What Is Left Unsaid : An Ashley Purdy Love Story

Whatever Happens , Happens

ASHLEY'S POV :

       "Okay , babe , have I forgotten anything ?" , I inquire , as we look around the living room . "Do we have everything where it should be ?"

       "Geez , babe , chill out !" , Tiana laughs . "They're staying with Rick and Shan , remember ? Not with us ."

       "Yeah , I know , but I don't wanna fuck this up ! What if they hate me ?"

        I'm wound up so tight right now I feel like I'm gonna snap , because T's mom and stepdad are coming out for the week for Thanksgiving ,  to check in on Shannon , and for helping Tiana look at wedding dresses . This will be the first time I've ever met her mother , even though we dated in school . And even though they don't know all of the details , I'm scared shitless that they're not going to like me .

       Tiana comes over and slides her arms around my neck , and mine automatically go around her waist . She kisses me , then looks me directly in the eye and says , "I don't see how that would even be possible . But in the unlikely event that it happens , then we'll just have to agree to disagree . I'm not giving you up again , for anybody , not even my mom ."

       She lays her head on my shoulder , and I wrap my arms more tightly around her . We just stand here like this for a few minutes , then she looks up at me again , and says , "Ash , you do know I love you , don't you ?"

       "Of course I do , darlin' . And I hope you know that I love you more than anything on this earth ." , I answer , brushing her hair out of her eyes .

       "Then please stop worrying , because that's all that really matters ."

        As she says this , her phone rings , and I let go so she can answer it . She hits the speaker button , and says , "Hey , Shan , what's up ?"

         "We just got back from the airport , you guys can come over any time you want to ." , Shan informs us .

        "Okay , we'll be there in a few ." , she answers , then ends the call .

        I grab our jackets out of the closet , and hand T's to her , then notice that she looks a little stressed . "Hey , babe , I thought you weren't worried about seeing your folks ." , I say , but I don't get an immediate response .

       Finally she sighs , and says , "I'm not worried about that , Ash , I'm actually looking forward to showing you off . It's just ..."

       She trails off , and I know exactly what's bothering her . As far as I know , this will be the first time she's gone over there since Shan and Rick made their big announcement . I take her jacket , and hold it for her to put on , then I ask , "Are you sure you're gonna be okay with this ?"

       "I kinda have to be , don't I ?" , she replies . "I really am happy for them , just like I was for Kelli , it's just kinda weird , I guess . Don't worry , I'm good ."

        We get in the car and drive over to Rick and Shan's place , and Scotts truck is already in the driveway , so I assume that Brian is here with him . 

       We walk into the house , and Tiana is instantly latched onto by an older , slightly shorter version of herself , with most of the red hair replaced with gray . She hugs her mom , then the tall , balding man , who is obviously Scott and Shannon's dad .

       Then , finally , she puts her arm around my waist , and says , "Mom , Gav , this is my fiancee , Ashley ."

       Her stepdad puts out his hand , and I shake it , saying , "It's nice to finally meet you , Mr . and Mrs . Wainwright ."