In Love, Never Say Never

My prompt registered immediately. Ashton stood up and proffered a hand, suave and refined. However, his gaze lingered on Summer and Michael when he noticed them.

Michael seemed to be a late bloomer, at least in comparison to Summer. Both of them were five years old, but Michael appeared a year younger.

Ashton’s expression darkened, but I waved it off. “What would you like to eat?” I directed my question to the children.

Summer seemed to be in a foul mood. While her eyes were still on Ashton, she replied, “Anything you make is fine, Mommy.”

Michael caught sight of my injured ankle and suggested, “Let Daddy cook for us tonight.”

This was nothing out of the norm, but Michael’s words were piercing to Ashton’s ears.

I offered no clarification. Instead, I looked at Colin and teased lightly, “Looks like it’s your turn to show off your cooking skills tonight.”

Colin could be rather tactless at times, and his ability to read the room was failing him at the moment. Though he was taken aback by Ashton’s presence, he invited graciously, “Mr. Fuller, please stay for dinner with us. We cook with homegrown produce. You should try some.”

Ashton masked his emotions and nodded, his eyes dark and unfathomable.

I glanced at the children and instructed them as usual, “Both of you pick some vegetables from the back garden. Summer, don’t bully Michael, understand?”

nodded obediently. “You’re so unfair, Mommy.

already shorter than you. If

and told Michael indignantly, “Mommy

that I’m a strong man, and strong men should protect girls.

walked toward the back

lips curled upwards involuntarily. I had always worried that Summer would feel lonely, but seeing how

someone’s eyes on me, snapping me back to reality. I turned to find Ashton burning holes in me with his scorching stare. A myriad of emotions flashed in his dark

by the intensity of his gaze, I blurted, “Please make yourself at home while I check if my help

wrapped around my wrist, pulling me back. His voice seemed to rumble in his chest as he asked, “Have

I met his gaze and replied with conviction, “I’ve been good. These four years have been the most peaceful years

in his eyes as he chuckled ruefully.

nodded slightly. “Make yourself at home while I help out

friends?” Ashton asked timidly, his voice helpless and distant. “I’ve tried numerous ways to numb out in the past four years, but my mind has been cruel to

hate and resentment. It would break me. Perhaps it might have seemed like I had plenty of friends

A loud silence fell upon us. Seconds ticked by before

I watched his retreating

find Colin preparing the ingredients. He stilled when he saw me. “I can handle this myself. Go