Page 83 of Switched At Birth

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Ashton

I’m marryingthe love of my life. It’s almost too much to hope for. But it’s happening. Every dream I’ve ever had starts with Noah James. We’re getting married on our one-year anniversary from our first date.

“Happy Birthday, Ash.” He runs his fingers through my hair, my head in his lap. We spent the evening at my mom’s house, celebrating my birthday.

His strong body is against the frame of our bed, and I’m lying down. We’re never too far from one another. It’s impossible to be close to him and not touch in some way. “You know, in two days, we’ll be husband and husband. Are you scared?” he asks.

“The only thing that scares me, Noah, is losing you. Nothing about our future scares me, unless you’re not in it.”

“Ditto, hon.”

“Hey, I’ve been thinking, babe.”

“About what?” he asks.

“What would you say if I told you I wanted to take your last name?”

His hands stop massaging my scalp. “You really want to give up your dad’s last name?”

“I don’t think of it as giving up my last name. I’m choosing the name of the man I plan to grow old with. And I want our children to have the name that we share together.”

“You make me so happy. When I thought it was impossible to be more in love with you, honey, you go and make me fall even harder.

“Ditto,” I return. “But speaking of something hard,” I tease, palming his erection.

He pulls me close to him. “See, I was thinking this tender moment was just the right time to give you your birthday present. And then you go and do this.”

His erection is tenting his boxers.

“I have no doubt we’ll do something naughty later tonight, and in the morning, and for the rest of our lives, but if you want to give me a present, I won’t say no, future husband.”

He moves me off of him, and I drop back to the bed in animated fashion because I hate when we’re not touching.

“Are you sure you shouldn’t take up acting too, honey? Although you’re not very good at it.” I flip him off as he leans down under the bed and pulls out a flat box, I’d say forty by thirty-two inches. “Sorry I didn’t wrap it, but now that you live here, you’re always around. Which isn’t a bad thing.”

Oh, my heart.

“This is as much a present for me, as it is for you, Ash.”

I move to my knees and pull the top of the box off. I can’t breathe. In it is the picture I painted for my premiere, with the sun-shaped piñata on display and two young boys standing in front of it. “It’s where we first met, so I couldn’t let someone else buy it.”

“I have never wanted to fuck you like I do right now.” My mouth crashes to his. And it’s exactly what we do, that is, after Noah moved the picture, which I callThe Prologue to Us.

* * *

Settingthe date of our wedding was easy. We wanted to get married on the one-year anniversary of our first date, even if that happened to be a Tuesday. We chose a small ceremony with family and close friends. My side is rather small, including my mom, sister, Dave, and Greg.

But now that the date is upon us, it’s surreal what a whirlwind it has all been.

There was only one place we could think of to say our vows. There was never another option. We met because of the gallery, and we’ll always remember our love for each other every time we’re here.

Tonight, on the eve of our wedding, and Noah and Liam’s birthday, it will only be our immediate family for the rehearsal. Noah’s parents are taking us out to dinner afterward.

It’s the first time my mom has had a chance to meet Liam. It’s funny, our parents have met on several occasions, but it’s never worked that Liam was in town. But, then again, we choose to keep Tia and Liam separated, because they’re like two siblings who can’t get along.

Kate got an internet ordination in order to marry us. It’s fitting. The person who set us up is also the person who is joining us together in marriage.

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