Be Mine

It was still too early in the morning when Anna woke up. She was unable to sleep anymore. She slept peacefully after a long time. Although it was not long but was enough to rid away her fatigue. She covered herself with a stole and went to the small patio connected to her room. It was the favourite spot of her and Ashton where they used to spend their time together holding each other. She did not remember after how long she came hear as it was too difficult for her to travel through his memory lane time and again. She went near the railing and saw the clear sky which was still wrapped under the darkness before the sunrise just like her.

Her vision roamed around the space where she found herself surrounded with his innumerable memories... happy memories. She could still hear his voice. She sat on the bench nearby and closed her eyes. She remembered that how he confessed his love to her at the same spot and put on the promise ring around her finger. That was probably the best day of her life. In fact ,every moment spent with him was the best for her.

He was very happy that day. He visited her cabin for God knows how many times just to inform her about leaving early with him as he had a surprise planned for her. She was quite exasperated at his enthusiasm as she always disliked surprises. When they sat in his car, she tried her best to know about the surprise. But all her efforts went in vain. He laughed at her antics and said,

"Annie, your cute, pretty face is not going to help you this time."

"Ashton please... you know I hate surprises right? Please tell me. Or just give me some hint atleast."

"Ah! Getting impatient, aren't we?" He said and chuckled.

She huffed and looked out of the car window. They soon reached at Richard's mansion. She used to live with Richard since she moved to New York as he wanted to ensure her safety and believed that she was still his little daughter who would not be able to live on her own because she was way too innocent and generous. Anna never went against his wishes as he was more than a father for her whom she has lost back then. She was quite surprised as she expected Ashton to take her to some fancy place like he always did. But she was there at his father's place.

"Ashton?" Before she could ask further, he went out of the car and opened her door. He extended his hand for her to hold which she happily placed in his.

She tried to ask again but he placed his finger on her lips and said, "Shhh..... Whatever it is Annie, it's for me to know and for you to find out. But I promise that this will be the best day of your life." She simply nodded her head.

He then covered her eyes with a blindfold. "Ashton, what is this? Why did you cover my eyes?" Before she could speak further, he embraced her from the back and whispered in her ear, "Annie, you speak too much sweetheart." His deep husky voice sent shivers through her spine which was enough to make her instantly quite. She flushed crimson and immediately looked down to hide the effect that he had on her. He chuckled at her state as he knew how timid and innocent she was. He gently held her hand and took her to his room which was now hers just like him. They went to the patio through his room which was their favourite place to spend time with each other. He undo the knot of the blindfold. As soon as she opened her eyes, she gasped in surprise as that was the most beautiful sight for her. She went to each and every corner of the space that was decorated with her favourite flowers, pink lilies. There was an artificial wall made through a wooden plank on which different pictures of her and Ashton where hanged beautifully. She could not imagine to see this place in a more beautiful way. There was a table placed in the centre surrounded by her favourite dishes. She was so engrossed in her surrounding that for a moment, she even forgot that someone else was also accompanying her. Meanwhile, Ashton was observing her every movement. The way her lips curled into a beautiful smile... the smile for which he was ready to give up his world. The way her eyes twinkled with amusement and happiness... Suddenly, he felt adrenaline flowing through his body as it was going to be a big day for them. He let her take all the time she wanted to take to observe the beauty as he was engrossed in observing the beauty in his front.

Soon, she came out of her trance. She turned around and exclaimed in happiness, "Ashton! You did this...." She once again gasped in surprise as he was kneeling down in front of her with a ring in his hand. Her eyes were already filled with happy tears.

"Ashton"

"Miss Anastasia Prescott.... You changed me and my life since you stepped into it. I never found this world so beautiful without you. Be Mine. I promise to hold, cherish and love you with all my heart and soul. Annie I...."

Before he could speak further she knelt down to his level and locked her lips with his which was enough for him to understand her answer.

After a while, they came back out of their little moment and stood up with wide smiles adorning their faces. He again looked into her eyes and asked her showing the beautiful ring , "May I?"

"Yes" She whispered.

He took no time in slipping away the ring on her delicate finger. It was a white gold, three stoned ring with two princess shaped diamonds on each side of the center diamond glittering down on both sides of the shank.

"Did you like it? If you don't, we can change.....

"I love it Ashton. Thank you for all of this. After mom and dad left me, I never thought once that I would get someone to love me as you do. Thank you for healing me, for loving me... Thank you." She said tearing up as her happiness had no bounds.

"Shhh....." He said cupping her face and wiped her tears with his thumb. "Annie, the day I decided that I want you in my life, I promised myself that I would never ever do anything that would hurt you. I would never let a day come in your life when you would be crying. Even if they would be the tears of joy, like today. This is the last time Miss Anastasia Prescott that Ashton Watson is letting you cry your heart out. Because from now on, you are not allowed to shed a single drop of tear from your eyes as it make my heart ache. I love you " He said this and kissed her tenderly pouring all his emotions and promises into it. He then kissed her forehead and smiled lingering his lips on her forehead for a while.

"I love you too." She replied with her eyes still closed and a beautiful smile on her face. At the same time, they felt a flash of light with a clicking sound.

It was Emily with a camera in her hand who captured the lovely moment. Behind her were Jack and Richard who stepped ahead all smiling. The trio said simultaneously, "And we love you both."

When, Anna saw all of them she hid her face in his chest in diffidence. All of them chuckled looking her reaction.

Emily came forward and hugged the life out of them as she was unable to contain her excitement. "Sorry to interrupt your precious moment. But both of you were so cute and adorable. I couldn't stop myself. And how can I forget? I finally got my sister-in-law." She said and all of them laughed together.

She came out of her reverie when she heard the door being pulled closed with a bang.