To Be Loved

Epilouge

It's been two years since Brookes died. It's been two years since I almost ruined my own life by saying "I do" to a man I didn't love.

Life has been amazing since then. Mom and Dad have finally come to terms with the fact that I love Ashton, and have kept their comments to themselves. I am happy.

Of course I miss Brookes, but I have had two stress-free years to mourn, and have come to the conclusion that everything happens for a reason and his death, although it hurt, made me a stronger person.

-

My eyes flutter open from the nap I was having. Today was Ashton and I's anniversary and he has forbidden me from leaving our room until he has everything set up.

I stretch and stand up from the bed. I look around the room and see rose petals and candles... everywhere. In confusion, I walk to the bathroom where I see an emerald colored dress and a note:

Haven,

I know you like your sleep, Bambi, but get your lazy bum up! I have a surprise for you, and need you awake for it. When you're done getting dressed, follow the roses. Love you, and Happy Anniversary!!!

Love, the best-est boyfriend in the world,

Ashton

I chuckled after reading the note. He has an attitude problem, I thought.

I put on the gorgeous dress and did my makeup. When I finished, I traveled back to my bedroom and followed the petals down the corridor and down the long stairs. It led me to the garden behind the palace when the white gazebo stood. Ashton had candles light the path to the beautiful structure in the darkening sky.

I walked up the steps and saw him standing there proudly with a matching green shirt under his suit jacket. He smiled at me, so giddy with excitement. His messy hair, that was in dire need of a haircut, was put in place by gel, but in vain. No matter how hard he tried, he could never get his hair to stay still. I missed his shoulder length hair, but I'm not complaining. Nonetheless, he looked breathtakingly handsome.

"I see you finally made it." He sarcastically said.

"Shut up! I was tired." I shot back with a laugh.

He pulled me in for a quick kiss and hug. "Shall we?"

We both sat at the table that had two plates filled with delicious looking foods: Chicken, mashed potatoes, and veggies.

I took a bite. "Oh! This is so good."

"I know. Made it myself." He boasted.

I looked at him in disbelief. "No you did not!"

"I did, love. Whether you believe me or not."

"How come you never cooked before?" I took another bite.

"Um, hello? I'm living at a palace where there are chiefs, and plenty of other people who are getting paid to do whatever I want!"

I almost jumped when I heard shuffling from a few feet away. Probably just a squirrel. We continue to eat, and when we're done, Ashton grabs my hand and walks me through the garden. I loop my arm through his and lean on his shoulder. We reach the marble water fountain that spits up water from the stone mouth of a mermaid.

I look around, in awe. I never come back here often, and have never really admired its beauty. I walked over to a bush that held white roses.

"Look, Ashton. These are beautiful." I pluck the rose from its stem and turn around to show him, but almost collapse when I see him down on one knee.

Happy tears immediately stream down my face and I walk over to stand in front of the handsome man.

"Haven, when I met you, I honestly thought you were just a stuck-up princess." He laughed. "But, I was definitely wrong. You are the most beautiful, compassionate woman I know. You are kind, feisty, and absolutely adorable. I never was comfortable to confide in anyone, until you. Without you, I would be a mess. If you weren't there the day my dad had a stroke, I don't know what I would've done. So-" He pulled out the red velvet box from his suit pocket, "-Will you marry me, Bambi?"

I immediately got on my knees and kissed him and mumbled a "yes" against his lips. I pulled away so he could slide the ring on my finger. It was beautiful, with a flower design that held up the diamond.

I laughed and couldn't stop laughing as I looked back and forth between Ashton and the gorgeous ring.

I heard a noise from behind me again. A ruffle of leaves. And then a "Stop! Landon, wait!"

Little Landon, my nephew, came running out behind a bush, his blond hair flapping in the wind. Annalise came bolting out behind the bush trying to catch him but failed. Soon came out Lawrence.

"Yay, Aunt Havey!" The little boy yelled and rushed into my arms. "Married?" He asked, or tried to. He hasn't really mastered english yet.

"Yes." I nodded and kissed his cheek. Landon gave Ashton a fist bump.

Lawrence and Annalise came to join us, along with James and Drew who were now happily married, and had come to visit. "Finally!" Annalise huffed. "It isn't comfortable behind those bushes. Especially with a one and a half year old!" Drew nodded her head in agreement.

We all laughed.

And that was probably the best night of my life. And the best day will be when I'm wearing a white dress and saying "I do" to Ashton.

Not James.

Ashton.

THE END