Out of The Box Awakening (42 page)

Disappointment is evident in my voice. “Sunday night? I thought you were coming home on Friday…”

He tries to reassure me. “Honey, I just can’t, but I promise you, my calendar is totally blocked off for weeks to come. I’m getting everything wrapped up so I’ll be completely yours until after your birthday.”

Wondering how he remembers that, I ask, “You remember when my birthday is?”

“Of course I do! Just bear with me and I promise you the best birthday ever!”

I settle into bed as a changed woman. Divorced, independent, and getting stronger by the day. I’m coming into feelings I have never felt. Experiencing things I never have and stepping out of my comfort box on a daily basis. I’m on a journey that is like a fairytale. Blessed, loved, confident and wiser.

Ash gets home on Sunday night late. I have dinner ready for him when he gets home. He comes through the front door and my heart is beating out of my chest!

“Oh, my God! I’m so glad you’re home!” He lifts me up and takes me in his arms. “Honey! I missed you so damn much! Are you mine?”

“Yes! My God Yes! I’m totally yours!” Needless to say, we skip dinner and head straight to matters at hand. He takes me into our, yes our bedroom. “Olivia, are you ready to go to the next level?”

“Oh. yes, Ash! I’m very ready. Help me get there?”

He smiles and takes me into his arms. “Well, you’ll have to get out of those clothes first…” He gets a bath ready for us complete with candles, music, and soft lighting. “Come here, honey. Let me love you. Tonight, we’re gonna kick it up a notch. You’re free. Free to be mine. You’re mine tonight…with no strings!”

He begins by kissing me softly. “God Liv! I’ve been waiting for this night forever! Let me show you just how much I love you, how much you mean to me. You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met…I swear, ever!”

My whole body is about to explode. I feel no inhibitions and I’m ready for this amazingly beautiful sexy man to take me to the next level of our intimacy. After our bath, he takes me into his bed, our bed. He has the music playing and candles lit all over the room.

“Lie down and relax honey. I’m going to take you all the way to heaven. You’re safe with me. I’ll never ever hurt you. I’ll give you pleasure, I’ll love you, I’ll adore you, you’re my everything! God I love you so damn much!” He explores every inch of my body and ignites nerves and sensations I swear I’ve never knew I had. I thought I’d experienced it before with him, but
tonight, he takes me higher, so much higher. We do things I’ve never done before, never even thought of doing. I’m confident, I’m secure and I totally trust him.

“God Olivia! I can’t wait for you to go on this journey with me. This is a journey we’re going on together. I’ll make love to you in ways you haven’t tried before but I want you to trust me. You do trust me, don’t you? There are so many things we can do. We’ll take it slow, I promise. I won’t ever ask you to do anything you’re not comfortable doing, I swear it. Oh my God! If you could only know how damn much you make me want you. It’s incredible!”

“Ash, I totally trust you. I trust you with my heart and soul and I’m ready to start that journey”

We make love like I swear I never have in my whole life. I take him in ways that I would never have before with Alan, but I feel loved, totally loved and I give myself to him completely, in every way. He is my lover, my friend, and my everything. I’ve totally surrendered myself and I have no regrets. Not a one.

My birthday’s approaching. My goal of being divorced before my birthday has been achieved, thanks to Abby and who she knows in the courts system. “Liv, the guys are playing at the club this weekend. I thought we’d go watch them play for your birthday…only if you want to.”

“I’d love it Ash!”

“Well, I thought we’d go to dinner first and then go to the club.”

“Sounds wonderful!”

On the day of my birthday, Ash has a beautiful flower arrangement on the counter when I go to get coffee. It’s his usual sunflower arrangement only this one is huge! “Happy Birthday love of my life!”

“Ash, thanks so much! I love you!”

“So, we’re going to dinner and then to the club tonight. You okay with that?”

“Of course! That sounds wonderful!”

When we arrive at the club, Tommy and the guys immediately come over to me with hugs and kisses.

“Happy Birthday Olivia!” They all say.

