Chapter 7: Happiness and Misery

A month went by and Andros was still staying with Karone and Leo. He was happy to be with his sister, brother-in-law, and his niece. They helped him out the best they could, but one thing was for sure, Andros refused to see another girl. His heart still belonged to the engaged girl back on Earth.

One afternoon, there was a party going on outside of Karone and Leo's house. A small reunion between the Galaxy Rangers. Andros was in the kitchen having a drink when Karone came in. "Mike and Maya have a strong little boy," Andros commented.

"Yep," she agreed.

Karone sat on the counter. "Feeling a bit left out?" She asked. Andros shrugged slightly.

"I'm just working as always," he replied.

Karone laughed slightly and she fidgeted with the dress she was wearing. "Kind of different seeing you in a dress and not all that leather," he commented.

"Well, I have to right now," she answered.

Andros leaned against the wall. "Really and why is that?" He asked. Karone smiled and she bit her lip.

"I'm pregnant again," she replied.

Andros looked at her in disbelief. "I found out this morning. Doctor called right before everyone came," she added.

"Karone…" he trailed off.

He walked over and he hugged his sister. Karone hugged him back and she laughed slightly. He let her go and set her down on the floor. "Does Leo know?" He asked.

"Not yet," she replied.

Andros laughed and pushed her towards the door. "Go tell him," he laughed. Karone kissed his cheek and left the house. Andros watched out the window as Karone walked up to Leo to tell him that she was pregnant again. A smile came across his face as he watched Leo pick Karone up and spin her around the backyard. He let out a sigh and he sat down in front of the computer to get back to work.

(Earth)

Ashley sighed as she looked at herself in the wedding dress. "Sandra, is it just me or did I gain weight?" Ashley asked. Sandra circled around her.

"Well just probably stress hun, I'll just fix it," Sandra assured her.

Ashley sighed. "Thanks," she answered. Sandra let the dress out and Ashley rubbed her forehead.

"Well, this can't be my little Ashley," a voice commented.

Ashley looked over with a smile. "Dad! You're back from London early!" She gasped. She got off the stool and hugged her father. Greg Hammond chuckled as he hugged his daughter.

"I wasn't going to miss my baby girl's wedding no way no how," he answered.

Ashley smiled and he kissed her forehead. "I'm going to get changed out of this dress and we can have lunch," she suggested.

"Sounds great," he answered.

After a few minutes, Ashley came out and she left the dress shop with her father.

They went to Ashley's favorite restaurant and sat down at her usual table. "Well, Miss Big Shot fashion designer, how are things going in your fashion business?" He asked.

"Dad things are going so well you wouldn't believe it!" Ashley replied.

He chuckled and Ashley sat back. "So, where is your soon-to-be husband?" He asked. Ashley took a bite of the bread that was set on the table.

"France," she replied.

"He sure does travel a lot," Greg commented.

"His designs are well known remember?"

"Oh yes, yes how could I forget?"

Ashley giggled and she let out a sigh. "How was your trip to London?" She asked.

"Don't ask. I had to sit next to a screaming baby in coach from there and back. Then they messed up the new building designs I had," he replied.

"Aw poor daddy," she fake mourned.

Greg chuckled. "You seem much happier," he commented. Ashley looked at him with a quizzical look.

"Haven't I always been happy?" She asked.

"You have been, but there's like this sparkle in your eye," he replied.

Ashley smiled and pushed her hair out of her face. "Well, my wedding day is coming closer, I think I should be happy," she answered. Ashley sat back with a sigh.

"You still think of that other boy don't you?" Greg asked.

"How do you know?" She asked.

"Sweetheart, when you were with him you were the happiest girl in the world."

Ashley sighed and played with her engagement ring. "Dad…I saw Andros about a month ago," she murmured. Tears pressed against her eyes. "Now I'm all confused," she added. Greg held her hand.

"Sweetheart, what do you want?" He asked.

"I want the impossible," she replied.

Greg stroked his daughter's face. "I want Andros," she murmured.

"Don't be silly, Ashley, Andros is galaxies away by now," a voice commented.

Ashley wiped her tears away and sat back. "Hello Denise," Greg greeted.

"Hello Greg, glad to see you came for something," Denise commented.

Ashley bit her lip. "Now sweetheart, I just got my dress fitted and it's just gorgeous," she commented.

"That's great mom," Ashley answered.

Ashley pushed her hair out of her face. "So when is Mark coming back from France?" She asked.

"Um…in a few weeks," she replied.

"Well hopefully he'll be back before the wedding."

Ashley played with her ring. "Yeah, he will," she answered.

"Sit up straight Ashley, a lady doesn't slouch," Denise scolded.

Greg looked over at his daughter to see that the sparkle in her eyes went out like someone blew on a candle. "Um…I have…I have to go," Ashley muttered. She got up and left the restaurant.

"Ashley, sweet heart," Greg called.

Greg chased after his daughter. "I have to get back to the office," Ashley insisted. Greg held his daughter's hand.

"Sweetheart, is your mom pushing this?" He asked.

"No of course not," Ashley replied.

"Honey…"

"Dad, I have wedding plans to finish."

She kissed his cheek, got in her car, and drove off.