Many thanks for the lovely reviews for chapter 11!

LoveAsh87 – Thanks for all the incredibles lol

hugbuddy13, DontMindBnCrazy & Gamil – Thank you for your kind words and encouragement. I am so glad you liked chapter 11!

2bz2breading – Yeah I felt the need for a bit of happiness after all the drama I put them (and everyone who has been reading) through.

mutt009 – Thanks for you review and kind words. It means a lot to hear that this story has been inspiring and given you hope!

prissy020304 – Thanks so much! I really didn't want to go the typical route and have either Ash or Spencer find solace in alcohol and another girl. I think in this story their love is so strong that doing that wouldn't have been fitting.

Hope you guys enjoy chapter 12! So sorry for the delay in getting it posted.

You Have To Go There To Come Back

Chapter 12

Ashley's POV

I was in heaven, totally walking around on a cloud, cheesy as that sounds. Everything was practically perfect. I had the most beautiful and wonderful woman, I had a great record label which was actually starting to become a success. People were recognising my name as more than Kyla's Wood's sister or Raife Davies daughter. I was making it in my own right. I was a damn lucky bitch.

Although I think I was starting to annoy people with my constant cheeriness. Yeah so I guess bursting into spontaneous love songs at odd times (like staff meetings or in line at the grocery store) could get kind of annoying, but everyone can just shut up, if they had a Spencer they'd be deliriously happy too!

The label was going great guns, we had signed quite a few artists and were really getting some notice. Arona's single, 'Facing Who I am' had made it into the top ten and was a huge hit in the alternative scene, while their second single was getting heaps of radio coverage. We were in the process of planning a tour for them while at the same time getting several other artists and band's work ready to launch. I was in the studio a fair bit, but it was ok because Spencer had decided that my office was a great place for her to study or work on her own projects on her laptop.

We had managed to find a balance. We were both leading full lives but that didn't effect us. Spencer had college, her work at MTV and a new documentary she was working on, while I had the label. Through it all though we kept sight of the fact that the most important thing was each other. We supported each other's work and passions but didn't let them come between us. Maybe we were finally in an adult relationship, I know, took us long enough.

I was in the studio with a new artist, Josh Fielding, recording a few songs for his debut album. I'd met Josh when I went with Spencer to an on campus bar called UCLB. He was playing a set and had the whole room full of drunken co-eds enthralled. I was certain he could be great, and so far my instincts were proving right. His voice was husky and his skill on the piano far out stripped mine and I think I'm pretty damn good!

He had a class with Spencer so he had also become a firm friend. He was actually the subject of her latest project. She was following his journey from his beginnings at college bars to wherever the label could take him. The documentary would actually be great for us while we promoted him. I'll admit though I was pretty jealous of him and all the time Spencer was spending with him…until I met his Abercrombie-model looking boyfriend Harrison.

I looked over at Spencer, who sat cross legged on a chair with her camera trained on Josh while he recorded a song I'd written for him. She occasionally swept the camera over to catch me and Grey as we checked the levels and all that technical jazz. I was so aware of her it was hard to act natural when the camera pointed to me, which she would tease me about later.

After Josh had finished recording I told him and Grey to head off, it had been a long day and they had worked hard, plus I was taking my Baby out for dinner. It was officially three months since we had gotten back together and I wanted to celebrate. I had a pretty special night planned, nothing too elaborate because I know my girl and I know if given the choice she's always pick a simple night between the two of us.

I went into the recording booth and started tidying up the sheets of music. I glanced back through the glass and see Spencer watching me with a soft smile on her face. I smiled back at her, my-nose crinkling in the way it always seems to. I am so in love with that woman. I picked up the last sheet of music and wandered back into the room. Spencer was still sitting in the chair so I walked over and straddled her lap.

"Hey gorgeous, you wanna get out of here?" I asked, moving my lips to lie against hers.

"Yeah let's head out. Are you going to tell me what we're doing?"

