Those Amber Eyes

Chapter 18 - Those Amethyst Eyes

Ash's POV

Why am I so hot this morning? Normally, it's quite cool when I wake, but for some reason, I am burning up. As I opened my eyes, I realized why. I'm literally sandwiched between Scarlett and Lizzie, with little Rose laying directly on me with her little head under my chin.

Wait, why is Lizzie in bed with us?!?

I feel little Rose starting to wake up, lifting her little eyes to meet mine.

"Me Ashy," she muttered as she snuggled closer.

"Good morning, love." I heard beside me, and looked to see my favorite green eyes looking up at me.

"Good morning, my love. Sleep well?"

"Mmm, always with you."

"Scar, baby, look to my left."

She leans up to see Lizzie curled against me, sleeping soundly.

"When did Rose and Lizzie get I'm bed with us?"

"I have no idea."

"Around 3am, Rose woke me and demanded to come to your bed and you're warm and cuddly," we heard Lizzie mumble as she burrowed deeper into my side.

I chuckle at Lizzie and Rose, while Scarlett rolls her eyes. "She isn't wrong, you know." As she snuggled closer.

All I could do was laugh, closing my eyes and drifting back off myself.

I woke a few hours later to an empty bed, stretching out, I got out of bed and made my way downstairs. I observed my Mom, Scarlett, Lizzie, Syd, and Lauren sitting around the table sipping coffee and chatting away.

"Good morning ladies, I trust everyone slept well." I said, walking over and pouring myself a cup of coffee. Scarlett stands up, giving me a kiss, and motioning me to sit, before she slides onto my lap.

"Ash, thank you for letting me stay with you guys." Lizzie said beside me.

I wrap my arm around the younger woman, kissing her head. "Lizzie, you are always welcome here. No worries."

"How about we move to the front porch, and take in the morning air." my mother said, pouring herself another cup.

We joined my father and brother in law on the huge porch. The kids were already running around the yard playing. The conversation was lively. I looked at the front gate, and saw a car coming down the drive.

"Are we expecting more company today, Mom?"

"Not to my knowledge."

"Baby, hop up a second." I said, sliding Scarlett off my lap, as I stood to observe. I smiled, seeing a familiar face and that Jett black hair. I saw her get out of the car, wearing her dress blues. She immediately threw me a salute, and I had to laugh.

"At Ease Major."

"Colonel, General, always a pleasure." she said, with a smirk.

"God Alex." I said, embracing the younger women. "It's been too long! What the hell are you doing here?"

"Your secretary told me you were visiting the folks, so I thought I would come out and visit. I have some news I would like to share."

"Come on up, would you like to change?"

"God yes, let me out of this monkey suite."

As I turned to walk back up, a small force hit my legs, tugging. I reached down, lifting Rose.

"Ashy, who Dat?"

"Rose, this is my best friend, Alex. Alex, this is my little Rosebud."

"Hi Rose." Alex said, smiling at her. Rose smiled and burrowed her little face in my neck.