to the ring. I let out a soft sob, putting my head in my hands. "I know this is hard Ashton, but always remember that she's here in spirit, looking over you and Anna." I nod, wiping my eyes. "We have cupcakes inside, come in when you're ready." She smiles, standing back up.

I watched her leave, looking back at my phone. I swiped once more, coming to a video. I pressed play, Kiera's voice filling the quiet air.

"Hey Ashton! I'm in London right now and miss you like crazy, I hope you're having fun with Blake Ryan's tour, I go see One Direction tonight, I'm super pumped! If you ever get the chance to tour with them I better get to meet them!" She grins childishly. I missed her voice so much. "I can't wait to see you in a few weeks, love you!" She ends the video and I sigh. I put my phone away, standing up.

I put on a happy face, going inside, finding Anna with frosting all over her face. "Who let Anna have a cupcake?" I ask and she giggles, running away. "Get back here." I shout, running after her. I scoop her up, listening to her giggle. I grab a napkin, wetting it and wiping her face. "You're so crazy." I grin, kissing her forehead before putting her down. She runs to the living room, coming back with Rory and her blanket. "Are you tired?" I ask. She nods, letting out a yawn. "Let's go take a nap." I suggest, picking her up. I put her to bed in my room, heading back downstairs.

-

"Your daughter is lovely. Come home and visit more often." My grandparents tell me, giving me a hug goodbye. "Will do. Love you guys." I nod, closing the door behind them. I go back to the living room, sitting on the couch. Harry was taking a nap beside me, his arm as a pillow.

Anna comes down, rubbing her eyes. "What's wrong?" I ask, normally she sleeps longer. "I had a scary dream." She mumbles. "Well, why'd you do that?" I ask with a laugh. "I don't know." She mumbles, shrugging. "Are you still tired?" She shakes her head, sitting on my lap. "Do you want to watch a movie?" She nods, cuddling up to me.

I have Lauren start some old Disney movie, Anna watching with interest. She swayed back and forth with every song, giggling at some parts. Overall, it was adorable.