Steam (Homecoming Hearts #4)(79)

Trent smiled and shook his head. “Not about that,” he said. “About you.”

Ashby blinked, even more confused. “Why would I make you nervous? I mean, I know this visa thing is being more of an arse than I thought it would be, but I’ll almost certainly be here when you get back.” Ashby hoped. Oh, god, did he hope.

Trent licked his lips. “You know I love you, so much,” he said.

Despite all the progress he had made, fear still shot through Ashby’s chest. Trent was not breaking up with him. He needed to relax. Even if there was an ocean between them, they would still find a way to be together. “I love you, too,” he said, taking Trent’s bigger hand between his two.

Trent bit his lip. “I think about our future a lot,” Trent said. “I…I’d like to do something to make it more certain. But only if you want. It’s, well, I guess it’s something I’d want to do at some point, so I figured why not now?” He lifted Ashby’s hand, kissing the knuckle. “I don’t want you to have any doubts about us,” he said warmly.

Ashby’s heart was skipping in his chest. “I don’t have any doubts,” he said, impressed that he managed to keep his voice steady. But it was the truth. After three months together, he couldn’t imagine his life without Trent.

“I’m glad to hear it,” Trent said. He exhaled in what sounded like relief and smiled.

Then he reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a ring box.

Ashby couldn’t help it. He’d always sworn he wouldn’t be one of those people who gasped and covered their mouths, with tears in their eyes. But until someone asked you to marry them, he realized you never really knew.

“I know,” Trent continued, “that this is soon. I’m not saying we have to act on it for a while. But…well, visas are much easier if you’re engaged.”

He opened the box to reveal an elegant platinum band inside.

Ashby blinked, fighting to say something as he lowered his hands. “You’re proposing to get me a green card?” he asked, only half-teasing.

Trent shook his head. “I’m proposing because I can’t imagine not spending the rest of my life with you. I know you’re the one, Ashby Wilcott. You made me whole. You’re my one in a million. If it will help you stay in the country, I want to do it now. Because I’m crazy about you, gorgeous. I don’t want anything to come between us.” He bit his lip. “But if it’s too soon, I understand.”

“Shut up and kiss me,” Ashby said, flinging his arms around his fiancé. “Oh my god, I love you so much. Yes, yes!”

Trent hugged him close, shaking. “I love you too,” he said as Guinevere scampered around their feet, barking happily.

Trent made Ashby whole, too, he knew it. He’d lifted him up and helped him become the best possible version of who he could be. Yes, it was soon. But that was because it was just the beginning. They were on this journey into the unknown, growing every day, becoming stronger. Why wait when Ashby knew he only wanted to continue on this journey one way?

Together.





Acknowledgments





I wrote this book during an extremely difficult time for my family. I cannot express how grateful I am that my mum and brother were still able to support me 100% as my beta readers throughout this process. When I chose to abandon the first unsuccessful draft at 55K words, they stepped up and helped make Steam into one of the books I am most proud of writing to date. My husband was my rock during this turbulent time as well, always there with a hug or a kitten to make me smile.

Immense thanks have to go to Ed Davies and Amelia Faulkner who are always there for me and are the best friends and mentors I could ask for. Whenever I’m feeling doubt or want to celebrate, they are always there! Writing books just wouldn’t be the same without these awesome humans. Special thanks to Ed for doing a sensitivity read and helping me with Ashby’s gender presentation and nonbinariness.

Thanks and credit to Aria Tan for the wonderful cover, as well as my amazing proof readers Ann Attwood, Meg Cooper and Tanja Ongkiehong. Also Leslie Copeland at LesCourt Author Services and her amazing ARC readers. I am very lucky to have such a dedicated team working with me to make sure my books are as polished as they can be. You all rock!

Finally, thank you to you, the reader. I sincerely hope you enjoyed Trent and Ashby’s story. It was a tough one to bring into the world, but ultimately it is now one of my favorites. Out of all the books out there to read, thank you for choosing this one today.





Thank You





Dear Reader,

Out of all the many books out there, you chose this one to read. Thank you. It means so much to share my tales of love, drama and happy-ever-afters with you all.

If you enjoyed reading Trent and Ashby’s story, I would very much appreciate it if you would like to share your experience with others online. Reviews, recommendations, fan works and general love is the best way for me to reach new readers.

If you’d like to meet with other Homecoming Hearts fans, why not join our Facebook group? Helen Juliet Books. We’re very friendly!

You can also subscribe to my newsletter via https://www.subscribepage.com/helenjuliet Here you will find extra stories from the Homecoming Hearts series, including Levi and Raiden’s wedding in Hawaii! You’ll also get my free novellas Boy Next Store and Second Chance Hearts.