Wow. You SON readers are hella nice … maybe too nice.
Sorry for the lateness, but finals are over & I am officially done with the year! Now I have a couple of months of nothingness so I'll probably be writing a lot … unless I get the case of writer's block …
Okay, this is the third & last installment of this story. There will NOT be another one, sorry. Now. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I don't own South of Nowhere, blah blah blah.
OH. And a warning: there is major adorable cheesiness to be seen ahead. What can I say? I'm a sucker for fluff. =]
-x-x-x-x-x-x-
April 2019
A lot has happened over the years …
After King High, Blue Eyes and I both went to UCLA, her majoring in film and me in music and business. She now owns her own production company properly called Blue Inc. I had been offered record deals from numerous companies but declined every one of them coz there was no way I'm leaving Blue Eyes to tour so after college I did the next best thing: I opened a record label. It was a slow start but after awhile Pass Time Records became a huge success.
Kyla and Aiden decided to go separate ways when Aiden got his scholarship to Duke and Kyla got accepted to Julliard; they both said that if it were meant to be then they would meet again. And meet again they did, after all Kyla's my sister and Aiden's my best friend, it's kinda hard not to run into each other during Thanksgiving breaks, Christmas breaks, spring breaks, and summer vacations. They now live in New York, Kyla's on Broadway and Aiden got drafted to play for the Knicks. It's like a fairy tale ending for those two, now all they need are a bunch of little min-Aidens running around. Whoa. That's actually a scary thought. Can you imagine a bunch of mini-Aidens running around? I love the guy but one of him is enough.
Madi didn't know what she wanted out of life so she took some time off to travel the world. After a year of partying she decided to get serious and went back to school, majoring in business. She's currently my partner at Pass Time Records. While I handled the musical aspect Madi did most of the paperwork and attended most of the meetings. I might have majored in business but it doesn't mean that I like sitting in a stuffy room discussing contracts.
At this moment, I don't believe that my life can get any better.
-x-x-x-x-x-x-
Leaning against the door frame, I take in the sight before me. It never ceases to astound me how amazing she looks sitting there with little Jordyn on her lap, reading our daughter a bedtime story. It's moments like this that I can't help fall even more in love with her.
"Mommy! You're home!" Jordyn exclaims when she sees me. Hoping off her Mama's lap she rushes to me, her four-year-old body nearly knocking me onto the floor. Using her momentum I spin her around in the air as she giggles. Coming to a stop we clung onto each other before I pull back and puff out a cheek. Knowing that it's her cue Jordyn giggles once again before planting a wet one on me. In return I blow a raspberry on hers, causing yet another fit of giggles to be emitted from my little girl.
"Is Mama getting you ready for bedtime?" I ask, walking us to her bed. Jordyn Mackenzie Davies was born four years ago on March 28, 2015 after six years of dating and two years of marriage. She's the sweetest little girl in the world, never causes trouble or cry without valid reason. I like to think she gets all of her good traits from her Mama but Blue Eyes is adamant on the fact that Jordyn gets her charms from me. I strongly disagree though coz anyone with ears can tell that my Blue Eyes is one helluva smooth talker.
"Uh huh. She was reading me a story."
"Really, and what story was she reading?"
Once we're close enough to her bed, Jordyn wiggles out of my grasp to retrieve the book; holding it up she announces, "Harry Potter!"
Giving my wife an incredulous look I have to ask. "Really Spence, Harry Potter?"
"What? She picked it out," Blue Eyes retaliates as she gets up. "You're home early."
"Yeah, well I was able to finish early and wanted to make it in time for her story," I say as I wrap my arms around her waist and give her a kiss. "I can't believe she picked Harry Potter, whatever happened to Dr. Seuss?"
"We finished those back when she was two."
"But The Cat in the Hat is a classic. You can't do better than that."
"Mommy! Let Mama go, we're not done yet."
Turning to the toddler on the bed I raise an eyebrow. "Oh really?"
"Yeah, Harry was about to save Ginny when you came in."
"But wouldn't it be better if I sang you a song than have your Mama finish that chapter?"
"Or Mama can finish the chapter now and you can sing when she's done."
"Well, that's greedy. You can't have both. It's either the chapter or the song," I reply, thinking I won the argument.
"Okay then," Jordyn shrugs. "Mama can finish the chapter and I'll just play that CD you made me for my birthday last month."
