Ashton Scott

Taking the necklace, I lift my chin at her. “Turn around.”

She does as I say and scoops her hair out of the way so I can fasten the necklace around her neck. When I finish, she faces me again. “I think I’ll keep you.”

I arch a brow. “There was never any possibility you wouldn’t. And if it ever crosses your mind, I’m having no part of it.”

She quirks her brow. “You’ll just boss me into staying, I expect.”

“You know me well, Mrs. Scott.”

Taking hold of the hearts, she says, “What if we have another child?”

“Is that on the cards?”

“Well, maybe. I’m not sure I’m ready to stop yet.”

I pull her close. “You know where I stand on this. I’m more than happy to have a soccer team of Scotts.” I brush my lips over hers. “I have something else for you.”

Her eyes light up. “What? You know I love surprises.”

“I’ve been working with Jack on something for a few months now, and this week it was all finalised.” I pull my phone from my pocket and show her an image I’ve saved. At her questioning look, I explain, “It’s the logo for a new fund he and I have established to help children with their education. We’re kicking it off with ten million dollars, and we want you to head it like you do the Willow Street Fund.”

She peers closer at the logo before looking back up at me, her eyes glistening. “The Pearl Winters Fund?”

I nod. “Yes. You’ve told me how your grandmother helped children at her church, and how she believed strongly in an education for every child. Jack and I want to work with you to continue that legacy.”

We always said we’d give back once we made our millions. We always said we wouldn’t become our fathers.

While Lorelei is processing this news, Dana and our two-year-old son, Mason, come running in. “Mummy! The party is starting!” Dana exclaims excitedly. She tugs at her mother’s clothes while Mason wraps his arms around my leg.

My wife is watching me with wonder. It’s the kind of look a man lives his entire life for.

When neither of us respond to Dana, she tugs harder at Lorelei’s clothes. “Mummy! Why aren’t you and Daddy coming?”

Lorelei reaches down and pulls Dana into her arms. “We’re coming in a minute. I promise. Daddy’s just telling me something.”

“What is he telling you?”

Lorelei meets my gaze again, tears streaming down her cheeks. “He’s telling me about something amazing he and Uncle Jack did.”

Our kids wriggle and cling, but I’m completely focused on my wife as she pulls my mouth to hers and kisses me. When she’s finished, she says, “I don’t even have words for how much I love you. You, Ashton Scott, are the very best man I know, and I am blessed to be your wife. I’m blessed to stand by your side and share your life.”

I tighten my arm around her. “All of this is because of you, Lorelei. You’ve shown me how to love and made me want to be a better man. This is me being a better man.”

She kisses me again, grinning through her tears. “That thing I said about keeping you?” At my nod, she continues, “You won’t ever have to boss me into that. I am yours forever.”

* * *

NEXT BOOK IN THIS SERIES!

Thank you for reading Ashton Scott! I hope you loved Ashton’s & Lorelei’s story. You’ll get to see more of them in my next book in this series, TEN OF SWORDS, out at the end of October. This is Jack & Jessica’s book!

Blurb:

Drugs.

Alcohol.

Fame.