Forever & Always || Redlyn

Happy New Year!

"5 minutes everybody!" EJ announced, referring to how long before midnight. Everyone scurried to be right by their boyfriend or girlfriend (minus Gina, EJ, and Kourtney who all stayed where they were).

"Ashlyn." Big Red beamed when she stood by him. "This years gonna be the best yet."

"Mhm." Ashlyn agreed. They said this every new year, and it was always true. This particular year, Big Red believed it more than ever, for a reason Ashlyn would know soon enough, and a reason everyone but her knew. Everyone chatted for a few more minutes.

"10! 9! 8! 7! 6! 5! 4! 3! 2! 1! Happy New Year!" They all shouted, laughing from time to time when someone was off beat with everyone else. Big Red and Ashlyn, along with every couple, kissed right when it hit midnight.

Just a minute after, everyone went silent, staring at Big Red and Ashlyn. Big Red had a huge, goofy smile on his face. Ashlyn saw everyone and she became confused.

"Ashlyn..." Big Red took a step back from her, though it was only to show more love than usual. "You know I've loved you for years, and that love only grows every day, so..." A realization popped into Ashlyn's head as Big Red kneeled on one knee. The hugest smile appeared on both their faces. "Will you marry me?"

Ashlyn didn't even say a word, breaking down into tears on his shoulder as she hugged him, before he could even stand up. "Of course!"

Big Red hugged her back, everyone cheering and congratulating the two of them, and they didn't let go of each other for a few minutes. When they did, Big Red slid a ring on Ashlyn' finger, standing up. Neither of them even noticed how long they had been sitting on the ground.

After awhile, things calmed down. "Did everyone know?" Ashlyn asked, to which everyone nodded, making her laugh. A few more questions were asked before everyone parted ways.

Big Red was half asleep by the time everyone left, lying on the couch. Ashlyn laid by him, as excited as ever. "Goodnight. I love you." Ashlyn whispered in his ear, right before he fell asleep.

When Big Red woke up, Ashlyn was still asleep next to him. Wondering if the night before was a dream, he looked at her. Ashlyn's hair was a mess as always in the morning, and a small smile was plastered on her face. Her arm was hanging off the couch, which allowed Big Red to see the ring on her hand. Smiling, he sat up straight, already beginning to play with her hair.

A few minutes later, Ashlyn sat up and put her chin on Big Red's shoulder. "G'morning."

"Morning sweetie."

"How long have you been up?" Ashlyn asked him.

"Few minutes."

"Mkay. Whatcha want for breakfast?"

"Anything's fine by me." Big Red told her, kissing her cheek. "As long as we're done by 11."

"Right, your parents house." Ashlyn nodded. "Wait— do they know about, you know, your proposal?" She couldn't get through the sentence without smiling, making him do the same.

"Yep." He nodded. "But we'll have to tell yours soon."

"I think they already know." Ashlyn smiled at her parents, who had just walked in the room. "Hi."

"Congratulations sweetie!" Both her parents wrapped Ashlyn in a hug. Having to get to work, they both left after a bit of talking.

"Okay, breakfast? Eggs and waffles?" Ashlyn asked.

"Yeah, sure." Big Red nodded, then followed a beaming Ashlyn into the kitchen. The two of them stated cooking. They nearly burnt the eggs and spilled the waffle batter, goofing off constantly.

Big Red and Ashlyn walked up to Big Red's house, holding hands. When they walked in they were greeted by hugs from both of his parents.

"Come in, sit down!" His mom welcomed them inside, and everyone sat down. They asked loads of questions about their vacation. They told them about everything, besides the elevator, Ashlyn trying to avoid the topic.

Eventually, Ashlyn left to let Big Red catch up with his parents. She drove back home, unsure what to do. She ended up taking a nap (this time in her bed), exhausted from the hard night's of sleep at the hotel and New Years Eve.

When she woke up, she guessed it had been awhile. This guess was based of realizing that Big Red was sitting next to her, on his phone, with his arm around her. She sat up and smiled, causing him to smile and set his phone down.

"Biggie? When did you get back?"

"About an hour ago." He told her.

"Okay." Ashlyn nodded. "What time is it?"

"3. Ish."

"Mkay."

"You want to go out for dinner?"

"Date?"

"Yeah." Big Red nodded.

"Then sure." Ashlyn smiled, hugging him. "You know, I love days when we're just together." She whispered. "Just feels right."

"I'm sure we'll have many of those days in the future." Big Red smiled, hugging Ashlyn back. "I agree. They're perfect."