Total pages in book: 56
Estimated words: 50561 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 253(@200wpm)___ 202(@250wpm)___ 169(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 50561 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 253(@200wpm)___ 202(@250wpm)___ 169(@300wpm)
All eyes turned to me as my girl seemed to have lost the ability to speak. “Why don’t we go in and sit down?” I could see they wanted to question me farther but good manners had them both moving forward and into the sitting room.
“Can I get either of you anything?” I was pleased that Ash took a seat next to me even though I could see the fear in her eyes. This only made her parents more confused as they refused my offer.
“No, just tell us what’s going on.” Paul finally found his voice as he looked from me to his daughter and back. “There’s no easy way to say this so I’ll just get right to it shall we?” I took her hand the one wearing my ring, into mine and from the sharp intake of breath across the room knew that half my work was already done.
“Ashley?” Her mother again addressed her. “I’ve asked your daughter to marry me.” The usual questions followed, all involving my involvement with her aunt. I did my best to answer all their questions without giving too much away. Ash remained silent throughout the inquisition only putting in her two cents when it seemed her dad wasn’t going to relent.
“Dad I love him. I’m sorry if that hurts you but…”
“But he was sleeping with your aunt only a week ago.”
“That’s not true, I’ve never taken Jen to my bed. Yes it’s true that I was moving in the direction of marriage, but only because I thought she was something she isn’t and because I’d convinced myself that it was time I settled down.”
I saw the look that passed between them then and knew that they knew what I was saying. I didn’t take them to task for not sharing with me, they were Jen’s family after all and owed me nothing. But I won’t let them hold it against me that I found out and was making changes.
“But Ashley you’re so young. What about school?”
“She’ll still go to school, nothing about that has to change. But she’ll be doing it as my wife. Do we have your blessing?” The room was dead silent for what felt like forever. Then Paul cleared his throat and took his wife’s hand in his.
“We need time to think about this. Our family might not have much, but we do have morals and this, this is going to stir up a hornet’s nest.”
“I appreciate that, but know that the only thing your blessing or lack thereof changes is whether your daughter has the wedding of her dreams with her family beside her, or me taking her away somewhere and getting the deed done. Either way we’re getting married.”
I squeezed Ashley’s hand for support when it trembled in mine because I knew this was the part she feared most. Paul got to his feet ready to argue, but I sat back in my chair and relaxed. I’d said all I was going to. I would’ve asked them to keep our conversation from Jen but realized that would be highly unfair. However they chose to deal with her was on them, I couldn’t ask them to let this come between them and whatever relationship they had with her.
“Ashley let’s go.”
I sat up at that. “I’m sorry but she’s not going anywhere. I made her a promise and I aim to keep it. School starts back in a few days. She’ll be by to pick up her stuff later and if that doesn’t work for you we’ll just get her what she needs, but she’s never coming back to your home again, other than to visit.”
Now she was the one squeezing my hand. I guess I had said what she was afraid to. “Hold your head up, you haven’t done anything wrong.” Not even for her parents would I allow her to hang her head as if she had something to be ashamed of.
She picked her head up and looked at them, took a deep breath, and decided to be brave. “Mom, dad, I’m sorry I hurt you, but my place is with him now. Mom I’ll call you later and we’ll talk if you’d like.” I held my breath until her mom nodded her head. At least they weren’t shutting the door on their daughter over this.
“I don’t know about this Ashley are you sure of what you’re doing? You’re old enough to make your own decisions but we’re still your parents and this thing is going to take getting used to.”
“Sir, I understand your position and you’re absolutely right, it will take getting use to, but what’s done is done and there’s no turning back for either of us. Just remember I’m marrying your daughter not asking her to shack up with me.” Only technically for the next few months that’s exactly what she’d be doing, but I didn’t see the harm in that.