I need you

Chapter 14 – Token of love

Carlos was waiting for them when Andros pushed Ashley out of the hospital. Carefully he lifted her from the wheelchair and eased her into the back of the black SUV. "I'm not going to break." Ashley teased gently, repeating her same words when she had first told him she was pregnant, though she was touched by his tenderness.

"I'm not taking any chances." Andros stated firmly, echoing his response to her statement months ago. "I need you Ash, I'm never leaving you or this baby again." He promised her determined, leaning over to give her a quick kiss before settling in to the seat next to her. Carlos slowly pulled away.

"Where are we going?" Ashley asked suspiciously when they passed the street where she lived.

"Kim said she had a ton of stuff we can use, we just have to pick it up." Andros informed her. Ashley didn't say anything, just nodded her head and stared out the window. Andros took that time to observe her; he hoped she was as okay as she pretended to be. It stung him a little to know she wasn't being totally honest with him, but he knew he needed to earn her trust back, to prove to her he wasn't going to leave.

She was still a little pale, but defiantly looked a lot better than last night. The sight of her lying crumpled on the floor scared him out of his mind. He had prayed more than he ever had before that she and the baby were fine. When the doctor confirmed that all she needed was some bed rest, he vowed to not leave her. Now he only needed Ashley to believe that.

"Can't I stay here?" Ashley complained tiredly. She wasn't in the mood to see anyone yet. "Ash, I honestly don't know what we have for the baby, I really need your help in choosing what we need." Andros admitted slowly.

Ashley stared at him for a minute before relenting. He seemed to be trying; he seemed to be here for the long haul. She knew he deserved a second chance. "Alright." She conceded softly, allowing him to carefully lift her from the car. Instead of putting her down though, he kept her close to his chest as he held her tightly, breathing in the familiar vanilla scent of her hair.

Carlos recognized their need to be alone so he went to the house alone. "Surprise!" A chorus of voices rang out as soon as the door opened.

"Andros?" Ashley whispered when he didn't speak. He didn't move for a few minutes, treasuring the feel of her once again in his arms. "I'm sorry Ashley." He apologized sincerely, tears running off his face and unto hers. She was startled at the wetness on her cheeks, but she wasn't sure if they were his tears or her own.

"I love you, you know." She reminded him as she pulled her face away from his chest to finally look at him. "Good." He replied happily, "Because I love you." She smiled as he leaned down to get a long awaited kiss.

"Its just Carlos." TJ groaned when they realized it wasn't Ashley in the doorway. "What do you mean its just Carlos?" The former black ranger demanded, pretending to be offended.

"God Carlos, we give you one job and you can't handle it." Cassie teased him affectionately. "Look they needed some time. They'll be here in a minute." He remarked in a serious tone.

"Is everything okay?" Tommy asked concerned. Kim looked at him worried, maybe today was too soon to have a shower for Ashley, she had only gotten out of the hospital this morning after all.

"Everything's fine." Andros commented from the open doorway as he led Ashley in to a nearby chair. The group looked chagrined as the surprise was ruined, but Ashley didn't seem to care. "Thanks guys." She said with a huge smile.

The afternoon flew by as presents were handed to the mom-to-be. Andros never left her side long, getting her drinks when she needed, and bringing her some of her cravings. Luckily, Kim and Tommy still had some nachos and chocolate ice cream from when Kim had been pregnant.

"So when are you going to get engaged?" Zhane wondered cheerfully. "Actually, I think we already are." Andros announced. "At least I hope so." He said expectantly, looking at Ashley for confirmation. She nodded happily.

"What do you mean you already are?" TJ asked suspiciously. "We would have known." He added insulted, crossing his arms and waiting for an explanation.

"When?" Cassie demanded not seriously. "The morning after Andros came home and I told him I was pregnant." Ashley replied, smiling as she thought of that day.

"But then the quantrons attacked and Ashley was held captive by Darkonda, and we didn't get to talk about it, let alone tell anyone." Andros added.

"How did he ask?" Kim, the hopeless romantic, wanted to know. "He asked me to marry him in the bathroom after he came in and found me throwing up and I told him I was pregnant." Ashley enlightened her friends.

"How romantic." Zhane remarked sarcastically, leaning over to smack Andros on the arm.

"Hey, I see one more gift." Karone chirped as she reached under all the paper to find a small box. She handed it to Ashley, but Andros grabbed it first. Looking at her he could see the love shining in her eyes and it gave him the confidence he needed to explain.

"Ashley, I wanted to give you something special for you and our baby. A token of my love for you, and for our child." Andros started.

I will love you forever and I'm so glad we're together; because there's no one else I could imagine spending the rest of my life with, having many children with, and growing old with. I promise I will never leave you and will always do whatever it takes to make you happy, to protect you, and to cherish you for the rest of my life. I want us to be a family. Will you marry me?"

Silent gasps of surprise filled the room as they waited for her response. They didn't have to wait long. "Yes." Ashley replied simply, as a smile came over her face as Andros slipped the precious diamond on her finger. She let him draw her close for a hug and finally a long, satisfying kiss.

"That's better." Zhane muttered as the couple continued their embrace.

"Congratulations!" Cassie, Carlos, and the others all yelled when they finally broke apart. Their friends descended on them to give them hugs and good wishes.

"How about a date?" Zhane shouted over all the commotion. "What are you? The wedding planner?" Andros joked with a laugh.

"As soon as I fit into a wedding dress." Ashley commented with a laugh, as she stared at her expanding belly. "Once the doctor says you can." Andros amended tenderly, reminded of her still fragile condition. "Speaking of which, I think it's time to get you home." He decided thoughtfully. Ashley willingly let him ease her out of the chair as she thanked everyone for their thoughtfulness, and allowed Andros to escort her to the car.