Page 69 of Hearty

And while she might be younger than any of my brothers and sisters were when they got married, I know she’ll say yes. Mom and Dad didn’t even hesitate or try to caution me when I told them I planned to ask her to marry me. They just jumped up to hug me with tears in their eyes because when you know something is right, it’s time to act on it.

I wasted so much time not knowing her feelings for me, not seeing what was right in front of me, that I don’t want to waste any more. I want her to be my wife, I want to be her husband, and I want us to commit to each other in every way possible.

Now is that time. Over the past year, August has put so many turbulent feelings to bed, gone through a trial, and gotten her mother entirely out of her life.

Casey Pockman was sentenced to seven years in prison, and although we’re nervous about his eventual release, I’m going to be here every day to protect August. His trial six months ago was a stressful time for the woman I love; she was on edge until he was finally read his sentence and taken to prison.

Shortly before that, her mother’s house sold. Warren had a company come and trash everything inside the dwelling, and she never stepped foot inside, not since the day she left for college. That woman is no longer brought up in conversation. I genuinely think August does not allow thoughts of her to cloud her mind. She’s dead, gone, and so is the torment she inflicted on her daughter. While August will always bear those emotional scars, I watch her make the choice every day to be present in our life together and not dwell on the past.

Then there is our house, which we’re currently in the process of redecorating because why not add one more home improvement project to the list. I bought the house from Alana eight months ago and put August’s name on the deed, even though she told me that wasn’t fair. I want to show her that anything we have is ours together, that while I’m all for supporting and helping her, there is no way any of it could be taken from her, God forbid something happens.

“Bon appetite!” August says as she sets down the first few plates of appetizers I made. Her waitress training allowing her to carry up to six plates at a time.

“I have no idea how you don’t drop those,” I marvel.

“Years of practice. What did you think I did when I was busy mooning over you?” She makes a self-deprecating joke.

The rest of the family jumps up to grab food, but the two of us hang back, just watching the fruits of our labor come to life.

“Are you happy?” I wrap my arm around her waist, pulling her into my side.

“More than I ever thought I could be.” She snuggles into me.

“Life is about to get pretty freaking crazy,” I remark, wondering how I’ll manage two restaurants at the same time.

“It’s kind of exciting, though, isn’t it?” My favorite smile of hers laces into her voice.

“Yeah,” I chuckle, “there will definitely never be a boring day.”

“Who knew a small town could hold so many thrills?” she teases.

Turning, I angle her face up to me with two fingers under her chin. “Deep down, I guess I did. I was always waiting to come home, but it never felt right until you were here.”

“Evan … I love you.” Her eyes dance with emotion and contentment.

“Come on then, Auggy, give the inaugural toast,” Warren beckons her.

She raises her paper cup, and everyone follows suit.

“To the Ashtons, at the Ashton.” August beams.

“Here, here,” everyone responds, then drinks as the fire spits sparks into the sky.

A secret smile stretches my lips. In a few days, she’ll be saying yes to taking that last name, too.

Funny how my roommate became my soulmate … except I’d say we were destined from the start. After all, a small town always has its thrills.