“Sounds like you really love this place Ash.”  Spencer did the same, taking in the scenery and the stars.

 

“I do.  I thought I’d bring you here and show you a part of me no one’s ever seen before.  I also wanted to come back and say ‘I’ve found her.  The girl I described so many years ago, I found her and here she is.’”  She brought her hands up in the air and spoke as if though someone else was listening besides the young blonde next to her.

 

Spencer adored this side of Ashley; the side that wasn’t afraid to open up.  The young Carlin wrapped an arm around her girlfriend’s slender waist.  She subtly ran her fingertips softly up and down he brunette’s side enjoying the moment.

 

“You described me?”  Spencer asked watching the tiny flames atop the candles flicker.  Her bright blue eyes were rimmed with tears.

 

“To a ‘t’ Spence.  I always thought that dream girl would remain just that, a dream.  I never in a million years would have pictured a reality where I would end up with someone like you.”  Ashley choked up a little near the end.  Reality had in fact set in and she felt blessed in so many ways.  She has Spencer, a step sister that loves her, and friends that she could trust and count on no matter what.

 

“Ashley.”  Spencer placed a digit under the brunette’s chin and tilted her head.  Both girls smiled goofily when they noticed that either girl had tears forming in her eyes.  Ashley sniffled trying to wipe away her embarrassment.

 

“We are together Ashley and I couldn’t imagine it any other way.  This is reality, our reality.  Nothing or no one will ever change that.”  Ashley nodded as Spencer chuckled, letting her tears quietly trickle down her cheeks.

 

Both girls spent a few more minutes in each others arms, relishing in the moment.  Ashley soon felt her stomach grumble in anger.  Spencer heard the strange noise and chortled.

 

“Maybe we should eat.”  She suggested.

 

“We agree.”  Ashley smiled sheepishly and pointed to her stomach.

 

***

 

“Spencer, if something’s wrong let’s please talk about it.  I know you’re angry about this whole ‘Ashley’ situation but I assure you it’s for the best.”  Paula tried to pull the comforter off of her daughter but it was held tightly in place by Kasey.