“A boy and a girl and a house full of foster kids.”
“I don’t know about a house full.” One would be enough. But ever since I’d had the idea, I couldn’t get it out of my head.
“You know, there’s something we probably need to discuss first.” Asher slid off the couch and onto his knees in front of me. He pulled my hand into his and pressed his lips together.
“Oh my god,” I breathed. “Tell me you’re not about to do what I think you’re about to do?” My heart crashed violently against my ribcage.
“I think I am.” His voice trembled. “I didn’t plan it like this... Fuck, I don’t even have a ring. But I love you, Mya. I love you so fucking much, and sitting here, talking about babies and the future… well, it’s got me feeling all kinds of crazy.”
“Asher, you don’t need to do this... not now... not like this.”
“Yeah, babe, I kind of do. Because ring or no ring, I love you and I want to spend the rest of my life loving you. You want a house full of foster kids, but I just want you, Mya. Say yes... say yes and make me the happiest guy on the planet.”
“Yes,” I cried, launching myself into his arms. We landed in a tangle of limbs and laughter.
“Yes?” Asher stared up at me, and I grinned.
“Yes, I’ll marry you, you crazy idiot.”
“Oh fuck, did I really just do that?” The blood drained from his face. “I can’t believe I did that. I don’t even have a ring for fuck’s sake.”
“Asher, look at me.” I gripped his jaw. “I don’t need a ring. I don’t need a romantic gesture or a huge public display of affection. I only need this.” My other hand went to his breastbone, right where his heart lay.
“Yeah?” His voice was small.
“Yeah.”
“Good.” His expression morphed into pure joy. “Because I’m not taking it back ever. You’re mine now, Mya Hernandez, and I’m never letting you go.”
Asher
“Hold on, I’m just connecting Cam now.”
“Ash? What is it?” Cameron’s face appeared on the screen.
“Can you see us?” I asked, and he nodded. “Jason and Fee too?”
Another nod.
“Okay.” I took a deep breath, hugging Mya to my side. “We have something to tell you...”
“Oh my god, you didn’t?” Felicity shrieked, clutching Jase’s shoulder.
“We did,” Mya said, shooting me an infectious smile. “We’re engaged.”
“Congratulations,” Hailee and Cameron said.
“Nice one,” Jase grinned, and Fee blurted out, “Let’s see it then.”
“Well, I... so, funny story...”
“Asher Bennet,” she groaned. “Please tell me you didn’t propose without a ring.”
“It just sort of happened.”
“Oh shit,” Jase breathed. “You didn’t get a ring.”
“Hang on a second, it isn’t like that,” I argued, and Mya buried her face into my neck, smothering her laughter.