Carter, I can't believe it's been six months since we started dating. This half year that I have spent with you has been absolutely extraordinary, and I can't wait for the many more years we have before us.

I still remember the day I met you like it was yesterday. I naively thought that you would know who I was but you had no idea, and it was so cute and interesting to watch you be your true self around me. When I first saw you I remember thinking that you were the prettiest girl I had ever seen, and that hasn't changed. Even on that very first day I met you, when all of my flirting attempts didn't seem to work and I'm pretty sure by the end of our tour you thought I was a total weirdo, I knew that there was something special about you. Little did I know that five months later I would be asking you to be my wife.

But even though the fact of me asking you to marry me so soon surprised us both, the fact that one day I would ask you didn't, because I knew with all of my heart from that very first second we met, that you were going to be the girl I spent the rest of my life with, you were going to be the girl I married.

Baby, these last six months with you have been the most crazy, amazing, surprise filled, and loving months of my life, and that is all because of you. I never knew what it was like to be in love until I met you. Carter you are the only girl I have ever truly loved, and you always will be.

You, Ender, and Gracie have been the biggest blessings to me. In the past six months I've been given a brother-in-law who is the coolest kid I have ever met, a daughter who is so beautiful and perfect I can't believe she ours, and then you...my fiancé, my wife, my everything...and every morning when I wake up with you curled up and pressed against me as close as you can be, I'm blown away by the fact you and this family are mine.

Car, you are the strongest person I know, and I know I tell you that all the time but it's because I never want you to forget it. You have been through things that no one should have to go through, but because of that it's made you into the person you are. You've taken situations that would have shaken most people up- head on, facing every challenge that has been thrown at you with an open mind and heart. You inspire me everyday with your bravery and courage, and I hope you know that Ender and Gracie have such an amazing role model like you to look up to.

No couple is perfect, but I think our imperfections make us perfect. I'm not always the easiest person to be with. I've messed up and made mistakes, but behind my screw ups was the intent of keeping you and our children safe and protected from the harsh and cruel realities and people in this world, because you are too good for that, and you deserve nothing but happiness and love.

Do you remember our first date? I do. It was the best (and now last) first date I've ever had, because it was with you. You looked so pretty in that red shirt and those white shorts, and I put my flannel on your shoulders when you got cold. We went out to Martha's Diner and then went skating. And let's be honest, I wanted to hold your hand so badly and I knew you knew how to skate but I just didn't want to let go of your hand because it felt so perfect in mine. And then we sat on your roof for two hours just looking at the ocean. It was so peaceful just being there with you. We didn't have to fill the silence with awkward talking, we were comfortable just being there with each other, and I think that's so important.

And then of course when I told you goodnight I went to kiss you but panicked and kissed your cheek instead. There you were, this absolutely perfect girl, and there I was, a guy who felt like he wasn't deserving to kiss you. I didn't know if you wanted me to so I decided to kiss you on the cheek and then wait till our second date.

Then a few nights later when your water heater busted and I was over there to help I found myself not being able to wait any longer. You were just so cute and looked beautiful even with the paint chips in your hair and I knew I had to make my move or you were going to get away. So I kissed you; in the middle of the kitchen, and it was so amazing. You know how they say you feel fireworks when you kiss the person you love? Well I felt them. The way your lips felt against mine confirmed all of my thoughts that you were the girl for me. I was addicted and I wanted to make you mine, so I asked you to be my girlfriend in a toy store. The guys will never let me live that down, but I couldn't wait, because it was you.

I knew that with me leaving for tour for weeks at a time and this being your first relationship that it would be difficult, but it would also be worth it. But even when I was away I never stopped thinking about you. I would find myself daydreaming about you while I was on stage or almost telling a cute story about you during an interview and I knew I had it bad. I was so completely head over heels for you, and I wanted to be there in Haven Harbour with you more than anything.

I would call my mom and tell her about you and she was dying to meet you and so when you came out to Sydney she wasn't just expecting to meet my girlfriend, she was expecting to meet the girl who would someday be her daughter in law, and like everyone else she fell in love with you. After that visit she considered you a part of our family and even started texting me pictures of engagement rings because I had told her I was starting to look. I knew we needed to talk about our future but I was afraid to scare you off or that you wouldn't feel the same as me.

