LOGINElizabeth’s POV:If someone asked me to name the most frequently asked question this week, I would say it’s who my maid of honor and bridesmaids will be. You can only imagine the look of shock on their faces when I answer that I, in fact, don’t have a maid of honor or any bridesmaids.I am a woman who has spent the past three years handling male athletes and living out of suitcases. Even in college, I was always with Ashton and Malcolm. All the other girls tended to dislike me for that very reason.I haven’t had many opportunities to befriend other women, and quite honestly, I’m much more comfortable with male friends. It’s just who I am.So when Malcolm mentioned that the team wanted to have a bachelor party for Ashton, everyone assumed I’d be having my own fun little bachelorette party as well.Instead, I’m spending the time in my apartment packing up odds and ends that haven’t already been moved over to the penthouse. A dusty scrapbook falls from the shelf behind me, falling open o
Ashton’s POV:Three Months Later“Ashton, which event would be more amazing - winning the World Series or your upcoming wedding to Elizabeth?”I covered my face with my hands and shook my head in disbelief.Seriously? They want me to compare the two? We’re one win away from claiming the World Series Championship. My wedding to Elizabeth is a week away. I’m literally one of the busiest and happiest men on the planet right now.Elizabeth is sitting in the corner of the crowded room, watching me with a look of amusement on her beautiful face. She’s clearly waiting to hear my answer to this question.I rake a hand through my hair and grin.“I’m not sure any sane man would choose anything other than their upcoming wedding, especially when their loving fiancée is seated amongst the crowd.”The room filled with laughter, and the reporters turned their attention to where Liz was quietly sitting. She rolled her eyes at me as she addressed the crowd of reporters,“That’s my clever future husba
Ashton’s POV:“Elizabeth Marie Mason, if you don’t hurry up, we’re going to be late for the start of the memorial ceremony!”I poked my head in the bathroom door and watched as she fussed with her unruly curls. Her reflection in the mirror showed that her face was scrunched up in frustration, which I found adorable.She huffed, “Charles has been planning this ceremony for a month now. The game is being featured as ESPN's game of the week. I need to look my best!”Liz’s eyes shot daggers at me as I couldn’t hold back my laughter.“Baby, you could throw on a burlap sack, and you’d still be the most beautiful woman in the stadium. Relax. This is going to be a very special day for you.”You don’t know just how special. My phone buzzed in my pocket. I stepped back into our bedroom, letting her finish, and checked my phone.Malcolm: [Are you ready for today?]Ashton: [More than ready, but Liz is stressing herself out over her appearance right now. She’s been in the bathroom for thirty minu
Elizabeth’s POV:“Ashton, honey, what do you mean Sports Illustrated wants us for a cover story? They just want you, right?”His grin reached across his face from ear to ear.“No, baby. The editor specifically requested both of us. They want to do the interview here at the penthouse, on Friday morning.”Seriously, what has my life become??We had only been back in Chicago for a week, and every day felt like a media circus. Apparently, I can’t even go to the grocery store anymore without people approaching me. It took me twenty minutes just to get out of the produce section yesterday, and now they want to put our picture on the cover of Sports Illustrated.Ashton must have sensed my growing apprehension because he was by my side within seconds, wrapping me up in his strong arms. He grazed my cheek with his lightly stubbled chin.“Breathe, love. It’s going to be great. I know you’re still adjusting to being in the spotlight, but you know I’m right here with you. Well, maybe not at the g
Elizabeth’s POV:Damn, these San Diego fans really love their gossip! I’ve spent the past half hour answering questions and taking selfies with the crowd seated next to me in the stands. Thankfully, they’ve all been very kind, and I’ve actually enjoyed interacting with them.I took a moment to glance out at the field and saw Ashton making his way towards my section. I hurried down to the first row to greet him.“I see you’re making friends with the local fans. I hope you’re not switching sides on me!”Playfully pinching his cheek, I smiled and assured him, “You and the Grizzlies always have my heart, Tate. Though I do love the weather out here.”Ashton reached up and tickled my waist, causing me to squeal like a little schoolgirl. Everyone was now watching us.“Well, maybe we can vacation here in the off-season.”I leaned over the wall to kiss him. “Maybe. For now, focus on winning this game.”He threaded his hand through my hair, pulling me in closer for a deeper kiss. Giving the fa
Ashton’s POV:Malcolm: [Bro, I just watched the press conference. Did you just basically admit to the world that you plan on proposing to Lizzy?]Ashton: [I haven’t planned anything yet, but yes, I want to marry Liz. Don’t tell her, though!]Malcolm: [My lips are sealed, buddy, but you know everyone’s going to be watching you like a hawk.]Ashton: [Trust me, I know. You had better be prepared to help me with all of it.]Malcolm: [You know I’ve got your back. When are you heading back to meet up with the team?]Ashton: [We’re flying out tonight. Lizzy is coming with us.]Malcolm: [Awesome! I’ll see the two of you when you get here.]I guess it’s time to figure out how to properly propose to the most incredible woman who deserves the world and then some. Liz was currently curled up next to me on the hotel bed, napping. I guess I should take the blame for her exhaustion. I didn’t allow her to get much sleep last night. Add in all the drama from today, and I couldn’t blame her for crashi
Elizabeth’s POV:Ashton Tate has made it his personal mission to ruin me for any other man.As the plane begins its takeoff, I silently long for his hand to hold to soothe my nerves. I close my eyes and focus on the memories of last night. Ashton hadn’t been teasing when he said he was mine to do w
Elizabeth’s POV:Another win. Another press conference. Another round of questions about our relationship.Ashton has become quite skilled at answering their questions politely but vaguely, sharing only what’s needed. I still watch from behind the scenes.Malcolm joins me as I sit quietly, listenin
Elizabeth’s POV:No. No. No. This cannot be happening right now. I’m seated in Charles’ office, finalizing the paperwork and signing off on my assignment as having been completed. My phone begins to chime repeatedly, and I see one notification after another flash across my screen.This can’t be go
Elizabeth’s POV:The rays of sunshine spilling through the windows felt warm against my face. I awake to a sense of being weighed down. Ashton’s arm is wrapped securely around my waist. His chest pressed snuggly against my back. I love that I still fit perfectly within his embrace.Ashton’s morning







