Chapter 3: Together

Asher felt like he hadn’t slept in days. He lifted himself up out of the dining chair and crossed the room entering the living area and flopped down on his rarely used leather sectional. He pulled a throw blanket down off the back of the couch and draped it over himself hoping to fall into a deep sleep. He didn’t want to leave Autumn alone very long so he only planned on taking a couple hour nap.

FLASHBACK (9 years ago)

“I love you” she placed her hand in his as she watched his eyes light up “I’ve waited so long to hear you say that to me. I love you too” he kissed the back of her hand.

PRESENT DAY

His eyes shot opened and he sat up rubbing them. It was now getting dark outside and he wondered how long he had slept for. Eight thirty-seven. He’s been asleep about five hours. He needed to go check on Autumn. Back on his motorcycle he headed down the road and took a left on a dirt path leading towards the woods and meadow. He entered the tent leading to the bunker where she was being kept and made his way over to her. She was awake and looked up at him as if she was happy to see him. “You were gone a while “ her voice was a whisper. “I’m sorry I kept you waiting” he apologized to her. He leaned close to her and brushed the hair from her face tucking it behind her ear. She allowed it. He started to lean in and she didn’t pull back. In fact, she leaned in also. Their lips met and it felt like their first kiss all over again. Both of them had butterflies. Their kiss deepened and her tongue was dancing on his bottom lip. She craved him and he craved her. Something sparked inside of her and she knew she still loved him. He was her first love. While still lost within a very passionate kiss he reached around her unlocking her cuffed hands and then pulled out of the kiss and grabbing her hand to pull her over to the mattress. She followed and they both laid down together with him hovering over her and pulling her back into a kiss. Their hands were roaming each other’s bodies and before they both knew what they were doing they were making love.

He rolled off of her and landed next to her. Both of their breathing were heavy and bodies drenched in sweat. “You wanna get out of here?” He turned his head to look at her. She hesitated for a moment but then nodded. “Come back to my place with me” he urged. “I have no where else to go” she whispered. He handed her a sheet to clean herself up a little before setting clean clothes next to her and getting up himself to get dressed.

After both washed up a little and were dressed they climbed the ladder leading to the tent. Outside she hugged her arms around her body as she shivered. “Here, take this” Asher took his jacket off and handed it to her. She put it on and smiled sheepishly. He got on the bike first and she hopped on behind him wrapping her arms tightly around his waist. They took the dirt path leading to the road back to his house. She was enjoying the ride and the breeze that blew through her long locks. He parked in the drive and her mouth dropped as she stared at the house in front of them “you remembered” she choked out. “I never forgot” he smiled at her.

…..

As kids Autumn always stated she would grow up and this house would be hers. She loved everything about it. From the wrap around porch, big yard, long driveway, the big oak tree out front with a tire swing tied to a thick branch. It was her dream house.

He grabbed her hand and helped her down off the bike and squeezed it as they walked up to the front door of his house. He unlocked the door and they both entered together. She gasped when he turned the light on and she could take in his beautiful home. The walls of the living room were light grey with a darker grey accent wall, a very well kept black leather sectional couch. In front of the couch was an expensive looking rug in shades of black, gray, and cream with a pretty design on it. Sat on the rug was a modern style coffee table with a few candles placed on top. Theres was a white stone fireplace against the accent wall and top the mantle were several pictures of the two of them. That made her smile. Above the fire place was a large mounted television. She looked down at her feet and smiled at how beautiful the wood flooring was. His home was completely stunning and she was impressed. “This is gorgeous” she told him. “Thank you. I did all of the remodeling myself in hopes that one day it would be ours where we would build a family” he got a little nervous talking about a future with her as he wasn’t really sure where they stood. She looked up at him “honestly Asher, I would absolutely love that.” “You’re sure? I don’t want to get my hopes up and us end up drifting apart again.” He looked away from her. She placed her hand on his face and gently moved it so that he was looking at her again “I couldn’t be more sure of anything in my life” she kissed his chin. “I love you, Auti” he smiled at her “I love you Ashe” and she smiled back. It felt like they never lost years of their lives together. It felt natural. It felt meant to be. They both had hope.