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Ashton

    I glared at them, fury coursing through my veins as I watched them greet everyone, acting like it was their party. How dare they show up here after everything they've said and done. I haven't spoken to them since my first game over a year ago, and now they waltz in like everything is fine between us.

"You want me to get them out of here, Ash?" Patrick asked, his voice tight with anger. I glanced at him, seeing the same fire in his eyes, but I shook my head.

"No. I want to hear what they have to say. Then we'll kick them out. Just don't let them anywhere near Sophie or Aurora, okay?"

"Don't worry, Ash. I'll keep them safe." Patrick placed a hand on my shoulder. "Hey—no matter what they say, don't let them get to you. We're all proud of you, especially Dad."

    His words helped ground me, and I gave him a grateful smile. We might've had a rocky few months, but I'd forever be thankful to have him as my best friend. As he headed down the steps, I shot one last glare at my parents before looking over at Sophie. She stood with Christina, watching me with a worried expression.

    Since the accident, Sophie hadn't technically seen my parents since my high school graduation. She told me once about how, on the night of my first game, my Mother cornered her in the bathroom and basically told her she wasn't good enough for me. The thought still made my blood boil.

    My parents finally approached me, my Mother smiling as if she had every right to be here. "Hello, sweetheart," She cooed. "What a beautiful home you have. A little bland for my taste, but beautiful nonetheless."

I rolled my eyes at her backhanded compliment, folding my arms across my chest. "What are you two doing here?"

    My Father cleared his throat, his eyes narrowing. "We heard our son bought his first house and was throwing a housewarming part and announcing... his engagement. Your Mother and I assumed our invitations must have gotten lost in the mail." He shrugged as if it were no big deal, smiling at a couple of passing guests. The smug look on his face made me want to punch him, but he wasn't worth it.

"Sure. More like you heard there might be paparazzi and didn't want to miss your chance to keep up appearances as the 'perfect family.'"

My Mother waved a dismissive hand. "What's the difference? Now, Ashton, are you really going to marry that girl?" She glanced in Sophie's direction, her expression sharp.

    Sophie was still watching me, her eyes full of concern. I gave her a reassuring smile, and she returned it faintly before Patrick led her and Christina inside. Reluctantly, I turned back to my parents.

"Yes, I am. I love her more than anything in this world."

    My Father sighed heavily, rolling his eyes. "She's not right for you, Ashton. She's low-class, and you only think you love her because she's the first woman you've kept around longer than five minutes. Also, let's not forget that you're only marrying her because you had a child together. Do you realize the embarrassment that child has brought to our family?" I clenched my jaw, my anger rising.

"You don't have to marry her just because you had a child," My Mother added smoothly. "Just pay child support and find a respectable woman to settle down with—"

"If either of you says one more word, I'll throw you both out of my house so fast you'll be on the cover of People magazine before your ass's hit the ground," I snapped. My Mother gasped, horrified, while my Father's face turned bright red.

"We've let this little 'woe-is-me' act go on long enough," He snarled. "You have no right to speak to us that way. We're your parents and you will do as we say!" The entire yard went silent. My Father glanced around, clearly embarrassed, and forced a tight smile before glaring back at me.

"You were my parents. But I'm no longer a child you can boss around. I'm a grown man, and I won't let you disrespect my wife or daughter for one more minute. Now get the hell out of my house and don't come back." My Mother's eyes filled with tears as she grabbed my father's arm, pulling him away.

"You're dead to us, Ashton." My Father hissed.

I shrugged. "You've both been dead to me for a long time." His eyes widened, but he didn't respond. He stormed out, my Mother following, and I prayed I'd never have to see them again.

"Ashton?" I turned at the sound of Sophie's voice. She stood there with Aurora in her arms, her face filled with concern.

"Hey, baby. You okay?" I asked, slipping my arm around her waist and kissing the top of Aurora's head.

"Yeah, we're fine. Are you okay? That looked... intense." She reached up and gently cupped my cheek, her touch instantly calming me.

"I'm good now that you and Rory are here," I said, smiling as Sophie leaned up to give me a quick kiss, making Aurora giggle. I glanced down at our daughter's bright smile causing my heart to burst with joy. "How did I get so lucky to have the two most beautiful girls in my life?"

    Sophie blushed, rolling her eyes. "You're not alone, babe. Whatever happened with your parents, we're always here for you."

I smiled, feeling so lucky to have her support. "I know, Sophie-Lophie. I love you so much."

"I love you too, Ashton." She whispered, leaning in to kiss me again.

    Hearing those words from her would never get old. She could tell me she loved me till the end of time and I still would have a hard time believing it. I was beyond blessed to have her love, and I couldn't wait to spend the rest of my life with her as my wife.