When There Is Nothing Left But Love

Listening to him reminisce about the past, I was suddenly transported back to the day I received my ultrasound report and found out I was six weeks pregnant. It was years ago, but I felt like it only happened yesterday.

He continued speaking, “I almost lost it when I found out that you privately aborted the child, but thank God Dr. Ludwick said you were alright and that you actually lied to me.” He sighed in fond exasperation before moving on, “You really are a naughty girl, you know that? I didn’t call you out on your lie. I thought that as long as we had a child, you wouldn’t leave and everything would turn out fine. I thought we could live happily as a family, and that’s why I made a decision I’ll never be able to forgive myself for. All these years, I’ve unintentionally hurt you and failed to give you a sense of security. I didn’t love you enough and hurt you more times than I can count. Scarlett, I… Even though I’m not exactly a thoughtful or gentle guy, are you still willing to spend the rest of your life with me?”

Staring at the ring he was holding out in front of me, I pursed my lips. “Ashton, you seriously suck at sweet-talking—even your proposal is so sad and pathetic. You’re lucky I like you, or I wouldn’t be bothered listening to your nonsense.”

The crowd erupted with laughter and Hannah’s teasing voice sounded. “Yeah. You know he’s bad at everything. Yet, he’s the only one you want. Ms. Stovall, just quit the act and say yes to your dear Mr. Fuller!”

Following that, everyone else unanimously urged, “Say yes!”

I studied Ashton in front of me, my lips twitching slightly. “You’re proposing to me with only a ring? What’s worse, this is Hannah and Chandler’s wedding. Are you here to give them your blessing or crash their wedding?”

crowd burst into laughter again. One of the guests’ children even brought over the flower basket Chandler’s parents weaved, placing it

flower basket. Perhaps he felt that it wasn’t fitting that I carried a flower basket in my hands, he stood to his feet and left the venue. Everyone in the hall was momentarily stunned by his

bright red roses in hand. As

idiot, but you’re the only one that I want in life. I will love you in my own way and also in yours. We still have decades left

words, suddenly saying so much in one go. I bet it wouldn’t be too far-fetched to claim that this was probably the most he had said in one

ring on!” Hannah impatiently urged beside me. Before I could

Our mini-interlude enlivened the already blissful occasion and everyone applauded to offer us

very

did the guests disperse. Hannah tugged on my arm as she tried to persuade me to stay in the suburbs for the night. Although Ashton didn’t say a word, from the way he kept a tight hold on my hand, I could tell that he wasn’t accustomed to