Did I mention that my daughter is smart? She gets it from her Mama. Those two will be the death of me one day.
Pouting when I don't have a comeback I settle onto the bed with the other two and listen as Blue Eyes picks up where she left off.
-x-x-x-x-x-x-
October 2007
It's been about six weeks since our first date and we've been going out practically every weekend since then. It's nice having someone other than family care for me so much, having someone go out of her way to get me to smile. It's nice being in like with someone.
Spencer Carlin has become, possibly, the greatest thing to ever happen to me and I can't wait to ask her to be my girlfriend. Only problem is: how do I go about doing it? It has to be something romantic and memorable, something we could retell after being together for years.
Wow. I said years. Can I really picture myself committed to someone for that long? If that person is Spencer Carlin then yeah, I really can. It's crazy though, she's not even my girlfriend yet and I'm already picturing a future with her. It's crazy but at the same time it's not coz it's Spencer Carlin and no one can resist falling for her.
"Hey." I'm broken out of my trance by a soft voice before an even softer kiss is placed on my cheek. Turning I see that Blue Eyes has situated herself to my left, her lunch in front of her.
"Hey," I reply back, not being able to hide the wide smile that breaks out whenever she's around.
"What's going on in that head of yours?"
"Nothing," I fibbed.
"Mhm," she replies, head tilted to the left and an eyebrow quirked. "And why do I get the feeling that you're lying?"
"Because it's impossible for Ash to go a minute without thinking of anything," Kyla chimes in from her seat across the table. "And judging by the glazed look in her eyes, she was probably thinking about you Spencer."
What. The. Hell Kyla? Where the hell is Aiden? Stupid lunchtime basketball meetings.
"And that blush just proves it even more," Madi adds. Everyone's against me.
"Aw, Ash it that true?" Blue Eyes asks. She's trying to hide that smile, but she's not trying hard enough. "Were you thinking about me?"
"Maybe," I mumble, staring intently at the table top. No way am I gonna let them see me blush again. However, I feel gentle hands touch my cheek before I'm staring into those deep blue eyes. When I finally realize what's happening Spencer is kissing me, slowly, passionately and my head is swimming from all of the emotions coursing through my body.
The warmth on my lips disappears only to reappear near my right ear. "If I could reach up and catch a star for every time I think of you, I'd have the whole night sky in the palm of my hands," she whispers.
Oh crap. Here comes another blush. That was cheesy but so cute. And from the coos I hear, Kyla and Madi heard it too. Great, that's another thing they can tease me about. They'll be quoting Blue Eyes for a good week or so. Damn it. Why'd my Blue Eyes have to be such a sweet talker? But I've gotta admit, she pulls it off well.
-x-x-x-x-x-x-
"You guys I need your help with something," I say taking a seat on the couch. It was our weekly movie night and Blue Eyes wasn't able to make it. I was leaning back on the couch next to Madi while Ky and Aiden are cuddled up on the recliner. That boy practically claimed that thing as his years ago. "I don't know how to ask Spencer to be my girlfriend."
Madi practically choked on her drink. "Wait, you two aren't together yet? What's been going on these past six weeks?"
"We're still in the dating phase," I say defensively. "We're taking it slow."
"Six weeks chica, six weeks!"
"I think it's cute. It shows that she cares enough about Spencer to take things slow," Kyla chimes in as Aiden merely nods in agreement.
"But six weeks!"
"Urgh, let it go Madi and help me. I don't know how to ask her and I want it to be romantic, something memorable."
"Do you not have a romantic bone in your body Davies? It's not that hard to think something up."
"I'm not good at this kind of thing."
"It's true, all she had to do before was show up for the sex," Aiden says.
"Ew, Aid that's my sister."
"Babe, you know it's true."
"Yeah but it doesn't mean I wanna hear about it. It's disturbing and I have a very vivid imagination." HA! Me too! We probably get it from Dad. Sadly, Kyla can't sing for the life of her.
"While Lucy and Ricky go at it we can come up with something," Madi says as she waves a hand at the pair. "How about a picnic beneath the stars?"
"Ooh, that's good," Kyla smirks. "Spencer seems to have a thing for stars."
And she just had to bring that up. Here comes the blush. "Shut up."
"Wait, what does that mean?" Aiden asks.
"The cutest thing happened today at lunch," Kyla squeals. Please don't say it.