But then Gracie came along. We were both so scared and nervous (even though I tried not to show it for your sake). I wanted to be involved but I didn't know if you wanted me to be, but you did and I felt like that was how life would be when we had kids one day. We were making decisions together about her and Ender and in some ways it was like we were married parents raising kids together. I think we both felt that and thought that, but we wouldn't say anything.

The moment Gracie walked through our front door I just had this feeling that she was going to be someone special, and I was right about that. The look in your eyes when you put her to bed the first night she was there told me you were already in love with her. And as each day passed and she became more comfortable with us, I could see her copying some of your traits or doing the same things you did because she wanted to be like you.

Gracie and I had a bond right from the beginning that was so new yet so exciting for me, because I felt like a dad. She followed me everywhere, wanted me to play with her and Bear and watch cartoons with her. She was like my daughter...and then she called us Mommy and Daddy. That was one of the best days of my life Carter, it truly was. In that moment I looked shocked I know, I was, but I was also absolutely elated that she had called me that. Because I wanted to be Gracie's father, and I wanted to be Ender's father, and I wanted to be your husband, and I felt like I was one step closer to that dream coming true.

Then that one night on the roof where I asked you to marry me. I think you know why I proposed so early, but I want to tell you why I did. It wasn't because I was scared of losing you or that it was the only way to save our relationship, it was because I knew with all of my heart, soul, and mind, that I needed to ask you to marry me because it was the right time. My biggest fear was that you were going to say no, or that we needed to wait, but the moment after I asked you to marry me and the word yes came off your lips...I had never been more happy in my life than in that moment. I was actually going to marry the most incredible girl in the world, and she wanted to marry me too.

Carter, you say I've given you opportunities you would've never had before, but you've given me so many more. You've given me the opportunity to be your boyfriend, be your husband, be our children's father; that was all you. All you Carter.

You. You're absolutely everything to me.

As I write this letter I'm looking at you, asleep in my lap with your curls everywhere, a million blankets wrapped around you and the most peaceful and gorgeous face I have ever seen. Every time I look at you my breath gets taken away, I know it will always be that way, because you are just a breathtaking human being that I love so much.

Just imagine, fifty years from now we'll be sitting on our front porch somewhere drinking coffee and talking about our children and how much we love them, and how much we love each other and the life we lived together. I want an eternity for us, and I'm going to give you that.

I look at you and I think, how in the world am I so lucky to be able to be the one who gets to make you smile and laugh, gets to see you at your best and worst, gets to hear about your dreams and wishes and gets to love you more than anyone else. Car, you have been through so much pain and heartache and I will never understand the true amount, but it's made you into the beautiful beautiful person you are love. I know at times it gets difficult, but I want you to remember I will always be there for you. I will never leave you to deal with the pain and grief alone, because after everything you've been through, the least you deserve is for someone to be there for you, and that's who I'll be.

To conclude this letter I want to make you a few promises.

I promise that I will give you a life time of love and protection. I promise I will be the man you want me to be, and be a good father and husband. And I promise to love you, because I couldn't possibly do anything else.

I promise you Carter, that even when life seems horrible and you don't think we can make it, I promise you that we will. You're my forever.

I love you Carter.

Forever and Always,

Ashton

The moment I read the last word I looked up at Ashton who was watching me carefully.

"You wrote this for me?" I asked him, my throat aching and eyes welling up as I felt myself about to cry.

"Yeah." He said and I put my hands over my mouth, not being able to speak. He had me absolutely speechless.

"Did you like it?" He asked me and I flashed my eyes up to his, nodding.

"That was beautiful." I managed to get out in a strangled voice and he laughed at my teary eyed state before moving in to hug me.

I childishly wrapped my limbs around him and he laughed again before placing his head in the crook of my neck.

"I meant every word." He spoke into my skin and I sniffled as I wiped at my eyes.

"I don't even know what to say. That was so sweet, oh my god." I said/cried into his chest. He pulled away so he could look at my face and moved in to kiss me but I stopped him.

"I'm sick." I said and he rolled his eyes.

"I don't care." He moved in to crush his lips to mine.

As he kissed me, words from the letter flashed through my mind.

I broke the kiss panting, catching my breath before moving back in, my hands on each side of his face.

I had never been more in love with Ashton than I was right now.

"You're so perfect." I spoke between kisses, the few happy tears still rolling down my cheeks.

"I'm not perfect." He replied. "But you are."

"Shut up, you perfect, sweet, amazing amazing man." I kissed him once more before pulling away.

His eyes looked down into mine and a blush covered his cheeks like it covered mine.

