Chapter 13: Visiting

Ashley came into Andros's room to see him asleep. She got herself to his bed and sat on the edge of it. She reached out and touched his long hair with a smile. Andros opened his eyes and smiled to see Ashley sitting there. "Ashley," he whispered.

"Hey, how are you feeling?" She asked.

"Like I have a thousand needles going through my stomach," he replied.

Tears fell down her face. "Andros…I'm so sorry," she whispered. Andros stroked her face.

"Sorry for what?" He asked.

"I got you all mixed up into this."

Andros sat up slowly and held her hands. "Ashley, I promised I'd protect you from anything when we came home," he answered.

"But…I almost lost you because of him," she whispered.

Andros slowly leaned forward and placed a kiss on her forehead. Ashley sighed and pressed her forehead against his. "I love you," she whispered.

"I love you too," he answered.

Andros pulled back slightly with a smile on his face. "I've wanted to give you something for awhile, but since we've been apart during the past month I haven't gotten the chance to give it to you," he told her.

"And what's that?" She asked.

Andros had her go grab his jacket that was sitting on the back of a chair. Ashley handed the jacket to him and Andros pulled out a red box. Andros opened it to reveal a ring. Tears fell down Ashley's face. "I finally got the ring," he told her. He took her hand and slipped the ring onto her finger. "I'll ask again. Ashley Hammond, will you marry me?" He asked.

"Yes," she replied.

She hugged him gently with a smile on her face. "Yes," she repeated. Andros hugged her back and let out a sigh. He pulled back and placed his hands on her face.

"He's gone now and he'll never come between us ever again," he told her.

Ashley placed her hands over his. "We're finally together," he told her. Ashley nodded with a smile.

"And nothing will tear us apart ever again," she agreed.

Andros placed his hand on the back of her neck and pulled her down for a kiss. Ashley placed her hand on his face while kissing him back. Andros's free hand reached down and placed a hand on her stomach. She covered his hand with hers before pulling back. "I can't believe it," he murmured. Ashley smiled.

"Believe it, Andros. We're going to be parents," she insisted.

"Nervous?" He asked.

"A little bit."

Andros pulled her down to him and they lied on his bed deep in thought. "Everything's going to be okay," he assured her. Ashley snuggled up to him and let out a sigh. She felt safe, actually safe. Her father was going to jail, Andros was okay, she was graduating in three months, she was engaged to Andros, and they were having a baby. She couldn't think of any anything else that could make it even better. Soon, Ashley had fallen asleep in his arms. Andros kissed the side of her head and held her.

"Mr. Karovan?" The doctor called.

Andros gestured for him to stay quiet gesturing to Ashley. "Oh, I see. I came to tell you that there isn't any permanent damage from the knife. You'll be able to go home tomorrow," he informed.

"Thank you. What did the other doctor tell my fiancé about our baby?" Andros asked.

"Dr. Warner told Miss Hammond that the baby's going to be just fine. The baby's strong and healthy. A miracle that it survived the beating."

Andros nodded and felt weight being lifted off his shoulders. "Goodnight Mr. Karovan," the doctor told him.

"Goodnight, doctor," Andros answered.

Once the doctor was gone, Andros pulled Ashley closer to him and let out a sigh. "Things are turning around for us, Ash," he whispered. He closed his eyes and held her to him. "I love you, you and the baby both," he added. Then Andros fell asleep while holding her.