I chuckled and shook my head, "Spence you know me better than that, of course I'm not. You really need to learn the definition of surprise my lovely," I teased.

She pouted in the most adorable way making me chuckle again before I kissed her sweetly on her full lips. She kissed me back and I had to really convince myself to pull away from her so I could get our night underway. She laughed, as if she knew exactly what I was thinking, which she probably did, and slid her hand into mine as we walked out of the building. I led her to my car and opened the passenger side door for her before jogging round to jump in the driver's side. I kissed her cheek softly before starting the car and driving off to our first destination.

I will admit I'd had a little help setting up for tonight, I just wanted to show her that she was my everything. I wanted her to know just how much I loved her. I parked in the deserted car park at the beach and we stepped out of the car. I wrapped my arm snugly around her waist and felt her arm circle my shoulders. We kicked off our shoes and walked down to our spot under the pier.

I had gotten Aiden to come down earlier to set up the scene that was now making Spencer stand with her mouth open and her eyes wide. Under the pier there was a blanket with a picnic basket and an ice bucket with a bottle of wine. There were tall torches lit in a circle around the blanket and white fairy lights hung from the pier. A portable CD player was playing soft romantic music that echoed across the empty shore. Aiden had even rigged curtains that hung from the pier that gave us some privacy, I really must remember to thank that boy!

Spencer had been silent for a while so I turned to her, feeling a little apprehensive, "is it ok Baby?"

Spencer turned to face me, her big blue eyes shining with unshed tears, "Honey it's perfect, I can't believe you did all this for me."

I smiled and pulled her close, "Well technically I made Aiden do all this for you." Spencer laughed, a beautifully soft musical sound that I felt flow over me. "I just wanted to do something special to show you how happy you make me. When I lost you I truly thought I'd never get to hold you again and it nearly destroyed me. I love you and I wanted to show you that you are my priority, you are my everything."

Spencer leaned in and caught my lips in a fiercely passionate kiss. I felt like I was drowning in her, and I really didn't mind. Her hands made their way up to tangle in my curls, while I cupped her face in my hands. We kissed deeply until we both needed to breathe.

I led her to the blanket and we sat down. I loved the way the flames from the torches flickered across her face, she really looked like an angel. I took her hand in mine, brining it to my lips so I could gently kiss each of her knuckles. She smiled at me, her eyes bright in the fire light.

"Thank you. I love you Ashley Davies, so much. I am completely and permanently in love with you and that will never change. If our love is strong enough to weather what we've been through then it is strong enough to last. You are my first and forever love Ash and I am so glad we found our way here." A lone tear trickled down her cheek, which I tenderly wiped away with my thumb while I cradled her face in my hand.

I kissed her, softly at first but then more passionately as she moved closer to me. I felt her body pressed against mine and moaned into her kiss, making her smile. She pulled back after a few minutes and looked at me with a smirk, "So beautiful, what's in the basket?"

I couldn't believe that she was thinking about food when all I wanted to eat was…well you get the picture. Spencer chuckled at my incredulous look and kissed me lovingly on the cheek, not quite what I wanted but hey I'll take it.

I pulled the basket over and started to extract the food from within. Spencer looked on with child-like delight as I pulled out an array of her favourite foods. We had four chocolate covered donuts (no way in hell would I let her eat them all, she'd be buzzed for hours!), her Dad's homemade pasta salad, fresh bread, cheese, crackers and a few dips, a fruit salad and a few of her Mom's homemade brownies (they were the only thing Mrs C. could actually cook without causing food poisoning). I opened the bottle of white wine I'd brought, it still amazed me how easy it was for me to buy alcohol I'm not actually sure I can remember when I last got asked for id? Ah well.

I handed Spencer her glass and she raised it, "To us my love." I echoed her words and we drank from our glasses. We laughed and joked while we ate, the food was perfect, if I do say so myself, but I did cave in and let my girl have three of the four donuts (what she pouted at me…anyone would have caved seeing that adorably sexy pout!). Spencer was on a bit of a sugar high, but it just made her cuter.

