The days leading up to the café opening were a whirlwind of excitement and nervous anticipation for Emma. Her friends had been a constant source of support, especially Ashton, who seemed to be with her every step of the way. A few days before the grand opening, Ashton invited Emma to a family gathering at the Jenkins' house. She agreed, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness about the evening ahead.
As they arrived at the Jenkins' house, Emma was greeted warmly. Ashton's mother, Eleanor, exuded elegance and warmth as she approached Emma with open arms.
"Emma, it's so wonderful to see you!" Eleanor said, her voice laced with genuine delight. "How have you been since returning from New York?"
Emma smiled, feeling at ease in Eleanor's presence. "I've been good, thank you. New York was an incredible experience, but I'm glad to be back."
Ashton's father, Richard, also approached a pleased smile on his face. "It's good to have you back, Emma," he said, shaking her hand firmly. "Icy mentioned you're opening a café soon?"
"Yes," Emma replied, her excitement bubbling over. "It's something I've always dreamed of, and I'm thrilled to finally see it come to life. I'd love for you all to come to the opening this weekend."
Richard nodded approvingly. "We wouldn't miss it for the world. It sounds like a fantastic venture."
As the evening wore on, Emma found herself at the table with Eleanor, while the others mingled around the room. Eleanor, with her poised demeanor, looked every bit the refined hostess.
"So, Emma," Eleanor began, her tone light yet curious. "What's going on with you and Ashton?"
Emma blinked, taken aback by the directness of the question. A flush crept up her neck as she tried to formulate a response. "We've been hanging out for a while now," she said, her voice a little uncertain. "But we're just friends."
Eleanor's eyes sparkled with amusement, a knowing smile playing on her lips. "You two look good together, you know. And just so you're aware, Richard and I fully support you both if you decide to take things to the next level."
Emma's blush deepened at the unexpected endorsement. Memories of Jake's father's disapproval flashed through her mind, but she quickly pushed them aside, focusing on the present.
"Thank you," Emma managed, still a little flustered. "That means a lot."
Eleanor chuckled softly, clearly enjoying Emma's reaction. "I'm just saying, I wouldn't mind seeing a little Ashton and a little Emma running around one day."
Emma's face turned a deeper shade of red as she laughed nervously. "That's... quite a thought," she replied, her mind racing.
Just then, Ashton returned to the table, noticing Emma's flushed cheeks and the amused expression on his mother's face.
"What's going on here?" Ashton asked, a hint of concern in his voice as he looked between the two women.
Eleanor laughed lightly, waving a hand dismissively. "Oh, nothing to worry about, dear. We were just having a little talk."
Ashton raised an eyebrow, still looking at Emma, who was doing her best to regain her composure. "You sure you're okay, Em?"
Emma nodded, forcing a smile. "Yeah, I'm fine. Your mom was just... being your mom," she said, giving Eleanor a playful glance.
Ashton shook his head with a smile, though a hint of curiosity lingered in his gaze as he looked at Emma. He could tell something had passed between her and his mother, but he decided to let it go, for now.
At that moment, Richard and Icy joined them at the table. Richard's eyes twinkled with amusement as he took in the scene before him. "Well, don't you two make a handsome pair," he said with a grin, clearly enjoying the way Emma and Ashton looked together.
Icy chimed in, her voice teasing, "Dad's right, you know. You two do look good together."
Emma's blush returned in full force, and Ashton chuckled, giving his sister a playful nudge. "Alright, alright, that's enough from you two," he said, though his eyes softened as he looked at Emma.
Emma tried to laugh it off, but the warmth in Richard's and Eleanor's eyes made her feel a mix of emotions. The Jenkins family's acceptance and support were more than she had ever expected, and it made her feel like she was truly part of something special.
As the night continued, Emma couldn't help but feel a warm glow in her heart. She was grateful for the Jenkins family and the way they had embraced her, and it made her wonder if maybe, just maybe, there could be something more with Ashton.
