The Red Thread

Chapter 43

I chuckle awkwardly, feeling a bit clueless about my mother-in-law's comment regarding being too young to have grandchildren. I exchange a glance with Asher, unsure of how to respond to the playful banter.

I catch Lily's subtle eye gesture towards my hickey, and it suddenly dawns on me what everyone must be thinking. I blush furiously, feeling a mix of embarrassment and amusement. I lean in close to Asher and whisper urgently about the hickey, my voice filled with a mix of panic and amusement. "Asher, you left a mark! What do we do now? It's all your fault for leaving a mark!"

Asher chuckles softly, his eyes twinkling with mischief as he whispers back, "Well, I guess we'll just have to come up with a creative cover story. How about... a passionate encounter with a vacuum cleaner mishap?"

I roll my eyes, shooting him a glare before discreetly pinching him under the dining table. "Very funny, Mr. Comedian. You're lucky I love you." Asher grins mischievously and whispers back, "You know you secretly love my sense of humor, even if it gets us in trouble sometimes."

I roll my eyes at Asher's comment, then quickly shifts my attention as everyone clears their throat, realizing our banter might be getting a bit too much for the family. I chuckle nervously and say, "Oops, sorry folks, got carried away there. Pass me the pancakes, please?"

My mother's playful smirk tells me that she's onto me, so I nudge Asher's leg under the table, silently pleading for backup in steering the conversation away from the topic.

Asher chimes in, "Well, we're not exactly planning for little ones at the moment, but hey, if Addy's up for it, I'm game to give her as many as she wants!"
"Oh my God, Asher, seriously?!" I choke on my food and shoots him a wide-eyed, mortified look.

"Easy there, love. Didn't mean to startle you. Just keeping the options open, you know?" He rubs my back soothingly. "Seriously, Asher? You're supposed to be on my team here, not adding fuel to the fire. Help a girl out, will you?" I shoot him a slightly exasperated look, hoping he'll play along.

Lily's suggestion about having a football team of nephews and nieces took me by surprise. I glanced at her with wide eyes. My dad chuckled heartily and chimed in, "Well, it would be wonderful to have mini Ashers and mini Addys running around, wouldn't it?" His words drew a smile from everyone around the table.

My dad's sentiment was echoed by Asher's dad, who nodded in agreement, adding, "Absolutely, it would be fantastic to have little versions of you two." Christian chimed in, "Evan could have a whole bunch of cousins to play with!" Sofia nodded in agreement, adding, "Yes, it would be lovely for him to have cousins his age."

Feeling embarrassed by all the baby talk, I stormed away from the table and shouted from the stairs, "You're all so mean!" My cheeks flushed with embarrassment as I hurried upstairs, wanting to escape the teasing.

Asher's voice echoed after me. "I'm ready whenever you are!" he called out, his tone playful yet sincere. "And I think I'd prefer a boy first!" His words made me pause on the staircase, a smile tugging at the corners of my lips.

"Asher, stop it," I called back, my tone disapproving but laced with a hint of amusement. His playful comment elicited chuckles from everyone at the table.

††††††††††††

My dearest Blue,

With each passing moment, the depth of my love for you becomes clearer, a revelation that echoes through the chambers of my heart. Though I may have faltered in understanding it, my affection for you has always burned steadfastly, untouched by hatred, only obscured by fear. Our arranged marriage, a serendipitous gift, unveiled the radiant joy and light you bring into my life. Grateful am I for the guiding hand of destiny and the love that led me to you. You are not just my wife; you are my home, my sanctuary, and my everything. With you, I am complete, and I pledge to be yours in every sense, as you are mine, forever intertwined in the beautiful tapestry of love.

I love you Audrey Asher Carter

Sitting by the window, I delicately unfolded the worn paper, reading Asher's words for what felt like the thousandth time. Each line spoke volumes of his love, his devotion, and his unwavering commitment to us. Despite knowing every word by heart, the sentiment never failed to stir something deep within me, reaffirming the boundless love we shared.

Startled, I looked up from the letter to see Asher standing in the doorway, a soft smile playing on his lips. " You know I can write millions of such letters for you" he said. "Millions?" I chuckled softly, feeling the tension melt away. "You might run out of paper, dear husband."

Asher's eyes sparkled with affection as he replied, "Well, I'll find other ways to express my love if I run out of paper." His playful tone matched the twinkle in his eyes, and I couldn't help but smile back at him, feeling grateful for his unwavering devotion.

Grinning, I playfully retorted, "Oh, so now you're planning to fill the house with love notes on every surface?" He chuckled, pulling me closer, "Only if you promise to read them all." As our lips met, I felt the warmth of his affection, " I love you Blue" and I whispered back, "I love you too, more than you'll ever know."

Curiosity sparked in me as I looked up at him, "Why do you call me 'blue'?" Asher smiled, his eyes filled with affection, "Because your eyes remind me of the vast, deep ocean, and your soul shines like the clearest sky on a bright day. You're my calming blue amidst life's chaos."

"I feel like the luckiest person alive to have you by my side."I confess to him "Good, because you're stuck with me," he teased, pulling me closer. "Wouldn't have it any other way," I quipped, smiling contentedly.

"Hey, Addy, want to build a snowman?" Asher asked with a grin. "Only if you carry me," I replied with a playful smirk. Asher chuckled and replied, "Deal, hop on!"