Free Fixing Ashley by Melissa Gardener

to do with this?”
    Ashley’s laying on her back, relaxed with a hand behind her head and her other hand casually resting against her stomach. Looking up at me, the expression on her face clearly amused, she says, “There’s a dumpster out front.” She shrugs, giggling while I stand up and make my way to the bathroom to chuck it in the toilet.
    When I come back into the living room, I almost expect her to be getting dressed, but I find her in the same spot, still on her back and completely bare.
    I feel a little awkward, standing there naked in the middle of this big, empty house, but she seems comfortable with this, so I carefully lie down next to her and pull her into my arms.
    Kissing her neck, I whisper, “Let’s hope nobody tells your clients what we just did on their living room carpet, all right?”
    She pulls away from me minutely and examines my face, pinching her lips together. “I don’t think it’ll matter.” She smiles and sighs as she snuggles into me.
    Pushing her hair to the side, I kiss her shoulder. “Why not?” If my suspicions are correct, I need for the truth to come out of her mouth.
    With her eyes trained on the fireplace in front of us, she whispers, “This was supposed to be my dream house, Devon.”
    Her confession hits me harder than I thought it would and I pull back as a bunch of different little pieces come together for me. “Um, Ashley?”
    She turns her head and looks at me. “My ex-husband bought this land years ago. I love it here,” she explains wistfully. “I made plans, and worked hard making sure all the details were perfect.” She smiles sadly. “My books were supposed to grace those shelves.”
    “So, you were the client?” I clarify, sweeping some hair out of her face and holding her closer to my body.
    She nods and looks away. “With the divorce, I got the house. Unfinished, of course. I don’t know what I’m going to do with it.”
    I sigh, 'cause I know I should tell her. “I, ahh, I had a visitor the other day.” I lick my lips and search her face.
    She frowns, her lips pursing before she speaks. “He was here?” It’s more of a statement than a question.
    I nod and press a kiss to her forehead. “Yeah. He said to make you happy.”
    She shakes her head minutely and closes her eyes. “I was very happy, until I wasn’t.” When she reopens them, there is a sadness there I never want to see again. “Things aren’t always sunshine and roses in any relationship, but when two people work at it, they can get through anything. I was tired of working at it on my own.” Her last words are soft and sad.
    I tuck her into my side and breathe her in. I can’t believe we’re still lying here naked and talking about this. “Why won’t you live here anymore?” I gently smooth my hand over her hair, untangling a few strands.
    It all makes sense now. Thinking back, I never actually wondered about it much, I suppose, but her actions were those of someone who had been deeply hurt. I want to be the one to fix that for her.
    “It’s a big house, Devon. Honestly, I’ve been a real pain in your ass all summer because I...I just don’t know how to let it go, you know?” When I look at her and see her watery eyes, I immediately wrap my arms tight around her; wanting to give her comfort, protect her. I’d do anything for this exceptional woman.
    Seeing her happy only moments ago is the only thing that matters. Always. I know it’s not going to be sunshine and unicorns all the time, but damn if I can spend my life trying.
    I nod in understanding. This explains so many things. “Then don’t. Don’t give up on your dreams. Not for anyone.”
    She smiles softly. “As handy as I a m , ” she says confidently, “I’m not sure I could take care of this place very well on my own.”
    I kiss her lips. “Maybe you won’t have to.”
     

Chapter 7 - Epilogue
     
    Looking at the plans in my hands, I can’t help the chuckle that escapes my lips.
    Ashley never