“Thanks guys!” We sit at the table talking and I see Emily and Kyra walk in making their way to the table. They give me hugs and they’ve each brought me flowers.

“Ready to party?” Todd asks. “Yes! Totally!” I say.

“Well, just get ready, cause we’re gonna rock your world tonight babe!” Just before they go on to start playing, I look toward the door for some reason and see Lainey, Kellan, Bradley and Dalton walk in. I put my hand over my mouth.

“Oh.My.God! Are you kidding me? What? How in the world? Ash! How did you arrange this?” He winks and smiles at me. “Happy Birthday, hon. Surprised?”

“Oh, my God, yes! You’ve just won me over forever, Ash!” The kids all run up and give me a hug. “Happy Birthday Mom, are you surprised?”

“More than you know! God! This is amazing!” The guys all come and give me hugs. “Gotcha, didn’t they Olivia? Happy Birthday! We’re gonna make sure this is your best birthday ever!”  They excuse themselves and hop on stage to play. They start out by playing Free Bird. “This song goes out to a Free Bird we happen to know—and she knows exactly what we mean!” Tommy points at me and starts it off. Lainey and I are singing with them.

“Awww, Mom! Makes me think of when I was a kid…remember when we used to sing it together?”

I hug her tight. “Oh, Lainey I certainly do remember!” Oh my God. This is amazing! The best night ever! They sing several of their original songs, including Fairy Tale Man, which I love!
Ash excuses himself and says he’ll be right back. After a few minutes, he’s not back and I start to get worried. The stage goes dark and then the lights come back on. Tommy comes up to the microphone. “Folks, this is the first time we’ve done this song, and it’s a special song for a very special lady, someone we all love and who’s family! It’s called “Something like Olivia.”

Tommy sings lead. I look to his left and oh, my God! Ash is on stage and is playing his guitar. That must be where he went. I realize they’re singing a song about me. Olivia. And she’s taken. I’ve never heard this song, but it’s great!

“Mom! That’s so cool!” Lainey says.

Tommy is singing to me. Todd and the guys all point at Ash as they sing the words and shake their heads yes, that only this one guy gets to sleep with Olivia by his side. Tommy introduces Ash.

“Ladies and gentlemen, give it up for my dad, Ash Harper!” Everyone claps and Ash plays a short solo guitar part. He’s so damn good!”

He’s got his Cubs baseball cap on, turned around backwards. I look at the guys and they all have on the same caps, turned around backwards, rally style.

“Mom, did you know about this?” Bradley asks.

I shake my head “Had no idea son!”

Ellen and David come in late and hurry over to our table. “Happy Birthday Olivia! So sorry we’re late! Damn, David is worse than a woman when it comes to getting ready on time…arghhhhh!” She looks up on stage surprised “Oh, my! So big brother’s performing tonight?”

“Yes! Isn’t he amazing Ellen? And I can’t believe my kids and everyone is here for my birthday. This is all your brother’s doing I hope you know!”

“Yep, he’s a pretty amazing guy Olivia!”

After their song, Ash comes back to the table. I stand up and throw myself into his arms. “Hey rock star of a boyfriend, you’re pretty darn sneaky!”

He winks that damned, sexy-as-hell wink at me. “Did you like it?” He asks.

“My God, yes! Did you have to rehearse a lot?”

He looks at me and makes a silly face. “Well, yeah! Of course I did! That’s where I’ve been for the past few weeks! Remember I told you I was at their practices giving them advice?”

“Yeah.” I answer. “Well, we were learning this, honey!”

During the break, the guys all come to the table and give me hugs. “So, Olivia, what did ya think of the Ashster?” Todd asks. “I loved it guys! My guy Ash sure rocks, doesn’t he!”

“Hell yeah he does! We’re trying to get him to go out on tour with us!” I shake my head and point my finger at Todd. “Oh hell no! That ain’t happening and you can believe that!” I say. Ash just shrugs his shoulders and does that sexy wink again at me.

They are into their last set and Ash excuses himself again. “Be right back hon. I just saw Ross and I need to talk to him for a minute. Just a minute and I’ll be right back. Promise.”

