Chapter 4: Ashton

Why did I do that? Why did I do that? Why did I do that?

I kissed Hailie.

I’m drunk; maybe I’m not thinking straight. No, that’s not it. If I was drunk, then I wouldn’t be having this conversation with myself. Do I actually want to hook up with her? Shaking my head, I headed to the bathroom to shower; ever since my teenage years, when I needed to process things or think, a hot shower always helped.

Once the water was at a temperature I liked and I was completely naked, I hopped in, allowing the steam to engulf me and the water to trickle down my torso. I placed my hands on the wall before me as my thoughts wandered to Hailie. Her red hair in her typical French braid, her piercing blue eyes that could freeze you at that moment, and you can’t tear yourself from her gaze, not even if you tried.

My thoughts then wandered to my grandfather’s conditions of my inheritance. Hailie has to be cared for, and I have to marry; why would he put those as the conditions? I understand Hailie, and I promised him on his deathbed. I may be a dick sometimes, I’ll admit it, but I have never gone back on my word, and that is something I pride myself on.

I sat on the bed, the thoughts of marrying and Hailie still plaguing me, and I hadn’t even changed out of my towel. What if this was my grandfather’s way of making me go through an arranged marriage? I asked myself; it wouldn’t be the first time. Gramps went through an arranged marriage, as did my father, so it would make sense if that were the case. However, if that were the case, he would have arranged it much sooner.

What if I married Hailie? I wonder, sitting up from my bed as the thought dances through my head. She’s beautiful, intelligent, and does an excellent job on the house; it’s not the worst idea. I decided to call Terry to get his opinion on the matter; it’s late, so I’m not sure if he’ll answer, so I’ll just leave him a message to call me back if he doesn’t. The phone rings once. Twice. And on the third ring, Terry answers.

Groggy and annoyed, he brings the phone to his ear with a groan, “Hello.”

“Would it be crazy if I asked Hailie to marry me?” I ask him, not allowing him to wake up more before bombarding the question.

“What?” He asked, “You want to ask Hailie to marry you? Just, all of a sudden?” I scratched the back of my neck,

“Look,” I say and begin explaining the whole situation.

Explaining everything to Terry, who is now wide awake, we sat silently as he processed everything. “Okay,” he finally says, “it makes sense for you to marry Hailie from what you’ve told me.” I hear the pause in his voice,

“But?”

“But do you love her?” He asked me. I didn’t tell him about the make-out session Hailie, and I shared in the living area or the way she moaned as I caressed her body in my hands. I was drunk, right?

Not realizing Terry was trying to get my attention, I cleared my throat as I pushed the thoughts back before I ended up with a situation. “I-I’m not sure.” I admit, “But even if I don’t, it will make it easier on both of us. She can live comfortably, and I don’t have to endure the endless dating torture.”

“And what does she think of this?” He asked me, but sighed and stated plainly,

“I haven’t spoken to her yet.” I can hear Terry pinch his nose in frustration,

“Ash, buddy, you know I love you,” he tells me, “but you need to talk to her.” I groan,

“I know. Can you just draw up a contract?” I ask, “I’ll text you what I want put in it.”

“Fine, I will in the morning.” Terry says, “But if you don’t talk to her, it will be a waste of time.” I thanked him before hanging up the phone. I’ll do it tomorrow, at breakfast. I’ll make breakfast, have her sit with me, and tell her.

Nodding my head in approval, I climb into bed and try to sleep, but the trembling of my nerves makes it difficult.

This is going to be a long night.