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

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?”

but nodded obediently. “You’re so unfair,

I explained, “Michael is already shorter than you. If you continue to bully him, he’ll

won’t bully him!” Summer picked up both baskets and told Michael indignantly, “Mommy says that I can’t bully

strong man, and strong men should protect girls. You’re not bullying me. I’m

children walked toward the back garden, bickering

that Summer would

gaze, I felt 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

make yourself at home while I check

back. His voice seemed to rumble in his chest as he asked, “Have you been

a beat at the simple question. I met his gaze and replied with conviction, “I’ve been good. These four years have been the most peaceful years of my

flickered in his eyes as he chuckled ruefully. “Yeah, you do

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 me. The more I

great here. Staying by your side only filled me with hate and resentment. It would break me. Perhaps it might have seemed like I had

the conflicting emotions within. A loud silence fell upon us. Seconds ticked

afterward. I exhaled heavily as I watched his retreating back. Everyone’s biggest enemy

ingredients. He stilled when he saw me. “I can handle this myself.