“Uh, sure, okay.” I respond. Emily, Kyra, Ellen and Lainey all come up and give me hugs. “Having a good birthday Olivia?” Kyra asks “Oh, man without a doubt, this is the best!”

“Folks, it’s about that time.” Tommy speaks into the microphone. “We’re gonna wrap it up with one last song. Sure hope you had fun, cuz we sure did. Remember to drive safe, and we hope to see you back rockin' with us real soon! Thank you all!”

Everyone claps and then the lights go off, and come back on. Oh, my God! Ash Harper is up on the stage again. One single light comes on and is shining down on him. He’s sitting on a stool by the microphone. “This song is for a very special lady, who just happens to have a birthday today. It’s a song by Phillip Phillips and I think you all know it…it’s called Home. Olivia, I love you and I hope you’re having a Happy Happy Birthday!” He fists his heart, points out at me and starts singing.

Immediately I get tears in my eyes. He’s singing about knowing you’re not alone and about making this place my home.

“Mom! Are you crying?” Bradley asks.

“Awww, Mom, don’t cry. You should be happy!” Dalton says.

“I am happy—that’s why I’m crying silly!”

As Ash is singing, Hayden and Wesley walk in. They hurry over to the table.

“Damn! Sorry we’re late! Our flight was friggin’ delayed!” Wesley squats down beside me, puts his arm around me and whispers. “Happy Birthday. Olivia!”

Lainey, trying to listen, isn’t going to let anyone talk while Ash is singing. “Guys…Shhhhh! Look—your dad’s up on stage singing! We’re trying to listen!”

Wesley and Hayden sit next to me and listen to their dad sing. “Damn! He’s pretty good—who knew?” Hayden says.

This has, without a doubt been the best birthday I’ve ever had. Ash gets a standing ovation after his song and he points at me as he’s getting off the stage. Tommy and the guys all point to me and blow me kisses. Okay—I’m embarrassed. Embarrassed but happy. Uber happy, as Tommy would say! After the show, we stay at the club, as we usually do. I’m blown away by the fact my kids are here. Ash’s kids are here. His sister is here. Girlfriends of boyfriends are here. The picture is complete. Ash, in his style, goes over to the jukebox after everyone but our group has gone, starts to drop his wad of money into it and Ross stops him.

“Mr. Rock Star, put your money back. It’s no good tonight my friend. Tonight the tunes are on me. It’s open jukebox! My birthday present to Olivia!” He says.

Ellen bends down and whispers to me “Come on Olivia, let’s go to the bathroom.”

We head to the bathroom and she’s being very chatty, talking about the wedding. When we’ve been in the bathroom for a while, her phone dings and she gets a text. “Oh, that’s Melissa. She said to tell you Happy Birthday.”

She takes my arm and we go back out to the table. Geez she’s acting weird! As we’re walking toward the table, everyone is sitting at the table staring at us.

“What?” I ask.

“Nothing. We’re all just looking at you two pretty ladies and we were saying how young you guys look.” Lainey laughs. Ash pulls my chair out and I sit down. In front of me is a turquoise square cake, done in fondant with a beautiful fondant white bow. It looks like a Tiffany’s box. I think how cute this is…what a cute idea for a birthday cake! Before I can read the writing on the cake Ash drops to his knees. He has tears in his eyes and he looks nervous, really nervous. He takes a deep breath.

“Olivia, okay…here goes…Look, from the very first time I saw you, I knew you were the most beautiful woman I’d ever seen. We’ve been through so much together. You’ve brought love and life into me and I love you more than life itself. I love you so bad, it hurts. Honey you complete me; you’re my everything, I Liv you and I want to spend every damn remaining minute of my life with you. So would you please, please, please do me the honor of being my wife, my soul mate, and my love for the rest of our lives? Please, honey, just answer yes.”

I’m totally caught off-guard. He opens the black box. I look inside and gasp.

“Would you accept this ring, Olivia, knowing that I love you unconditionally for the absolute amazing woman you are?”

Everyone at the table is looking at me. I’m speechless and I feel huge tears building up in my eyes.

