Curiosity sparked in me as I looked up at him, "Why do you call me 'blue'?" Asher smiled, his eyes filled with love, "Because your eyes remind me of the vast, deep ocean, and your soul shines like the clearest sky on a bright day. You're my calming...
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The doctors had just left the room after explaining my condition. I was still groggy, my body aching, but the sound of Asher's voice brought me comfort. He sat beside me, his eyes full of concern and relief. "Addy," he said gently, "I have something to tell you. You're pregnant."
I stared at him for a moment, trying to process his words through the fog of painkillers and exhaustion. Then I burst out laughing, even though it hurt. "You idiot," I said, my voice raspy. "You're such a dumbass. I'm the one who should be telling you, not the other way around."
He looked taken aback at first, but then he started laughing too, his relief turning into a warm chuckle. It was the kind of laugh that made you forget, if only for a moment, that you'd just been through something terrifying. I sighed, shaking my head. "Things really haven't been exactly traditional with us, have they?" I said, wincing a bit from the pain but unable to stop smiling.
Asher's expression softened, and he leaned in, kissing my forehead. "Nope," he replied, his voice low and filled with tenderness. "But that's why I love us. We never do things by the book." I nodded, grateful for his presence and the humor that seemed to follow us through even the darkest times.
"We're going to be parents," I said, beaming with excitement. The words felt surreal, but also so right. I knew this moment would change our lives forever, and I was ready for it—ready for the journey we were about to embark on.Asher's smile was like sunshine, brightening the whole room. He leaned in closer, his touch gentle and reassuring. "Yeah, we are," he replied softly, and then he kissed me, tenderly and slowly. It was a kiss that held promise, a new beginning, and so much love.
Asher gripped my hand, his eyes intense as he spoke. "I missed you," he said, his voice gentle but carrying a hint of something more. "But you can't run in front of a bullet to save me. Not now, not ever." His words were firm, the kind of thing you'd say when you've just seen someone you care about in danger.I shook my head, meeting his gaze.
"Asher, I have the same right to save you as you do to save me," I replied, not backing down. "If it's you on the line, I'm not thinking about anything else." The thought of losing him was unbearable. I knew he was the protector, the one always ready to put himself at risk, but that didn't mean I would stand idly by.Asher sighed, clearly not thrilled with my response. "That's not the point," he said, his eyes searching mine.
"We can't both be throwing ourselves into danger. Especially now." His voice softened with the mention of "now," a subtle nod to the future we'd just discovered.I knew he was right, but I couldn't ignore the instinct to protect him, even if it meant putting myself at risk. "You'd do the same for me," I said, squeezing his hand. "So you can't expect me to stay back when it's you on the line. We're in this together, remember?"He exhaled, a mix of exasperation and understanding.
"Yeah, I know," he replied, shaking his head with a slight smile. "But that doesn't mean I have to like it." The worry in his eyes softened a bit, replaced by a touch of amusement. He leaned in to kiss my forehead, his touch gentle.It was clear that we both had the same instinct to protect each other, but we had to find a way to do it without putting ourselves in harm's way.
†††††††††††
It's been three days since everything went down, and I've spent them mostly resting and recovering. Asher has been by my side the whole time, his touch reassuring, his voice a constant source of comfort.
Our families keep coming by to visit, checking in on me and reminding me to take it easy and be safe. It's sweet, but it's also a lot.Today, Lily is supposed to come by, and I'm looking forward to seeing her. She's been texting non-stop, asking how I'm doing and if I need anything.
When Lily entered with Liam, I couldn't help but feel a rush of relief. Seeing my best friend again, especially after all we'd been through, was like a weight lifted off my shoulders. She rushed over to my bedside, and we hugged tightly, the kind of hug that says everything without words. We both started crying, and I could feel her tears soaking into my shirt.After what felt like ages, we finally pulled back, wiping our eyes and trying to laugh through the tears.
Lily grinned at me, her left arm in a cast. "Hey, look at us! Best friends even in injuries," she said, raising her casted arm to make her point. I lifted my own fractured left hand, and we both chuckled at the coincidence.Liam and Asher stood nearby, their expressions a mix of exasperation and relief. "Lily, don't say things like that," Asher said, shaking his head but with a hint of amusement in his eyes.
Liam nodded in agreement, his arm draped over Lily's shoulder, clearly protective of her."Yeah, we don't need any more injuries," Liam added, his tone light but with a touch of concern. It was clear the guys didn't find the situation as funny as we did, but Lily and I couldn't help but laugh.
Evan came running in, his little feet pattering against the hospital floor, followed closely by his parents, Christian and Sophia, with baby Skyler in tow. The moment Evan saw me, all bandaged up and lying in bed, his eyes filled with tears.
He rushed to my side, his expression crumpling as he tried to hold back his emotions."Aunty Addy!" he cried, his small hands reaching for mine. "Are you okay? I was so worried!"I gently squeezed his hand, offering him a comforting smile despite the pain. "It's okay, Evan," I said, my voice soft and reassuring. "I'm fine. Just a little banged up, but I'm going to be okay.
Sophia stepped forward, placing baby Skyler on my lap. The little one looked up at me with wide, curious eyes, her tiny hands reaching out to touch my arm. She was adorable, her presence an instant source of calm in the chaos.
I couldn't help but smile at her, the warmth of her tiny body against mine soothing the sting of the bandages.Skyler cooed and gurgled, completely at ease, and it was just what Evan needed to feel a little better. He was still upset, but having his baby sister there seemed to help calm his nerves.
The room filled with laughter as Evan played with his baby sister, Skyler, making funny faces and pretending to be a monster.
I looked around at everyone—Christian and Sophia watching their kids with beaming smiles, Lily and Liam sharing an inside joke, and Asher, standing beside me, his eyes locked on mine.
The love in his gaze was undeniable, a warmth that spread through me, making me forget the ache in my shoulder and the lingering anxiety.I met his gaze, letting my eyes speak the words I didn't need to say out loud: "I love you." It was a simple message, but it held so much meaning—gratitude, relief, and the deep bond we shared. Asher's lips curled into a soft smile, and he nodded, mouthing the words back to me.
The moment felt right, even amidst the chaos of the hospital and the uncertainty of what lay ahead. The love and support from everyone in the room made me realize just how lucky I was to have them all by my side. With Asher's hand in mine and our families surrounding us, I knew we could face whatever came next.