"Cheesy but absolutely adorable!" Madi adds. Oh who am I kidding? There's nothing I can do to stop these two.
"So Spencer, Madi and I were teasing Ash about daydreaming about Spencer when -"
"Spencer plants a big one on her and says, 'If I could reach up and catch a star for every time I think about you -'"
"'I'd have the whole night sky in the palm of my hands.' Ash was blushing like crazy."
Aiden whistles. "Wow Ash, you've got quite the charmer on your hands."
"She's just really sweet," I say, a small smile gracing my face.
"You know they talk like every night," Kyla reveals.
What the hell? "How do you know?"
"I might have listened in on a couple," she says nonchalantly. "It's extremely sweet. I think I've developed some cavities from the excessiveness of it."
"What were they talking about?" Of course Madi wants the dirt. She probably thinks we're having phone sex or something.
"Nothing and everything. They go from talking about their childhoods to favorite colors to school."
"You talk about school?" Madi asks, giving me an incredulous look. "How lame."
"We talk about everything," I say, remembering our conversation the other night. Blue Eyes revealed that she still sleeps with the bear her parents gave to her when she was four; she calls him Mr. Brownie after her favorite dessert. How adorable is that?
Snapping causes me to come back to the present. "Eh chica, you still with us?"
"Yeah, just -"
"Thinking about Spencer," all three of them say.
"Maybe," I mumble. Seriously, this girl's got me thinking about her 24/7. "Can we just get back to the topic at hand? How do I go about asking Spencer to be my girlfriend?"
-x-x-x-x-x-x-
It's finally Saturday and I'm nervous as hell. I'm literally shaking from anticipation.
"Ash. Ash. Ashley!"
"What?" Focusing my attention on Kyla I see she's a little agitated, but a little concerned as well.
"I've been calling you for the past minute. What's up?"
"Nothing, just nerves I guess." However impossible it may seem, I've never had a girlfriend or boyfriend. I've never been in a relationship before. Before Blue Eyes, it's been 'fuck'em and dump'em.' "Did Aiden fix the lights?"
"Yeah, there was a loose bulb so they bought a new set. Now, are you ready?"
"Yeah, I think so," I reply, wiping my hands over my clothes. "Did you get the dress?"
"Yes, Glen brought it while you were getting ready. Look, just go downstairs and wait outside with the others. Madi, Chels and I got the rest."
"You sure Glen didn't say anything to Spencer?" I ask as she begins dragging me down the stairs. Blue Eyes thinks that she's coming over for a simple movie night. Leading me to the backyard I'm blown away with the transformation. "You guys. This is amazing."
Let me break down what happened. After a lot of planning we decided to get Clay, Chelsea and Glen to help. It was pretty easy to get them to agree and soon Madi was giving off orders. From our late night conversations I remembered that Spencer loved Italian food. Originally I had planned on ordering out when Clay revealed that he was a pretty good cook and Glen vouched for him saying that he was almost as good as Mr. C. I've been to dinner at their house a few times so I let him take the reins on dinner and dessert.
Madi had called in to order a glass floor to cover the pool and that came in the other day so that part was settled. I was a bit apprehensive about that part but the guy assured me that the glass was three inches thick and would not break under the circumstances. I hope not, dinner would be on that thing.
Aiden and Glen had gone out and purchased a bunch of white Christmas lights and hung them around the area. Kyla had called a florist a few days ago and ordered twelve dozen lavender tulips: Spencer's favorites. She, Madi, Chelsea and I went to pick them up today and pulled the petals off of eleven dozen of them to scatter around the area while the last dozen waited to be given to Blue Eyes.
Glen had another task besides the lights, probably the trickiest of all. He had to sneak into Blue Eyes' closet and get her white dress and heels to match. According to Chelsea it's the perfect outfit for this night. Since Madi hasn't blown a gasket over anything yet I've concluded that he didn't completely screw up and pick the wrong dress or shoes.
Before going upstairs to get ready I saw that Clay was still making the dessert, brownies á la mode, another favorite of Spencer's while Aiden and Glen carried the table and seats out onto the glass-covered pool.
I've gotta say that Blue Eyes has got the best brothers and friend in the world to be helping me with all of this, not to mention my own sister and friends. These guys are the best.
-x-x-x-x-x-x-
Blue Eyes had arrived an hour ago and from what I've heard, she's upstairs getting primped up by Madi, Ky and Chels. The table is set, the food is out, and the lights are all working, but damn I'm still nervous. This might be too much, too extravagant. Damn it. I should've stuck to something simpler.