Lainey takes my arm. “Mom! What say you? This is an over the top proposal and you’d better say yes!”

Still unable to speak, I look at Ash. He looks worried.

Tommy and Todd are looking worried as well.

Todd breaks the ice. “Olivia? Come on! Fuckin say yes already! Geez! You’re killin’ us girl!”

I look at Ash and we’re both crying. “Ash, Oh, my God! Yes, Yes! Of course I will!”

“Really? Seriously? You’ll be my wife?”

I nod my head. “Ash, yes! Yes, of course I will! I Love you so so much!”

He fist pumps into the air “YEEEESSSSS!” Ash says.

I look at the beautiful cake and read the writing. Scripted in the middle of the cake in white are the initials OH & AH, and then under that reads Marry Me?

Wow! This truly is an over the top proposal. I’m shaking. I stare at the beautiful ring inside the little black box that simply says Tiffany & Co. inside the top. Dear God! This ring has to be over two carats. It is the timeless classic Tiffany engagement ring and is breathtakingly beautiful.

Ash takes the ring out of the box. “May I?” he asks. He takes my shaky left hand and slips the ring on. Of course, it fits perfect.

Everyone claps and Ross brings out the champagne. “Congrats lovebirds! Let’s get a little bubbly going here.” He pops the cork, pours our glasses and makes a toast.

“Ash, Olivia, you are without a doubt two of the most in love people I’ve seen in a very long time. I’m honored Ash, that you chose to make this beautiful proposal here, in my little club. Olivia, I’ve known Ash a very long time and I don’t believe I’ve seen him this happy in so long! Here’s to many years of love, and happiness!” We all toast and empty our glasses. Even Lainey has a taste of champagne. Wesley gives me a hug and instead of shaking Ash’s hand as he usually does, he gives his father a very affectionate hug. Hayden follows and they motion for Tommy to come into their group hug.

The boys all kneel down beside me. “Olivia, we couldn’t have picked a better woman for our dad! You’re awesome.” Ellen and David come for hugs as well. Ellen is smiling so big and she’s getting emotional. “Soooo, I just knew one day you’d be my sister-in-law Olivia. I just knew it! Big brother, you sure did good. Congrats honey! We love you both!” Ash hugs her and David. The guys all come up. Todd holds up my hand to show them my ring. “Damn! This sucker is friggin’ huge Mr. H.! Jesus!” Lainey and my boys kneel down by my chair. “Mom, we want you to know that Ash did ask for our permission before he did this.”

“He did?” I say.

“Yes Ma’am! We all met in Dallas last weekend. He wanted to make sure we were okay with this. He’s so old-fashioned, but of course that’s one of the things we love about him. Of course, once he asked us, we immediately said yes! He and Tommy even flew out to talk to the twins too.” I think to myself that’s why he didn’t come home as soon as he had planned. He took a detour to talk to my kids and his kids. What an amazing man! Tommy tells me that he met his dad and the twins last weekend in Billings, Montana, which they figured was half way to Seattle. “Dad wanted us to meet half way and talk to us all before he asked you. He wanted my brothers and me to be together and not do this over the phone or by Skype.”

“Tommy, I didn’t even realize you went out of town. My gosh! Your dad never ceases to amaze me.”

“Yeah, Dad’s definitely one of a kind.” Ross starts the music playing. “Green Eyes” comes on and Ash takes my hand

“Dance with me?” He takes my hand, my beautifully adorned left hand, and leads me out to the dance floor. “So tell me Olivia, are you happy?”

“Oh Ash, I’m happy beyond words! This has been the best birthday I’ve ever had! I love you so much!”

“And I love you too honey. So what did you think about our initials on your cake? Tommy told me that we are now officially Oh and Ah, and oh! I love it! And ah! I can’t wait until we’re married, until you’re legally mine, soon-to-be Mrs. Harper.”

I look into his beautiful eyes with tears in mine “Ash, this day has been, without a doubt the best day in my life, with exception of the births of my children. There are no words to describe it and I’m the luckiest woman in the world. Please don’t let this day end!”