I was speaking fast because I was nervous. I was rambling on, and on, and on. "Well, you know the Soman's are worried about me and they think this is a good idea. Well, see, umm, arranged, umm, marriages are common in India and they think it will make me happy. The reason I agreed is because if I am married I will finally feel like I have a home and a family; I want the security. I’ve already gone through a couple umm, matches but in all truth they all sucked. Your profile intrigued me a little bit but I swear I didn’t know it was you. And well I...I...I...I..."
Thankfully Will cut in and stopped my blubbering. He said "I intrigue you?" I blushed and muttered "well, I didn't know it was you." I laughed to lighten the mood and said "hey, did you cheat." He raised his eyebrow and said sarcastically "yes, I cheated because I knew you were getting an arranged marriage and I want to be on your list of matches just to mess with you. It took years to set my plan into action but now I have you mwhahahaha" I childishly stuck my tongue out at him and he smirked.
I asked "so why are you here?" he said "I'm here to talk to you. Remember, you wanted more privacy." I sighed and said "ok, let’s be serious now.” He sighed and looked me in the eyes. He then said "sorry, I'm just stressed and tired. I am trying to lighten the mood but I don't think it is working" I said "it's ok. I’m just dying for answers."
"As you know I turned 18 yesterday therefore I am an adult. Mom is losing the house; both of our jobs are not enough to keep us afloat. I was looking through the ads in the paper and saw that this company was short on males. It offered one hundred dollars a week and a bonus of one thousand if I find a match. My mom also put in a clause that says whoever I marry must pay for me to go to college. I don’t really want to marry but in the grand picture it is better for everyone. I wouldn’t be able to go to college otherwise.
I said "OH, Will I’m sorry. You should have told us you were way behind. Henry and I could have helped you. I will talk to the Somans if you want and ask them about your college."
Will look=ed bothered as he mumbled “I don’t what pity Grace. I like to work and earn for what I have. I can’t just let you give me that much.”
I didn’t know what to say so we sat in silence for a moment while I deliberated on my thoughts. Slowly I stated “Well then, while we are at it let’s get you that bonus.”
He looked at me with a question but soon realization dawned on his face. Then he smiled and said "you’re actually considering marring me. Like husband and wife. Till death do us part and the entire shebang " he sounded happy.
I shook my head and said "I'd rather marry my best friend then some pervert any day. I mean, I already know you and we get along. We have an advantage if you think about it. So, what do you thinking?"
He took my hand and said "you honestly want to marry me." I knew he didn't have any romantic feelings for me but we were both stuck marring someone so why not each other. We already knew everything about the other. And our families got along well. I also knew without a doubt that I could trust Will with my life. He seemed like the perfect husband.
I leaned forward and kissed him on his cheek. I whispered "Yes, I want to marry you, Will Saunders." He shivered but composed himself and then smiled.
He got up and pulled me outside near the lake. I sat on the bench and he kneeled in front of me. He took my hands in his and looked me in the eye. His eyes were so blue, they mesmerized me. He said "Grace Soman, I've known you for 3 years and I can be myself when I am with you. You make me a better person and I am grateful to have you in my life. Will you marry me?" I giggled and said “yes, I will Will Saunders.”
