In Love, Never Say Never (Ashton Fuller and Scarlett Stovall) novel Chapter 422

My prompt registered immediately. Ashton stood up and proffered a hand, suave and refined. However, his gaze lingered on Summer and Michael when he noticed them.

Michael seemed to be a late bloomer, at least in comparison to Summer. Both of them were five years old, but Michael appeared a year younger.

Ashton’s expression darkened, but I waved it off. “What would you like to eat?” I directed my question to the children.

Summer seemed to be in a foul mood. While her eyes were still on Ashton, she replied, “Anything you make is fine, Mommy.”

Michael caught sight of my injured ankle and suggested, “Let Daddy cook for us tonight.”

This was nothing out of the norm, but Michael’s words were piercing to Ashton’s ears.

I offered no clarification. Instead, I looked at Colin and teased lightly, “Looks like it’s your turn to show off your cooking skills tonight.”

Colin could be rather tactless at times, and his ability to read the room was failing him at the moment. Though he was taken aback by Ashton’s presence, he invited graciously, “Mr. Fuller, please stay for dinner with us. We cook with homegrown produce. You should try some.”

Ashton masked his emotions and nodded, his eyes dark and unfathomable.

I glanced at the children and instructed them as usual, “Both of you pick some vegetables from the back garden. Summer, don’t bully Michael, understand?”

Summer pouted but nodded obediently. “You’re so unfair, Mommy. You always help Michael.”

Amused by her childish accusation, I explained, “Michael is already shorter than you. If you continue to bully him, he’ll never grow taller!”

“Okay, okay, I won’t bully him!” Summer picked up both baskets and told Michael indignantly, “Mommy says that I can’t bully you, so I’ll help you carry your basket, okay?”

Michael, the small gentleman he was, corrected Summer, “Daddy says that I’m a strong man, and strong men should protect girls. You’re not bullying me. I’m protecting you!”

The two children walked toward the back garden, bickering all the way.

I shook my head in resignation, but my lips curled upwards involuntarily. I had always worried that Summer would feel lonely, but seeing how Summer and Michael were closer than biological siblings put me at ease.

As I retracted my gaze, I felt someone’s eyes on me, snapping me back to reality. I turned to find Ashton burning holes in me with his scorching stare. A myriad of emotions flashed in his dark eyes.

Stunned by the intensity of his gaze, I blurted, “Please make yourself at home while I check if my help is needed in the kitchen.”

Long fingers wrapped around my wrist, pulling me back. His voice seemed to rumble in his chest as he asked, “Have you been well all these years?”