And this glass floor isn't making me feel any better.
Hearing voices getting close and heels clicking on the tile floor I quickly smooth out my appearance. My hair was straightened, a red bow carefully placed atop my head and my bangs swept to the right. My spaghetti strapped dress, also red, was made of silk, the front an inch below my knees and the back falling mid-calf. As for shoes Kyla and Madison had rummaged through my closet until they found these four-inch black stilettos.
"Ashley?"
Looking up I feel the wind being knocked out of me. My god she looks absolutely angelic. Her own spaghetti strapped dress was white and only came down to mid-thigh, a fact that I was not aware of but wasn't complaining about; I'll have to remember to thank Chelsea for picking it out. Upon her feet are a pair of white heels that make her legs go on for days. The usually straight golden locks I was so accustomed to were curled and teased to be given a look of volume but otherwise left down and cascaded around her shoulders. Her face was clear of make-up aside from eyeliner and lip gloss, just the way I liked it; she didn't need all that gunk to look beautiful.
Her eyes are wide with what I hope to be a mixture of amazement and shock as she takes in the sight before her.
"Ashley?" Again I'm knocked out of my stupor, and this time she's walking towards me. As she's taking a step onto the glass floor I quickly grab the bouquet sitting on the table beside me and hold them out to her.
"Hey."
"Hey," Blue Eyes replies as she takes the bouquet, smelling the flowers with a content-looking smile gracing her features. "What is all of this?"
"Dinner," I reply simply.
"Just dinner? Cos it looks like you went through a lot of trouble that paid off. This is beautiful Ash."
"I wanted tonight to be special."
"Why tonight? What makes this night so special?" she asks with her trademark head tilt. Is she trying to kill me with that look? She could get me to do so many things with that head tilt; add in a smile and I'm a goner.
"Coz tonight's the night I ask you to be my girlfriend," I say, looking directly into those baby blues. "And it's also the night I hope you say 'yes.'"
After that statement, silence is casted down on us and either one of us says a word. Why isn't she saying anything? Why are you just looking at me? Say something Blue Eyes. You're killing me with the silence. Shit. Does this mean 'no'? Is she rejecting me with silence? My goodness Blue Eyes, if you're saying 'no' then just say it; don't let me stand here looking like a complete idiot.
An idiot who woke up at the crack of dawn in order to get all of this put together. An idiot who asked your brothers and best friend for help in hopes that you would agree to be my girl. An idiot who was dumb enough to let her guard down around you coz she thought you could be the one.
SAY SOMETHING! And what's with the smile?
"I can't say 'yes' if you don't ask me Ash."
Oh. OH. Well I feel like an idiot.
"Blue Eyes," I say, staring straight at her. "Will you be my girlfriend?"
-x-x-x-x-x-x-
April 2019
"Ash. Ash, baby, wake up." That voice and the combination of a light shaking of my shoulder brings me out of my slumber. Opening my eyes I see that I'm still in Jordyn's bed, my little girl is curled against my side clutching onto the stuffed elephant her mama won for me so many years ago (wow I feel old) and my Blue Eyes is standing next to me with her hand on my shoulder.
"Hey," I rasp out while rubbing at my eyes tiredly.
"Hey yourself," she whispers. "Come on, let's tuck her in and get to our own bed."
Nodding I carefully crawl out of the bed and situate my daughter comfortably on her back, bringing the comforter over her small frame. Stretching upwards I let out a small groan before letting my arms fall to my side, catching the hand offered to me. Leaning down I place a kiss on Jordyn's forehead before whispering, "Night Baby Girl."
Blue Eyes does the same and whispers, "Sleep tight sweetie" before gently tugging me out of the room.
In a semi-awake trance I make it to our bedroom without bumping into anything. The second the door is shut I'm pulling off my shirt and jeans and pulling on the large night shirt handed to me. I stumble to the bed and crawl under the comforter, seeking warmth. However, it isn't until Blue Eyes is next to me, on her side with her arm wrapped around my stomach and mine around her shoulders that I am content.
"Night Ash."
"Night Blue Eyes."
-x-x-x-x-x-x-
"Mommy! Mama! It's time to get up! Up! Up! Up!" Urgh. What the?
