When There Is Nothing Left But Love (Ashton And Scarlett)

I found Ashton’s reaction rather bizarre and asked, “Why go to the hospital? It’s not that big of a deal.”

Ashton sauntered over to my side and looked fondly down at me. “Everyone should go for an annual medical checkup. I think it’s been about a year since you last went for one.”

I nodded absently, then lay back down on the bed. Since Ashton had left the bed to me, I sprawled happily across its entire width while sighing in satisfaction and comfort.

It was the beginning of winter, and the temperature in K City had plummeted sharply. Ashton was insistent on sending me to the hospital and was up and about early in the morning. I’d been disturbed from my sleep by his bustling about and sat in the living room still yawning, half-awake.

That morning, Ashton had poured out some cereal for both of us. “Would you like some chopped nuts?” he asked, popping his head out of the kitchen.

I nodded, my eyes teary from the multiple yawns I’d just unleashed. “Sure.”

It was a cold, misty morning. I couldn’t help but shudder at the thought of stepping out into the frigid air and made a mental note to myself to don a few more layers before leaving.

Ashton emerged from the kitchen with the two bowls of cereal in hand. He placed them on the table, then added, “Would you like some pancakes as well?”

I sneezed, then sniffed at Ashton, “No need. I’ll just have the cereal. Since we’re going to the hospital, why don’t we drop by my Mom’s place and bring Summer along? We can get her checked out at the same time.”

“Let’s eat,

slurped the cereal noisily. Ashton gave me a look, then chided, “Can’t

child who had just received a smack

back in K City. We should bring her out for a meal to catch up and

stay in a hotel. It isn’t safe anyway for a woman to be wandering around

since the incident at the warehouse, my opinion of Armond had been totally turned on

cereal, Ashton nudged his bowl of cereal over to me. “You’re

felt a sense of warmth within me. Actually, I wasn’t that hungry,

probe more into the matter, but Ashton forbade me.

always been rather traditional this way. He firmly believed we should be focused on gaining nutrients rather than information

nodded docilely, then finished the rest of the cereal

way to the door, putting on my shoes slowly in the hallway. Ashton had gone ahead to start the car.

said, “Mrs. Fuller, Renee passed away last night. She said she wanted to be buried with her mother. I brought her back to K City with me today. I don’t have any close friends or family, and you were probably the one who showed her the most affection in this life. If you have

front. However, I remained in my

car and ran up

drifted over the line, fearfully asking, “Mrs. Fuller,