Spencer was standing watching the ocean while I changed the CD. I smiled to myself and walked up behind her, wrapping my arms securely around her waist. I felt her relax in my arms and kissed her softly on the side of her neck before resting my chin on her shoulder.

"You know, before we broke up Chelsea gave me some advice. She told me that by not striving for your dreams you become less of the person you are, less of the person your partner fell in love with. I think that's true. We broke up and then both worked hard to reach for our dreams and look at us now, together and more in love than ever. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I am proud of you and I kinda love you Davies," she murmured while watching the tide.

I tightened my grip on her waist and kissed her on the neck again, "I kinda love you too Carlin. And I agree with Chelsea. By not trying to be the best version of yourself you end up short changing not only yourself but the person who loves you as well. I know you considered not taking that job at MTV because of me, but I am so glad that you did. I love seeing you achieving your dream Spencer. I don't think we would be as strong of a couple this time around if we weren't both living such full lives."

Spencer turned around in my arms and pressed her forehead against mine. I felt her warm breath on my cheeks and I couldn't resist any longer, I kissed her lips, pulling her body as close to mine as was humanly possible. I turned us around and began walking her backwards towards the blanket, where I lay her gently down on her back. I lay beside her, propped up on my elbow, so I could look down over her.

I tucked some of her golden hair behind her ear as I caressed her face with my fingers. I felt her hand stroke the back of my neck as she pulled my lips to hers. I poured my heart, soul and love for her into that kiss, leaving us both breathless. I placed gentle kisses on her cheeks before lying down in her arms, my cheek resting over her heart. Her arms wrapped around me and I immediately felt content and at peace. She always had an amazingly calming effect on me, when she wasn't totally turning me on and making me crazy.

Spencer's POV

We lay in each others arms for a long time, not speaking just enjoying the feeling of being together. After a while Ashley got to her feet and helped me to stand. She started cleaning up from our dinner, but swatted me away when I tried to help. I giggled and watched her work. She left everything in a pile and gave me a shrug, "Aiden is picking all this up for me, I think Kyla beat him into it." I laughed and pulled her into my arms.

She held me close as I whispered, "So where to now?"

"Well…I was thinking we could make out in the backseat of my car?" I playfully punched her in the arm making her laugh, "Ok then how about plan b?"

"Plan b?" I asked raising an eyebrow, I will admit I was rather intrigued.

"Plan b," Ashley gave me a smirk and a wink, God she's even sexy when she's pretending to be all sleazy! I let her pull me by the hand back up the beach and to the car. She helped me in before jumping into the driver's seat and pulling out of the car park.

"So where is plan b?" I asked, knowing full well that Ashley would never tell me. That girl of mine loves surprises! Ashley just chuckled and turned on the radio. I smiled and relaxed back into my seat, whatever the surprise was I'm sure I would love it.

After about five minutes Ashley parked the car in front of a beautiful house overlooking the beach. The house was in darkness as we walked hand in hand up to the front door. Even in the dark I could tell this place was beautiful. It was a two-storey place with balconies over looking the ocean. The bottom floor had a deck all around it and French doors and huge windows making up most of the walls.

The front yard had a beautifully kept garden and the smell of roses and lavender was mixing with the smell of the ocean on the breeze. I smiled in confusion as I watched Ashley pull out a set of keys and unlock the front door. She just smirked at me before taking my hand and leading me into the darkened house.

We walked to the centre of the room and Ashley left me there to go and hit the lights. The lights came up and I turned around, taking in the beauty of the house. It was very open plan, especially without furniture, the whole place had a feeling of light and freedom. It felt peaceful here. I smiled at my girl as she circled my waist with her arms, "Why are we here Ash?"

