Edited by luvtaread
*
The next few months were quite eventful for Brandon and Ashley. January brought the start of Ashley's student teaching. Although it added some stress to their lives, it mostly brought joy. Ashley was an immediate hit with the teachers she worked with and Brandon continued to enjoy his work as he also continued to make a good impression.
February and March passed with little important news, although both certainly found their first Valentines Day together enjoyable. Brandon got a pleasant surprise when Katy and Mel flew in for his birthday in late March. He especially enjoyed the birthday treatment he got from the sexy trio.
After an uneventful April, May brought Ashley's graduation and news that she was the unanimous choice by district, school, and her fellow teachers to replace the departing teacher whom she had student taught for.
June brought equally good news for Brandon. After completing a difficult project he was rewarded with a slight promotion and raise. It was the latter that helped him acquire a special item for Ashley he had been saving towards. So when it came time for her birthday in late July he was ready.
In a rather masterful plan he worked with Gina, Mel, and Katy to arrange a surprise party for Ashley. Not telling any of them that the real surprise was. He arranged for his brother to pick up Katy and Mel from the airport. He then organized a night out for him and Ashley.
When the day arrived, everything worked according plan. After he had departed with Ashley for their night on the town Gina arrived to begin organizing the party. While she did Jack picked up Katy and Mel. It seemed everything was well under way within an hour of their departure from the condo, at least that's what the text updates he received told him.
Brandon's part of the plan was to take Ashley to dinner and a play. After a nice dinner though Brandon, had apparently 'accidentally' ordered the play tickets for the wrong night. It seemed Brandon had mistaken an eight for a six, so they went home. When Brandon alerted Gina they were coming back he received a 'need more time, stall' in reply. Little did Gina know that things were exactly on schedule.
As they neared the condo Brandon made a detour to a local park. It was a nice night and the park was a favorite strolling spot of theirs. As they pulled up he could sense Ashley was suspicious, but she agreed to take a walk nonetheless.
They strolled for a while enjoying each other company and the summer evening air. Well maybe Ashley was, Brandon was collecting himself for the big moment that the whole night had been set around. When they reached a particularly scenic spot in the park Brandon directed her to a nearby bench.
"I apologize again for the mix up," he said once they had sat down. "I don't know how I missed that the date was wrong.
Ashley smiled and said, "Hey, don't worry about it, at least we went two days too early, the other way around and we would have missed out."
Brandon nodded in agreement before saying, "I'm sorry I just wanted to do something special for your birthday and I messed it up." Ashley went to speak but Brandon stopped her and said, 'No, wait, just let me finish okay?"
Ashley nodded and he continued, "I wanted today to be special because you are so special to me I wanted today to reflect just how much. I think I've loved you since the first moment I saw you back on that island in the Caribbean. Those feelings have only gotten stronger since then through our mutual love for each other. A few months back you said I was the man of your dreams, well I realized then that not only are you the woman of mine but that you are the love of my life. I now also know that together we can face anything life throws our way. So, that said I only have one thing to ask."
Ashley gasped and Brandon got up and knelt before her, pulled out the ring box he had kept in his pocket all night, opened it, and asked, "Ashley Jane Wesson, will you marry me?"
Ashley's eyes lit up and she immediately said yes in a joyful scream. Brandon put the ring on her finger, rose, and after pulling her to her feet, kissed his new fiancée. They quickly finished their walk both elated at their engagement. Brandon did not know what made him happier, the fact she had said yes, or the Ashley's giddiness and permanent grin plastered on her face. She was so radiant in that moment that she seemed to light up the night sky. She seemed not to believe it had happened and kept glancing at the ring to make sure it was still there.
In no time they had reached the condo and it was time for Ashley's second surprise of the night. Brandon was pleased that the plan had worked as she was just as surprised at the party as she had been with the ring. She was surprised at how many people Brandon had gathered, and with the fact that Katy and Mel were there.
"So, what took you guys?" Gina asked once the excitement had died down. "We were waiting here forever. Brandon when I said stall I meant a few minutes not over half an hour!"
"You want to tell her why we're a little late hon?" Brandon asked Ashley while trying to keep a straight face.
Ashley's mile wide smile returned and she said, "Oh, I don't know darling. I think she'll figure it out on her own, won't you?
Sis?
"
As she said the last word she held up her previously concealed left hand, displaying the new engagement ring for all to see.
Chaos broke out as squeals of delight and shouts of congratulations rushed seemingly simultaneously over the newly engaged couple. Not to mention the fact that Ashley was nearly tackled by a joyful Gina, Katy, and Mel.
After the excitement had died down and everybody had seen and praised the new ring, the celebration broke out. What had been intended as a birthday bash quickly turned into a combined birthday and engagement celebration. Brandon was also fairly sure that between Ashley, Katy, Mel, and Gina that the wedding planning had already begun before the night was over.
Even when the party was over and all the guests, but the two staying with them, had left the planning continued. Worn out and noting the girls were still way into their plans Brandon said good night and headed off to bed.
He had been lying there only a few minutes when someone entered the dark bedroom. A few seconds later Ashley's naked form joined him under the covers.
