Free Anchor of Hope by Kiah Stephens Page A

yes, he's so good at it too, a real green thumb. It's incredible to think of how much the whole garden has grown and bloomed since he came along.” Jane smiled contentedly.
    Ashley had been tossing the salad but stopped. “Do you mean the actual garden, or is this a metaphor for your life and love or something?”
    Jane smiled again. “I was talking about the actual garden, but I guess you could say he has helped breathe new life into my garden too. After your father passed I thought that that was it for me. I thought I would never find love again. I was OK with that, but I guess God had other plans for me, and His plans are so much better than I could have ever imagined or hoped for.”
    “Well, I'm happy for you guys.” Ashley smiled. “I really am. Martin is great—apart from all his lame ‘dad’ jokes.”
    “What? I think his jokes are great.” Jane chuckled. “But thanks, honey. I think he's pretty special too. I can't wait for the day we get to plan your wedding.”
    Ashley felt herself tense up. “Yeah, I don't know if that's something Steven and I want to do,” she said.
    Jane looked confused. “You don't want to get married?”
    “Not really—I'm mean, it seems like such an unnecessary event—for us, not for you. I'm happy for you and Martin of course, because that's what you want to do. I don't think I'm that interested in a wedding.” Ashley shook her head, keeping her gaze on the salad she was tossing.
    “You think you might elope or something?” Jane was genuinely puzzled.
    “No, I don't think we'll bother getting married at all.”
    Jane stared at Ashley, eyes wide with surprise.
    “What?” Ashley asked after an uncomfortable pause.
    “Nothing.” Jane shook her head. “It's just that comes as a bit of a shock. I thought you always wanted to get married. Well, you did when you were younger.”
    “I also wanted a pony when I was younger, but I guess things change. Steven and I don't consider marriage to be a priority. We don't need a piece of paper to prove that we love each other.”
    Ashley began to chop the carrots, pretending she couldn't tell Jane was gawking at her. She knew her mother was disappointed by what she had said but it wasn't like she could force Steven to marry her. Besides, she didn't really want to get married, did she?
    Her phone rang. She wiped her hands on the tea towel and answered it. Tania.
    “Hey Tania, what's up?”
    “Oh my gosh, craziest day at work today.” Tania was always over–dramatic, the kind of person who would drop a pen on the floor and declare that the world is ending.
    “Why? What happened?” Ashley asked as she strolled out onto the front porch for some privacy. The sun was still out and a soothing melody of birds singing in the distance filled the air.
    “Well, for one, Dianne is in a bad mood.”
    Ashley scoffed. “When is she not in a bad mood?”
    “No, she's like, furious. Stephanie couldn't find the editorial layout you created for this weeks’ issue, and Dianne completely lost it at us.” Stephanie was the young, bright new intern at the office.
    “What? I emailed it to Stephanie on Friday—it's in her email.”
    “Well, you'd think so, but it is gone.”
    “Did she check her other folders? It can't have vanished.”
    “Yep, she checked everywhere. It is gone—either that, or she deliberately deleted it herself.”
    Ashley frowned, confused. “Why would she delete it? Surely she wouldn't do it on purpose?”
    “To be honest, I wouldn't be surprised Ash. She wants your job and I have a feeling she’s going to take advantage of you being away this week to play favorites with Dianne. It's embarrassing. She’s following Dianne around like a puppy—getting her coffee and acting ever-so-sweet, and Dianne’s totally buying it! Stephanie even ‘volunteered’ to stay back late tonight to finish the layout herself.”
    “Well she lost it so it's only fair that she fixes it.”
    “That's the thing, Ash. She told Dianne she