Alaina's Destiny Book 2

Chapter 11

Ashton

Sitting in the study watching Alaina get fitted as I see Nick walk in, he looks a little upset about something. His hands look shaky, and he keeps looking at the floor, I wonder if something happened.

"Ashton, I was wondering if I could have a moment of your time."

I look at Alaina for a second and she is sharing the same thought as me, her face looking like she is thinking and coming to the conclusion as well that something might be wrong, could this be about her father, and he doesn't want to upset her?

"Yes of course, is this a public or private matter?"

I hold Alaina closer to me and smile as I wait for him to answer my question. I just couldn't help but watch his hands shake and he picks his fingernails as if he's trying to keep himself calm.

"It's a private matter if that is ok, I can come back later."

I raise an eyebrow, could that mean he is asking me about Alaina? Why won't he ask me in front of her?

"Well then, Alaina, if you will go find my sister and get ready for dinner, we will meet you both in the dining room."

She looks at me for a moment and I kiss her on the cheek,

She slowly walks out of the room, and I close the door so it can be more private.

"Ashton, I was wanting to ask if I could... Well, um you see..."

I think I know where this is going, he wouldn't just ask to speak privately, I bet you he wants to marry my sister. I have been waiting for this to be honest, they have known each other for a long time and I'm ok with this, he is kind to her and genuinely loves her.

"You're wondering if you can marry my sister? Is that why you're shaking?"

You can see the look of relief sweep over his face and his muscles start to relax, this was hard for him to ask me, trust me I get it. I want to marry Alaina, but I have no idea how to bring it up or ask her, maybe I can ask for his help.

"Yes sir, it's been a year since we started exchanging letters and now that we've been courting for a few months, I think it's time to ask for an engagement."

I stand up slowly and look at him, should I make this easy for him or should I play a tiny game to watch him squirm with worry. No, I'm not that mean but I do find amusement in other things like that.

"Well, I can see how happy you make her, and I know you won't hurt her."

"Oh, I can promise you I would never dream of hurting her or push her to do anything, and we can have a long engagement if that is what it takes. I love her."

"You have my permission; now can I ask you a question?"

I can see the look of happiness on his face, he is smiling and relaxing which is good, I want him to be at ease with me, we have gotten close over these last couple of months.

"Of course, sir you can ask me anything."

My knees start to shake as I realize this is becoming real, my heart beats faster at the thought that Alaina could be my wife.

"I wanted the dressmaker here to measure Alaina for a new dress because, well I'm wanting to ask her to be my wife as well. But..."

I pause for a moment as it suddenly becomes hard to breathe or speak. I know the love I have for her is strong and I want everything to be so special and memorable for her, I just don't know if she feels the same and it scares me. How can I show her this is what I want? That she is who I want?