11. Ashton
Chapter 11
Ashton
The last few weeks have felt like a whirlwind as I dove headfirst into helping Emily settle into her new life. I’ve been supporting her through the ups and downs of starting her mobile dog grooming business. Between packing up boxes, unpacking more boxes, and dodging Edna’s antics, it’s been an adventure I didn’t know I needed. But beneath all the laughter and shared moments, my heart knows the truth—I’m so fucking in love with her I can’t see straight.
Every stolen glance, every shared smile, and each quiet laugh reminds me just how deep my feelings for her run. Yet for all the nights we’ve laughed together while shuffling boxes, I can’t shake the nagging worry she doesn’t feel the same. It’s a precarious balance, and I’m terrified of ruining what we have by laying my heart bare too soon.
The sun is shining, the coffee is strong, and I’m in my usual rhythm. I’ve pulled over two speeders and helped Harvey corral Bessie when she decided to leave home.
I’m heading back to town when I hear my phone buzz, and I glance down to see Dillon’s name flashing on the screen. I answer it without a second thought, adopting my usual tone. “Did Roger fucking call in again?”
Dillon’s tone cuts through my teasing smirk. “Ashton, there’s been an accident.”
My stomach drops, and the world stops spinning on its axis. I can’t fucking lose her. “What kind of accident?” I ask, full-on panic coloring my voice.
“Emily’s van got hit by one of those fucking speeding teenagers, but Emily is okay.” Motherfucking son-of-a-bitch. I’m going to strangle the little fucker once I make sure my girl is safe. “They took her to the ED as a precaution.” His serious tone causes my heart to race.
“I’m on my way.” I press hard on the gas while turning on my lights and sirens.
“I'll meet you there,” Dillon replies, the gravity of his words settling into my stomach like a hot rock.
I hang up, my hands shaking slightly on the steering wheel as I make a beeline for the hospital, weaving through traffic like a man possessed. A flurry of images flashes before my eyes—her laugh, the way her eyes sparkle when she talks about her plans, the memories we’ve made together. The thought of something happening to her shatters something deep inside me.
By the time I pull into the hospital parking lot, my heart is pounding like it’s trying to break free as sweat rolls down my back. I barely register the sound of my own footsteps as I thunder through the entrance. Ignoring the nurses at the front desk, I storm down the hallway, chasing the sound of beeping machines and hushed conversations.
“Where’s Emily Smith?” I demand, pressing past another nurse who tries to stop me.
She points down the hall, an exasperated look on her face, but I’m already moving. I round the corner and find the open door of a room at the end of the hall. Peering inside, I see Dillon standing by the window and Emily lying on a hospital bed, looking a little pale with a big fucking bruise on her forehead. Rage wars with relief as an intense wave of protectiveness overwhelms me.
“Emily!” I rush over to her bed, ignoring Dillon. I can see angry purple bruises forming on her arms and notice the way she grimaces slightly as she tries to sit up.
“Ashton?” she murmurs, her eyes filling with tears. "My van was destroyed!"
“Fucking hell,” I say, trying to keep my voice steady despite the upheaval inside me. I sit carefully on the edge of the bed and open my arms for her to gently lean against me. “All that matters is you.” I push the hair from her face and stare down at her worried eyes. “Don’t worry, gorgeous. We’ll get it fixed or I’ll fucking replace it. As long as you’re okay, I don’t give a shit about the van.”
“I can’t believe it happened. The idiot wasn’t paying attention. He ran the red light and smashed right into the side of my van,” she explains, forcing a weak smile that tightens my chest. I want to shake the reckless teenager until his fucking teeth rattle.
“God. I could’ve lost you.” I carefully hug her close while Dillon quietly slips out the door. Feeling her strong heartbeat against my chest helps soothe me a little, but I’m still wound tight, and I can’t hold back the words any longer. “I love you so fucking much.”
The weight of the moment settles heavily between us, and my heart races as I watch Emily process my confession. I’ve been dancing around this truth for weeks, but now it spills out, raw and unfiltered, hanging in the air like a pulse racing through both of us.
Her mouth opens, then closes, and I can see the shock flickering in her eyes. For a heartbeat, the world around us falls away as her smile bursts forth, lighting up her stunning face.
“I love you, too!” she exclaims, and her words slice through the tension. The unexpected confession washes over me, soothing something deep in my soul.
“Thank God,” I whisper against her lips. “I wouldn’t survive without you.”
