There’s a short interlude until Poppy comes on. I love how excited she is, dressed in a yellow and white polka dot 1950s-style dress with white wedges. Her bright smile lights up the room, and when they call Ash out to join her, the two of them sit on the couch like lovesick fools.
“This season had lots of drama, and we can’t forget the moment in London when Ash takes Poppy to the Royal Kings stadium and she kicks the ball in. How about we watch this clip.” Anthony points to the camera and footage of the two of them roll.
I remember Poppy switching flights, leaving later which she said was because she wanted to spend more time with her family. I had no idea this went on. And when Ash gave Poppy a lesson on how to kick the ball in the net, she kicks the ball accidentally too hard and straight into his nuts. Every male in the room cringes at the sight, squeezing their thighs as the women laugh in hysterics.
“Have you recovered?” Anthony manages to question through his fit of laughter.
“Yes, the boys are back to normal.” Ash grins.
Jesus. Did he have to talk about his boys? I’m grossed out—too much information makes my stomach queasy.
“Explains why Poppy’s always smiling,” Anthony quips, the audience following with a short chuckle. “What’s happening now, with the both of you?”
“Ash is training here in the States, so we get to spend a lot of time together.” Poppy smiles.
“Is this serious?”
“C’mon, Anthony, silly question. I love this chick.” Ash moves off the sofa and gets down on one knee in front of the audience and pulls out a small box.
Oh my God!
I don’t even know if his divorce is final.
I’m glued to the screen and it’s like watching a train wreck about to happen. I can’t turn away, eager to know what happens next.
“Poppy Rose Clark… you’re the craziest woman I’ve ever met. When I’m with you, life is just better… it’s perfect. No one else can kick me in the nuts and make me smile at the same time.”
And there it is, classic Ash with non-filtered words.
“Will you marry me?”
Poppy’s face lights up with utter delight, extending her hand as he slides a unique pink diamond ring on it. The two of them kiss at the same time my cell buzzes in my hand.
Mom: FYI. Dad and I already knew this was going to happen. Calm your titties, we love Poppy.
I’m not sure what disturbs me more, the fact I didn’t know Ash was going to propose or that Mom told me to calm my titties.
“Did you know?” I question Logan as he stands beside me.
He bites his lip, keeping quiet, then caves when I use my whiney voice and tell him to answer me.
“Yes. He’s
my best friend. I promised not to tell anyone.”
I exhale, annoyed. “Nice to know where your loyalty lies.”
Their segment lasts longer than scheduled, and when they walk off the set Poppy runs into my arms as I wait for her long-awaited embrace.
“Jesus, Pop.” I grin. “Are you sure you wanna marry that dork?”
“I’ve never been so sure.”
Ash follows, elated, hugging me with a small sniff.
“Are you crying, Ashley?”
“Just glad she said yes.”