Page 215 of Chasing Sparks

I freeze, my eyes scanning his face, waiting for him to laugh it off and claim he’s joking.

But he’s not laughing.

“You … you don’t believe in marriage,” I stutter.

“I believe in you. I believe in us. You made me believe in forever, Ori. And since you’re having my baby, I’d really like you to have my last name, too.”

He drops to one knee on the hardwood floor, his fingers shaking as he pulls a small velvet box from his pocket. My chest tightens, a surge of emotions rushing through me so fiercely I clutch the edge of the bookshelf to steady myself.

“Ori—”

“Wait.” I cut him off, grabbing his hands as I sink to my knees beside him.

Ash’s eyes widen, a muscle jumping in his jaw. “Wait?”

I need him to understand he’s not bound by any obligation—not to me, not to anyone.

I squeeze his hands, my voice shaking. “You don’t have to marry me because of the baby.”

The tension melts away from Ash’s face as he releases a sharp exhale. “Fuck. Don’t scare me like that, Ori. Just so you know, I bought this ring before I knew about the baby.”

He flips open the box, revealing an exquisite vintage ring—a masterpiece of delicate filigree and sparkling diamonds. At its center sits a stunning Asscher-cut diamond, flanked by two deep green emeralds, their hue almost identical to Ash’s eyes.

I hope our baby has those eyes, too.

Although his hands tremble, his voice remains steady. “This ring was made in the 1920s. He was a writer, and she was his one true love. He bought this as a testament to that love. I thought it was fitting. Maybe he could provide the words I often can’t find.”

My eyes flit between his face and the glorious ring, as a smile lights up my face. “Personally, I think you’re doing pretty great.”

“What do you say? Be Mrs. Hammond? Marry me?”

Tears blur my vision as I cup his face, my voice quivering with emotion. “Yes, Ash. A thousand times, yes. But don’t you see? You’ve already given me my fairytale ending.”

Ash slides the ring onto my finger, and I admire the way it sparkles and shines in the light of our newly restored home. He’s taken my broken life and made it beautiful.

Perfect.

Just like him.

And then, unable to hold back any longer, I pounce, gently pushing him back as I straddle his waist. “I love you, AsherHammond,” I murmur, claiming his mouth as my tongue dances with his in a perfect, unbreakable rhythm.

His arms wrap around me, locking me in his embrace. His hands tangle in my hair as he deepens the kiss, promising me without words that I’ll never be alone again.

But then I pull back, because I have a surprise for him, too. Something I hope he’ll enjoy seeing.

“I want to show you something,” I say, lifting the hem of my shirt.

Ash smirks, his eyes sparking with mischief. “I like where this is heading.”

I laugh as he slides his hands to the waistband of my pants. “You’re going to have to wait a few more minutes forthatbrand of attention. Look.” I guide his hand to my abdomen. “I’m starting to show. Just a little, but ... isn’t that crazy?”

Ash falls silent as his fingers splay across my abdomen, but I see the brightness in his eyes.

“You’re so beautiful,” he whispers.

“I thought you might like to see.”

He sits up and wraps his arms around me, pulling me tight against his chest. “I don’t want to miss another second, Ori. You two are my entire world. Nothing else matters. Don’t you get it? You’re my home.”

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