Ashley grinned in a cheeky way and kissed me gently on the cheek. "I want to give you a tour." I grinned, confused, but let her drag me around the house. It was breathtakingly beautiful and I'll admit I was already very in love with it. The house was decorated in soft blues, greens and whites. It was the most relaxing house I had ever been inside of.

Ashley led me into the last room on the top floor, she opened the door and I found myself in what I assumed would be the master bed room. I felt all the air leave my lungs and tears of happiness fill my eyes. The French doors were open to the balcony, giving a stunning view of the ocean below. The room was filled with white candles floating in glass bowls. The floor was covered in white and red rose petals, except for the middle of the room. A mattress was set up there, cushions and soft blankets in reds and whites arranged oh so invitingly.

I felt Ashley's arms find their way around my stomach and I leaned back against her body. She put her lips on my ear and whispered, "Do you like the house baby?"

"What's not to like Ash, it's beautiful, perfect. So who is lucky enough to own this amazing place?" I murmured.

"Well baby, if you like, us."

"Huh? What? Can you please repeat that?" I asked confused, but secretly starting to get really excited.

Ashley let out a husky laugh and turned me around in her arms, "Like I said baby if you like this place then it's ours. I love you and I know that I want to wake up with you every morning and go to sleep in your arms every night. I'll repeat, if you like this place then it's ours."

I looked at her a felt the hugest smile cover my face. I bit my bottom lip and crushed our bodies against one another as I pulled her into a deep, passionate kiss. I kissed her until we were both breathless and gasping. Ashley laughed and murmured against my lips, "Should I take that as a yes then?"

"Yes, yes, yes! My God yes! I love you and I want to live with you and fuck do I want to live in this beautiful house!" I gushed, almost jumping up and down as happiness coursed through my body. Ashley grinned and pulled me to her again. We kissed more slowly this time, tenderness and love effortlessly expressed. I felt myself being lowered to the mattress in the middle of what would be our bedroom, Ashley's lips never leaving mine.

She laid me back on the mattress and lowered herself over me, leaving no space between our bodies. She rested her hands either side of my head and stared down into my eyes, her expression so full of love it made me melt (figuratively speaking of course). "You know I tell you I love you all the time and it just doesn't seem enough. I wish there were words enough to convey the depth of my feelings for you but they just don't exist. Spencer Carlin you are the best and most wonderful thing that has ever happened to me and I am so glad you want to live here…with me," Ashley said as tears started to trickle from her mocha eyes.

I reached up and gently wiped away her tears with my thumb, I was so choked up I couldn't get words to pass my lips. I beamed up at her and kissed her, hoping to convey the breadth of my feelings for her with that kiss. That kiss quickly turned into another, then another as we lost ourselves in the heaven we could only find together.

It was one of the most sensual nights of my life. Our caresses were slow, languid and tender. We took the time to complete consume each other and passed out from sheer, blissful exhaustion just as the sun was coming up over the ocean.

Ashley's POV

Finally it's moving day, me and my amazingly wonderful girl are moving into what is now to be know as the 'beach house of lurve' (yeah that's right lurve, not love…it sounds dirtier that way). I grinned over at my girl as she put the last plate in the cupboard and started on the glasses. I loved watching her when she was unaware. She was just so beautiful and natural and it made my heart race just to see her.

I must have been staring for a while because Mr. C came up behind me and said in a loud voice, "Might wanna wipe the drool Ash and help us unpack." I blushed like I have never blushed before, especially when everyone started to laugh at me (Spencer most of all). The whole gang had turned up to help us move into our house, although Glen and Kyla had spent most of the morning at the beach and were now watching the plasma. Hmm I think I may have to sic Spencer on them.

"Hey! I've been working, at least I didn't bum around on the beach and then laze around like some people I could mention," I said nodding my head towards our respective siblings as they zoned on the sofa.

