BOOK II.
Four months have passed since Ashton and Ria's relationship fell into ruins. He's convinced that she hates him and she believes he never loved her. Giving up on each other, they attempt to mend their loneliness in the arms of their past; Ch...
"Okay." She kisses his palm and holds his fingers. Her eyes shut for a moment and his world freezes as he waits for her to speak again. "Ashton...can you make me a promise?"
"Of course." He smiles a shattered smile.
"If...if something happens to me-"
"Ria, don't say that."
"Ashton," she urges and tightens her grip on his hand, "please listen. If something happens to me and I can't see our baby-"
"Ria." His voice cracks despite the strength he tries to force into himself.
"Promise me that you will love and take care of them. Love them as much as you love me."
"Don't make me say this. Please."
"I just need to know that this'll be worth it," she cries and holds his knuckles to her lips. "I want you to promise me this."
Ashton grits his teeth, letting pain shoot up his jaw, and shuts his eyes as tears escape. He hates this. He doesn't want to think about that. He doesn't want to make a promise. He wants Ria more than he wants a family, but he knows she won't change her mind. She won't budge.
They're keeping the baby and taking the risk.
Even if he tries to pretend there is no risk, it lingers over their happiness, a constant reminder of what's to be at stake in less than nine months.
"Okay," he whispers, letting their fantasy shatter for the briefest moment, "I promise."
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Despite their wedding being completely untraditional with absolutely no planning — besides finding a priest, photographer and getting married on a beach in the evening — Ria insisted that they not see each other until right before the ceremony.
This gives Ashton an ample amount of time to buy her a wedding ring and find a suitable button up and slacks for the wedding. After that, he's left with his thoughts and a million questions of what's next?
The countryside tempts him with promises of peace. The wheels of his bike spokes that whir viscously help pull the wind inside his shirt. Vegetation fills every corner of his vision. The essence of dirt, grass, trees and flowers all sing to his senses. The warm sun on his back with the blue sky above his head; he finds himself smiling, just enjoying his isolation with the world.
This moment alone allows distant fantasies to come alive in his head. Fantasies where he and Ria are passing these fields to reach home. Imagining them raising their child among this world. No worries about his past or their future.
Ria is going to make it.
I'll make sure she does.
A flash of red catches Ashton's attention as he comes upon a charming little house. He slows to a stop in front of the yard and studies a sign that says Vendesi and the translation of For Sale right below it. He hops off the bike and strolls through the kept yard all the way to the porch, scrutinizing the structure with its chalet-styled charm.