"I am just so in love with you." He said to me and I smiled.

"I think I kinda feel the same way." I winked.

"Do you want some champagne?" He asked me and I nodded.

Ashton moved over and opened the bottle before pouring us each a glass, handing me one.

We clicked them together before taking a sip.

"This is so nice." I looked about us and he smiled.

"Well, you've had a tough day, and I've been wanting to celebrate us being together for the six months that we have been...so why not now?"

"You're amazing." I shook my head at him in disbelief and he shot me his signature grin.

"Come on." He grabbed the tray of chocolate covered strawberries and we leaned back against the pillows on the bed.

"So, what do you want to do for your birthday?" I asked him.

"I was thinking we could go out to a nice dinner with the kids." He said.

"It's your 21st birthday." I laughed. "Don't you want to fly to LA since you can now legally drink in America?"

"No." He scoffed. "I'd much rather have a nice night out with my family in a country where I've legally been able to drink for years." He said and I laughed at him.

"Okay, whatever you say birthday boy." I smiled and took a bite of a strawberry before a thought popped into my head. "You know, we've never talked about the fact that you're two years older than me."

"Well it's not an issue." He shrugged.

"I know, but still." I copied him.

"I always pinned you as the type of girl to go for an older man." He nudged me with his shoulder and I rolled my eyes.

"Shut up." I elbowed him, a smirky smile playing on my lips.

He leaned down for a kiss which I happily accepted and returned before I took a photo of us from the waist down on the bed, you could see Ashton's arms that were wound around my waist, the roses, champagne, and strawberries in the back ground.

'After being sick all day, Ashton surprised me with roses, champagne, chocolate covered strawberries, and the most beautiful love letter he wrote that brought me to a puddle of happy happy tears to celebrate our six month anniversary. It's moments like this where I realise how thankful I am for him and the love he has shown me and our family. I love you Ash. I am so ready to be Mrs. Irwin.'

He kissed on my neck as I typed out my caption and then put my phone on the nightstand once I had posted it so he could move on top of me to kiss me.

His lips massaged mine as his hands touched and caressed my waist and sides.

"You are so beautiful." He breathed between kisses that made my head twirl.

Our kisses led to touching, touching led to unbuttoning of clothing, and after that...

Once our passionate hour of love making was complete and we had showered, I laid on the bed as Ashton went to go get the kids.

"Strawberries!" Gracie gasped as she skipped in the room and went over to the tray to get one causing me to chuckle.

"How was hanging out with your uncles tonight , baby girl?" I asked her as she crawled up in my lap and I winced slightly.

"Fun!" She smiled and took a bite of the strawberry, chocolate getting all over her face.

We spent the rest of our evening finishing off the strawberries, Ashton and I sipping our champagne until we cleaned up and everyone got into bed.

Ashton laid on his back and I laid on top of him, his arms around my body and he laughed at how I was laying before we both blissfully fell asleep.

In the morning I woke up before everyone else and then woke up the kids.

"Okay, it's Daddy's birthday today, so we're all going to jump on the bed and yell happy birthday to him." I told them and Gracie nodded excitedly while Ender moved to pounce on Ashton.  

"One two three." I mouthed and then all three of us jumped on Ashton or the bed, his eyes flying open and head shooting up.

"Happy Birthday!" We shouted and he burst into his hearty laughter.

"Aw, thank you guys." He smiled as he pulled Gracie into his lap as he sat up.

"You get present?" Gracie asked him.

"Hmm, how about for my present you give me a big hug and a kiss." He smiled at her and she turned around to hug him and kiss his cheek.

"What about me?" Ender asked.

"I'll take an Ender hug." Ashton smiled and Ender moved to hug Ashton as well.

"What Mommy's present?" Gracie tugged on her dads arm.

"Mommy already gave me her present last night, but I'll take a birthday kiss." He smirked at me.

I shook my head at him before moving in to kiss him.

"Hmm, this is the best birthday ever." He smiled when we broke the kiss and I giggled at him.

Gracie climbed back into Ashton lap and he put his arms around her, holding her while Ender and I sat in front of them, talking about our favourite birthdays and presents for the rest of the morning until we had to get ready and get on a plane to fly to London.

--

Guys I was so emotional writing that love letter you have no idea. I cried at least twice no joke.

I'm going back to uni in a couple days but I'll try and update as soon as I get moved back in!

Comment and vote if you'd like!

Much love xx-M