Spencer grinned at me and squeezed my hand, "Well that's true," she turned to the freeloaders who were residing on our sofa and barked (hell yes I love an authoritative Spencer, unless it's directed at me…hell who am I kidding I love it when she's all bossy at me!), "Glen, Kyla, if you don't get your ass off my sofa and start helping I'm gonna go get Mom from upstairs and tell her you've been slacking off!"

Well the threat worked, I have never seen those two move faster. Aiden almost wet himself laughing, earning a punch from Kyla and the finger from Glen. Ah gotta love family! Who knew they were so scared of Paula? Well ok so yeah I am still pretty terrified of Mama Carlin, I mean we are total BFFs now but still the woman dragged me out of her house by my hair! You don't forget that one easily.

With all of us working together we got the house set up pretty quickly. Spencer had taken it upon herself to fill the house with photos of all of us, some of them were moving, some sad and some just plain hilarious! This place was totally our home. It was so different from the loft, everything here was ours, not just mine, and plus here we didn't have to share with Kyla. I didn't feel so bad leaving her seeing as Aiden moved in the day I left. Those two almost rivalled Spencer and Me in the cutest couple category…I said almost.

After the unpacking was done Mr. C fired up our brand-spankin new grill and we all sat down for a delicious feast. I was so full by the end of the meal I unashamedly undid my jeans, yeah I'm classy I know! Spencer caught me and just shook her head, her big blue eyes twinkling with laughter. I loved that I could make her eyes twinkle like that.

After dinner we had a slightly embarrassing moment where I stood up forgetting my jeans were undone and well…let's just say they fell down and I tripped…landing ass first into Paula's lap. Oh my God if there was ever a moment to die of embarrassment, that was it. Thank God Paula loves me now, because all she did was laugh instead of beating me to death which I'm sure would have happened in the past.

I blushed harder and faster than I ever had in my life and scrambled off her lap, desperately trying to pull my jeans up without further incident. I did fall over one more time, face first into Spencer's lap (and before you say it, yes it was an accident!). I mumbled an apology and avoided eye contact with everyone as I got my jeans done up. Every single person in the room laughed until they had tears running down their face, and Kyla even had Coke come out of her nose, that was really attractive.

I dashed into the kitchen shouting out that I would go get desert. I buried my face in my hands wishing I could take back the last five minutes of my existence and keep my fucking jeans done up! I was in the kitchen berating myself when my girl wandered in, still laughing I might add. I fixed her with a mock glare and crossed my arms over my chest. This just made her laugh harder. "Shut up Spence, it is so not funny," I said fighting to keep a straight face.

Spencer, with great difficulty, stopped laughing and walked over to me pulling me into her arms. "Oh Baby don't be embarrassed, I still love you even though you gave my mother a lap dance!" With that Spencer started to laugh again, burying her face in my neck. I kissed the top of her head and couldn't help but laugh along with her. My baby has the most infection laugh I have ever heard.

Once we got our laughter under control Spencer dragged me (and I mean literally dragged me) back out to join our guests who had moved out to the deck over looking the beach. Everyone turned to look as we stepped out on to the deck, each trying to smother huge grins. "Hey Ash, if we promise not to bring up the 'incident' anymore tonight will you join us?" Arthur asked kindly. I flashed him a grateful smile and nodded taking a seat on a deck chair and pulling Spencer down to sit on my lap.

Spencer snuggled into my arms and laid her head back against my shoulder. I stroked her silky golden hair, feeling mesmerised by the simple act of having my girl in my arms. Before long Spencer dozed off, still snuggled in my arms. Our guests all smiled fondly and said quiet farewells as they left us to spend out first night officially living in our own home.

I gazed down at the angel in my arms and felt absolutely at peace. That moment with Spencer sleeping serenely in my arms on the deck of our home was perfection. I mean really can you tell me how life could get any better than this?

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Chapter 12 is done, hope you liked it.

There are only a few chapters to go, four I think?

Please review, I love reading your thoughts on this story!