“Ash!” I called out, dumping a basket full of clothes on the couch.
He stuck his head out of the kitchen.
“What the hell are you doing?” I asked him as I started folding clothes.
“Nothing…”
“Ashley Abrocket Purdy!” I said, glaring at him over one of his shirts.
He ducked back into the kitchen, not bothering to answer me. I dropped the shirt in the folded pile and went into the kitchen. There were dishes everywhere, along with bubble wrap and paper.
“Nothing is exactly right.” I laughed, eyeing him as he sat in a chair.
“I broke some stuff.” Was all he said, pointing to the swept-up pile of glass.
“It wasn’t a Disney mug was it??” I asked, kneeling next to the pile.
“No. Just some plain Walmart ones.”
Thank god.
“That’s ok. Want to trade jobs? I’ll pack dishes and you can fold laundry.” I told him, plating a kiss in his forehead.
He groaned and shook his head.
“Babe, we have to finish packing. The moving guys will be here in a couple of days.” I said, taking things from the cupboards and wrapping them in bubble wrap.
We’d taken the plunge and decided to move in together. Ash had closed on a house before we got together but hadn’t had time to move in because of touring. There was a moving crew coming to each of our houses with trucks to move it all to the new place. Well… most of it anyway. We’d each sold a bunch of furniture, so we could get new stuff.
His house was packed and ready. Which left mine. There were only two rooms left. The kitchen, and my office. Plus, the last load of clothes on the couch.
“Can’t we do this tomorrow?” he asked.
“We could but it would be better to do it now. I have meetings all afternoon tomorrow.” I replied, stretching to reach the back of a cupboard.
He grabbed the mugs I’d been after, setting them down on the counter. Turning me to face him, he planted a trail of kisses from my forehead, down my cheek, under my jaw. Softly, he bit my neck.
“Ash.” I sighed, my finger knotted in his shirt.
“Hmm.” He purred, face still buried in my neck.
I gave in and let him lead me to the bedroom. The air mattress sank with our weight, but it didn’t stop him. Clothes flew, and our body heat mingled. A little later, we were both out of breath. My head was on his chest, our hands entwined. His fingers ran through my hair, which had come out of it’s messy bun with a simple tug. I let go of his hand to trace his Outlaw tattoo. He shivered, eyes closing. I knew he’d fallen asleep when his breathing deepened. Gently, I disentangled myself and got dressed.
Back downstairs, I was able to finish packing the kitchen. With all the boxes labeled, I went into the office. There was a stack of flattened boxes leaning against one wall, tape guns on the desk. Sharpie’s next to tape refills, and a rolls of packing paper laid across the couch. I’d already boxed up my computer and photo equipment. Those boxes were tucked into the trunk of my car, surrounded by bags of clothes.
I started by taking books from the shelves, neatly stacking them in one box until it was full. Smaller boxes were used for the items on my desk, and my files were locked in the cabinet. Photography props and backdrops went into more boxes. I was finished in no time. Now all I had left was folding the laundry.
Ash came back down a few hours later, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.
“You left me.” He pouted.
“Yes, but I finished packing.” I pointed out.
“My plan worked then.” He said, laughing.
The doorbell rang, and I went to answer it.
“Delivery for Purdy?” the guy said, a box of Chinese takeout in his arms. Ash appeared and paid him, taking the box as I closed the door.
We sat on the floor eating takeout, watching Netflix on my laptop. After we’d cleaned up, he was making a couple of phone calls for tomorrow. Making sure he had the right time for the moving company, so they could move the stuff from his place. I called the furniture store to see what time they were delivering our new stuff. I was a little bothered that I wouldn’t be there when it arrived, but I hadn’t been able to get out of work. Luckily, the cover shoot was with a good friend of mine so at least I knew he wouldn’t be difficult.
I fell asleep early and woke up when my alarm went off at 730. A quick shower and was on my way. The only stop I made was in a Starbucks drive through for a muffin and a quick cup of coffee. I was behind my desk by 815, waiting for Brendon to be done with his interview. He stuck his head in shortly after, and I got to work.
Brendon Urie is always one of the best people I work with. He smiles easily, and it is infectious. Everyone in the room ends up laughing. And he’s helpful at spotting the best photos. We were taking a short break when my phone rang.
“Hello?” I said, ducking out of the room.
“Hey angel. Just giving you an update. All the new furniture is here and set up. Moving truck is on it’s way here from my place. And I will see you after work.” Ash said.
“You are a godsend today! I love you, and I’ll be home soon as I can.” I replied, holding a finger up to one of the crew when they came to get me.
I finished to shoot in nearly record time and went straight to editing. I couldn’t find the right filter for a few photos and started to get frustrated before Nick popped into my office.
“Try a vignette.” He said.
“You’re a genius.” I told him, before sending the finished products to my boss.
Ash had a pizza waiting when I got home. And the next day, the movers took what was left in my house over to the new place, where we were to start our lives together. Pulling up after they’d left, I couldn’t help but smile.
“What?” Ash asked from his car, parked next to mine in the driveway.
“This is literally the most perfect thing I’ve ever experienced.” I told him.
Smiling, he came around the car and scooped me into his arms. I squealed and laughed as he carried me across the threshold, closing the front door with his foot. Setting me on my feet, he kissed me sweetly before saying
“Welcome home, angel.”