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After the gathering at the Jenkins' house, Ashton suggested they head to Serenity Overlook, a place that had always been special to them. The night air was cool and refreshing as they drove with the windows down, the familiar scent of the ocean filling the car. The gentle rhythm of the waves provided a comforting background as they parked and made their way to the overlook.
The moonlight reflected off the water, casting a serene glow over the scene. Ashton and Emma walked in comfortable silence for a while before finally settling on their favorite bench, the one where they had shared so many memories.
Ashton glanced at Emma, noticing the thoughtful expression on her face. He hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Hey, I just wanted to apologize for my parents earlier. I didn't mean for them to put you on the spot like that."
Emma looked up, a shy smile playing on her lips. "It's okay, Ashton. Really. They were just being sweet, and honestly... it was kind of nice." She paused, her smile fading slightly as she continued, "But, to be honest, I did feel a bit weird earlier."
Ashton's brow furrowed in concern. "Weird? How so?"
Emma sighed, her gaze drifting out to the ocean. "It's just... when your mom and dad started talking about us and, you know, the possibility of something more, I couldn't help but remember how different things were with Jake's family."
She paused, gathering her thoughts. "Jake's father never approved of me. I was never good enough for them, and that messed with my head for a long time. So, when your parents were so kind and supportive tonight, I couldn't help but wonder... what if things had been different? What if Jake's parents had been more like yours? Would things have turned out differently?"
Ashton listened quietly, his heart aching for Emma as she opened up about her past. He knew how much she had struggled with the way Jake's father had treated her, and hearing her speak about it now, he felt a surge of protectiveness.
"You know, Em," Ashton said softly, reaching out to take her hand, "I can't imagine what that must have been like for you, but I want you to know that you don't have to worry about anything like that with my family. They care about you—because I care about you."
As Emma's words hung in the cool night air, a quiet tension settled between them. She took a deep breath, summoning the courage to ask the question that had been lingering in the back of her mind for a while now. "Ashton," she began, her voice steady but soft, "are you in love with me?"
The question seemed to catch Ashton off guard, his eyes widening slightly before he quickly composed himself. There was a moment of silence, filled only by the gentle crashing of the waves against the shore. He looked at her, his expression earnest and tender. "Yes, Emma," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "I have always been in love with you."
Emma's heart skipped a beat at his confession. She had sensed it in the way Ashton looked at her, in the way he was always there for her, but hearing it out loud made everything so much more real. She was about to speak when Ashton continued, his tone reassuring and calm.
"But I don't want you to feel any pressure, especially now that you're building your life and figuring out what you want. My feelings for you are my own, and I'm not expecting anything from you in return. I just want you to be happy, whatever that looks like for you."
He squeezed her hand gently, his gaze steady and full of warmth. "And please, don't let my family's hopes or expectations influence you. They mean well, but your happiness is what matters most to me."
Emma felt a mixture of emotions—gratitude, relief, and a touch of confusion. She hadn't expected Ashton to be so open, and yet, his words brought a sense of peace she hadn't realized she needed. She squeezed his hand back, offering a small smile. "Thank you, Ashton," she said softly. "That means a lot to me."
They sat together in silence for a while, the night unfolding around them, both lost in their thoughts yet comforted by the presence of the other. The bond they shared, once undefined and complex, now seemed a little clearer, even as the future remained uncertain.
As they sat in the comforting silence, Emma glanced down at their intertwined hands. She took a deep breath, the vulnerability of the moment making her heart race. "Someday, Ash," she began, her voice tender and filled with sincerity, "I might be able to return the love you have for me. It's not that I don't see or feel what you do... it's just that I'm scared."
Ashton's eyes softened as he listened, and he gently squeezed her hand, offering her a reassuring smile. "I know, Em," he replied, his voice calm and understanding. "And I don't want to pressure you. I can always wait for that perfect time."
His words were like a balm to her anxious heart, easing the fears she hadn't even realized she was holding onto. They sat together, hands still clasped, the unspoken understanding between them as deep and steady as the ocean before them. The night stretched on, serene and unhurried, as they found comfort in the knowledge that, no matter what the future held, they would face it together.