“Thank you,” I tell the Director. “I…I’m very happy to be alive.”
“You’re not the only one, dear,” he chuckles. “Take the time you’ve been given to…recover. I’m sure you both need it.”
I nod. He shakes Ashley’s hand. And then he’s gone. Ashley sits once again and waits for me to look at him.
“So, what’s next?” I ask.
“As soon as your released, I’m taking you home.”
“Home?”
“Yeah,” he nods. “Your place or mine. I don’t care which. As long as you’re with me, that’s all that matters.”
“Okay,” I smile. “I like the sound of that.”
“Trust me, sweetheart, when it’s time, you’re going to like the feel of it, too.”
I barely have time to smile before his lips are on mine again. And this time, when I open for him, we’re able to finish what we started.
Epilogue
Six Months Later
“And now the presentation of our Medal of Valor, which recognizes acts of personal valor or heroism in the delivery of emergency medical care, which results in the saving of a life under extreme conditions and/or in extraordinary circumstances,” the mayor says. “Tonight’s recipient is receiving this award for arriving on a known drug scene to deliver medical aid. Even though the FBI was also present, and she was wearing a bullet-proof vest, she took a bullet to the chest and still continued to do her job. That led her to become a target for a rival gang leader. Which ultimately resulted in her sustaining another and near fatal gunshot wound almost a week later.”
Ashley’s eyes are lit up with love and pride, and also swimming with tears as he listens to the mayor detail the incidents that led to Lorna being the recipient of one of the highest awards that can be bestowed on a paramedic. For a moment, her eyes lock with his. She’s emotional, too. But she still gives him a wink before looking away.
“Ladies and gentlemen, senior paramedic Lorna Lewis.”
Ashley is the first one on his feet to applaud. Then he puts two fingers in his mouth and lets out a shrill whistle that causes most around him to flinch, and many others to chuckle. Once Lorna’s been pinned, and since her award was the last one, the mayor is quick to give his closing remarks before inviting everyone to move to a conference room for refreshments.
As quickly as he can, he makes his way to his woman. As soon as she’s within reach, he throws manners and common courtesy out the window as he pulls her into his arms for a kiss. Thoroughly interrupting her conversation with some other politicians present at the ceremony. She laughs as she wraps her arms around him and allows herself to get lost in the moment. When he finally pulls back, he’s quickly admonished for his behavior.
“Ashley Allan Hughes, you were raised better than that!”
“Sorry, not sorry, mom,” he chuckles as he pulls Lorna into his side. “I’m so fucking proud of her.”
“Language,” Mrs. Hughes hisses as she swats his arm.
“Sorry,” Ashley says again.
And this time, he means it. For the next few minutes, Lorna is greeted by her own parents, Ashley’s parents, and all three of his younger brothers, Chaos, Snake, and Tank. All of whom are equally as big as and equally as proud of Lorna, too. As an only child, Lorna took to Ashley’s large family rather quickly. Not to mention the fact that they all live in Fredericksburg, Virginia now, which is Lorna’s hometown. Something that they’ve all agreed upon is a sure sign that they’re meant to be together.
As everyone else begins to make their way to the conference room, there’s just one more thing Ashley needs to do before they celebrate Lorna’s award. With their families in the know, he moves in front of her and takes her hands in his. Conversation stops and all eyes are on them.
“Lorna, I knew from the moment I met you that you were meant to be mine,” he says. “And even if we hadn’t survived that first week, it would have been the best week of my life. Because I had you.”
Lorna smiles through her small sob. Then Ashley continues.
“I made you several promises that first week,” he says softly. “And it’s time to start making good on them.”
With that, he reaches into his pocket and pulls out a diamond ring. Then he drops to one knee and slides it onto her left ring finger. Tears immediately spring up in everyone’s eyes.
“Lorna Lee Lewis,” Ashley says with determination. “Will you marry me?”
“Yes,” she breathes.
Both families cheer in excitement. And Ashley once again rises to pull Lorna into his arms for a publicly inappropriate kiss. But given the reason for it, they let it slide.