“I feel the same way, but I’ve just been too scared to say it,” she admits, her laughter ringing with a mix of relief and happiness that makes my heart swell. “I didn’t know how you felt, and I didn’t want to screw this up.”
“Trust me, I was just as scared,” I confess, the words tumbling out before I can stop myself. “Meeting you turned my well-ordered life upside down and I didn’t know how to handle it.”
“I think you handled it pretty well,” Emily responds, snuggling closer.
We lean toward each other, and our lips lightly touch in a sweet kiss, sealing our love. It isn’t just a casual brush of lips. It’s a wildfire igniting, a desperate need to consume each other. My hands find their way to her waist, pulling her closer, and the connection between us is electric, raw, and primal. Every nerve in my body lights up, feeling her soft body close to mine.
Just when things are getting a little out of control, there’s a knock on the door, and the door swings open. A nurse steps inside, her gaze flicking between us. “Sorry to interrupt, but I need to check Emily’s vitals,” she announces, a smile playing on her lips as she recognizes our moment.
The hospital’s bright lights buzz overhead as I step out of the room, my mind still spinning nonstop. While the nurse checks Emily’s vitals, I step into the hallway, where Dillon is rooted against the wall with his arms crossed.
“How is she?” He pushes away from the wall as I approach.
“She’s worried about her goddamn van.” I can’t shake the fear of losing her. “What’s the deal with the little asshole?”
Dillon glances around, ensuring we’re not overheard before leaning in, his expression shifting to serious. “It’s Robin Wesley’s kid,” he tells me, and I recognize the name as a wealthy businessman who lives in neighboring Midnight Falls. “The little shit’s already had three goddamn accidents, so his parents aren’t stupid enough to claim it’s Emily’s fault. The van’s probably totaled, but I’m confident they’ll sort this out quickly.”
“They better,” I growl as frustration bubbles up inside me. “Or I’ll put my foot up someone’s ass.”
“Don’t worry. If Robin Wesley gives you any trouble, I’ll be the one making his life a living hell.” Dillon isn’t intimidated by the wealthy, influential residents of Silver Spoon Falls, which makes him the perfect public official.
“I appreciate the offer, but I won’t let anyone fuck with my girl.” While I’m not as rich as most of the residents in town, I’m also not hurting financially. I decided years ago not to use my family name and influence unless absolutely necessary. If Robin Wesley wants to fight this, I’ll make sure it’s an even fight.
Dillon raises an eyebrow, amusement creeping back into his tone. “I didn’t really think you would after the town water worked its magic on you.”
“But you offered anyway.” I exhale sharply, pinching the bridge of my nose in frustration.
Dillon chuckles at my overprotective angst. “You’re in deep, my friend, and I’ve been there myself. I felt bad about you taking all the extra shifts lately,” he says, rolling his eyes, “and decided to kill two birds with one stone. Roger is going to pick up all your shifts this week so you can be off to take care of Emily.”
I blink, totally shocked. “Wait, how the fuck did you manage all that?”
“I’m just that good.” He smirks, puffing out his chest.
I laugh, knowing I can’t argue with that. Having a few days without having to deal with work will allow me to dive head-first into my future with Emily. “Thank you,” I tell him in all seriousness.
“You’re welcome,” he says, his tone shifting slightly. “Keep me updated and don’t forget to invite me to the wedding.” A doctor waves Dillon over, and he walks away while I take a deep breath.
A thought occurs to me, and I call to my boss, “Can you pick up Edna on your way home?”
“You really love to push your luck.” He turns and rolls his eyes, muttering, “Don’t worry. I’ll pick the fluff ball up.”
As the nurse leaves, I return to Emily’s room, finding her flipping through a magazine, the lines of worry softening as she looks up and catches my eye. “Is everything okay?”
“Dillon’s in a generous mood,” I say, my pulse quickening at the sight of her. “I just scored a whole week off from the station.”
“Really? That’s amazing!” she exclaims as I walk over and sit down on the side of the bed. “What are your plans for your time off?”
“Well, I was thinking of dragging you in front of a judge to get married,” I say, leaning in closer, enjoying the incredulous look spreading across her face.
“Uh…” Her mouth falls open as shock mingled with amusement crosses her beautiful face. I’m mentally practicing all my arguments when she smiles brightly, taking away my breath. “Let’s do it!”
Her reaction sends happiness flowing through my soul. “I love you.” I lean over and kiss her soft lips. The beeping monitor fades into the background as we celebrate our bright future.