It wasn't until after the show, after they'd finally dragged themselves away from the reporters, the cameras, and even the celebrities who'd stopped them to tell them what an amazing performance it was that Ash had finally been able to really enjoy it. The standing ovation that the guys had received at the end of the performance still rocked her. But what had completely rendered her speechless were the three rising pop singers who'd asked her if she would be willing to work with them.
Yes, Ash was flying high. To say the least. She had nearly cried when she saw them up on that stage, her dance steps guiding them. Chaz had jumped up with the rest of the crowd, hooting and hollering along with them. Ash had just sat there, a feeling of complete and utter awe washing over her. She'd done it. She'd actually done it. She'd come to L.A. and made a place for herself and her son.
Now, snuggling into the warm cocoon of Chris's arms and staring at a tv show she couldn't even name, Ash knew that she'd never felt this happy or complete. Chaz was already asleep, exhausted from the excitement of the evening. She knew he'd be on the phone with Ian tomorrow, reciting every little detail. Chris shifted underneath her on the couch and Ash sighed contentedly. Maybe there was a bigger plan for her after all. The phone rang, startling them from their reverie and Ash pushed herself up, smiling at the resulting grunt from the form still lying on the couch.
"Hello?"
"Ash, it Shay." Ash could hear music playing in the background and she held the phone tighter to her ear. There was silence at first, interrupted by a giggle that sounded suspiciously drunk.
"Shay? Is everything okay?"
"Everything is woooonderful."
Chris popped his head up over the back of the couch, his eyes searching hers for anything that might be wrong. Ash shook her head at him and grinned, mouthing that Shay was drunk. He chuckled and sat up, turning off the television.
"I gotta tell you somethin." Shay's voice had dropped some, lending a conspirator tone to it. Ash grinned. "I'm engaged."
"You're kidding!"
"Joey asked me and it was so wonderful and I said yes and..." Her voice trailed off into another bout of giggles and Ash laughed, telling her how great that was. She talked to her a few more minutes, telling her that yes, it was wonderful and Joey was really great and yes, absolutely, she would love to be in the wedding. When she hung up, Chris was leaning over the back of the couch, his arms crossed and tucked under his chin.
"Joey and Shay are engaged," she told him.
"I take it she's a bit excited?"
"You could say that."
"Well, I'm happy for them," he said. "They're great together."
"Mmmm.." Ash said, walking back over to the couch and settling into Chris's welcoming arms again, "And what about us?"
"What about us?"
"Are we great together?"
Chris seemed to ponder this for a minute and Ash smacked his arm. He laughed and pulled her onto his lap, his hand coming up to brush away a few stray strands that had fallen into her face. "I know you're great for me and that having you and Chaz here has made me happier than I've been in a long time."
"That's another thing I needed to talk to you about," Ash said softly.
"What's that?" Chris asked.
"Chaz and I being here." Chris just stared at her. His body tensed and his soft expression became serious. Ash took his hand, pressing her palm flat against his before letting their fingers interlock. She gazed up into his golden-brown eyes and smiled. "How would you feel if we stayed awhile longer? Maybe even for good?"
The look on his face was priceless and Ash laughed when he pulled her into a tight hug. When he let her go, he was smiling from ear to ear. Suddenly, he leaned forward, closing his lips over hers. He poured everything he had into that kiss. Everything he felt for Ash, everything he'd hoped and dreamed for. Everything. And when he finally broke it off, he smirked, bringing their hands, still locked together to his cheek. "Does that tell you anything?"
"Mmmm..." Ash murmured, "I don't know. You may have to tell me again."
Chris pulled her close to him again, his lips just barely resting on hers. "I don't think that will be a problem," he said and Ash wrapped her arms around his neck as he kissed her again.
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