When There Is Nothing Left But Love

Ashton rose to his feet without speaking. The doctor came in for a quick check-up. “Mrs. Fuller is completely fine. A few more days of rest and she’ll be cleared for discharge.”

Ashton nodded. Capitalizing on his attention being elsewhere, I pushed the half-eaten bowl of soup away from me.

After the doctor left, I rose to go to the bathroom. However, my legs were not in use for too long and I toppled over the moment I put some weight on them.

Ashton’s reflexes were lightning quick. He reached out and caught hold of me. “What are you doing?” he asked sternly.

“I want to go to the washroom,” I answered, trying not to laugh. That was embarrassing.

Ashton lifted me up in his arms and carried me into the bathroom. He then threw me over his shoulder and undid my pants for me.

“Ashton, I can do this on my own,” I said hurriedly, pushing him away. “Please wait for me outside.” I was hoping he would leave before he saw how red I was.

“What’s the matter? I’ve seen every part of you before, haven’t I?” he said with a frown.

How is that the same?

I pushed him again. “It’s not the same. Please let me do this on my own. I think I can manage!”

Ashton threw my hands off bossily. “I have been changing your urine bags for the past two days,” he said. “You are my wife, I should be taking care of you. I’m sure you would do the same when I’m old and grey. Stop overthinking.”

He was right. After being married for so long, there wasn’t anything left

pushed him gently. “That was different but I’m awake now. I

“Be careful then,”

I nodded.

at the sight of his departing back. If not for his timeless good

he become so meticulous

examined me one more time before declaring

my toiletries. Joseph was tasked with investigating my abduction, so the job of caring for my

bed and watched him pack my clothes.

go broke?” Ashton placed my folded clothes into the

his abilities, he would never be as poor

we paid for during my stay at the hospital. It was used to hold the water to clean my face when I

to bring that home?” I asked. We didn’t need that

practically brand new, it would have gone to waste if it was left here at the hospital, but also stored away without use for it if we

with the nitty gritty aspects

smiled at me as she entered to perform her daily

her during the past couple of days. She appeared to be a mute, as she had always greeted me with a smile and

and placed the basin on her tray of