"Come on! It's Saturday!" Right. Saturday. So why are we waking up so early? I miss the good ol' days when Jordyn was still in her crib with those nice big bars keeping her in. We'd know she's safe and I'd get an hour or so more of sleep. But then came the big girl bed, and now I'm getting woken up at the crack of dawn. Okay, it's eight o'clock but come on! It's Saturday!
"Baby Girl it's still early. Go back to sleep," I grumble, allowing my eyes to open halfway. When the bouncing doesn't stop I reach out to grab onto the overexcited four-year-old and turn over so I'm hovering over her. Placing my hands strategically in place I ask, "Are we going back to sleep?"
"Haha, no," she giggles out. Okay, don't say I didn't warn her. Looking to the side I see Blue Eyes looking highly amused.
"What do you think?" I ask her.
"Let's do it," she says before the two of us lung at the small girl. Shrieks and giggles filled the room as we continued to tickle Jordyn, showing no mercy until "Okay! I give! Mommy! Mama! Stop! I'm sorry!"
Ceasing the attack Blue Eyes and I settle on either side of the heavily breathing little girl. "Well, I don't know about you but I can't go back to sleep now. So who's up for breakfast?"
Eyes brightening with her childish glee Jordyn asked, "Can we make chocolate chip pancakes?"
"With whip cream and a strawberry on top!" I exclaim with a tap on her nose even though I know it's not the healthiest breakfast for a growing four-year-old and that I'll get scolding for even suggesting it.
"Isn't that a little too much junk food for breakfast?" my oh-so-lovely wife asks with an eyebrow quirked in my direction.
"Come on Spence, it's not like we do this every day or even every week. A little sugar isn't gonna do any bad."
"She's gonna have a sugar rush and be off the walls."
"That's why afterwards we're going to the beach so she can use all of that energy."
"Really Mommy? We're going to the beach today?" Hopeful eyes look up at me, the same eyes she inherited from her Mama; she also got the pout from her Mama. Like I said, those two are gonna be the death of me.
"Well Baby Girl, do you wanna go to the beach?" I ask already knowing the answer. The beach is our favorite place to go as a family.
"Beach! Beach! Beach!" she begins chanting as she jumps out of our bed and runs out the door, probably to put on her swim suit.
"I'll start the batter, you get the girl," Blue Eyes sighs as she leans in to give me a chaste kiss. "Hmm and good morning."
"Morning," I breathe out. As she gets out of bed I allow myself to fall backwards and take a moment to bask in the feeling of the numerous pillows surrounding me. Life has been too generous to me. Everything that I have now: a beautiful wife, an adorable daughter, a supportive sister, two amazing best friends, awesome in-laws, it's so much more than I can ask for. What did I ever do to deserve any of this?
You know what, screw those thoughts. I'm not going to bother wondering why I was so blessed. Instead I'm going to appreciate everything and everyone I have in my life and make the best of every single day. These past years with Blue Eyes have been incredible and the oncoming years will be just as incredible, if not more, if I have anything to say about it. And it'll start with me getting out of this bed and to my daughter's room.
It takes a little motivation but I'm able to pull myself away from the comfortable pillows and make the bed. Once the sheets are in place I bring my arms over my head and stretch, twisting one way then the other to work out any kinks.
Okay, let's see what my Baby Girl is doing right now. Walking towards the four-year-olds room I hear the ending verse to a song I recorded specifically for Jordyn's birthday. Standing in the doorway I watch in amusement as the ball of energy parades around her room in nothing but her one-piece suit and shorts, a comb in one hand as she sings along to the lyrics. I remember doing that way back when I was six, watching my dad performing on MTV as I dance around the living room in one of his button-up shirts wishing I could be just like him.
As the song comes to an end I bring my hands together in a slow clap, catching the brunette's attention. Realizing she has an audience, Jordyn bounds her way to me, "Come on Mommy sing with me!"
Laughing at her enthusiasm I shake my head lightly. "Baby Girl we've gotta go help Mama with breakfast. And the sooner we finish breakfast the sooner we get to the beach."
Blue eyes lighten up as if coming to a realization. "Well what are you doing standing there for? Let's go!"
Quickly she bounds down the stairs and I chuckle as I follow. "Was I that excited when I was four?"
"MOMMY! COME ON!"
Maybe we should nix on the whip cream and strawberry toppings.
-x-x-x-x-x-x-
That's it. That's all I've got for this story. Hope you liked it. =]