The New Girl

Chapter 15

Regina's father hands me a file and I open it. Regina and I look at the top sheet of paper. "Daddy it's a house".  "Yes it is my princess. You mother and I would like for it to be an engagement/wedding present for you both". I'm absolutely speechless. This house is beautiful and I can tell it's huge just by looking at it. I haven't even turned to the 2nd page yet. Cora speaks next. "You don't have to give us an answer now. Look over everything and talk about it together and then we can all talk again soon because Henry and I must be leaving now for a charity fundraiser". They both get up and kiss us goodbye and leave us there with the file. I'm still speechless. "Emma this house is absolutely beautiful. What do you think?"   "Ahh. Well yeah. It's definitely beautiful but Regina I don't know. Can we actually afford this. I'm mean I know your parents want to buy it for us but what about all the property taxes and all the upkeep on it. With both of us just starting our jobs we can't pay for the landscapers and who knows if I will be able to mow and cut the hedges. We don't even have a lawnmower babe how can we seriously do this?"  I see disappointment in her eyes at my words and I hate it. She gives me a kiss and says. "Your right my love. We should start out small and work our way up. I loved our apartment back in Portland and I know we can find something like that here and when we become more secure in our jobs and when we decide to add on to our little family then we can look into something bigger for us". She smiles but I know she doesn't really mean it. I just nod and kiss her. I put the file on the table and Regina and I leave her fathers office. A few hours later laying in bed with Regina I can't sleep but she seems to be sleeping soundly. I carefully get out of bed and go back down to Henry's office. I pour myself a glass of his cider and sit on the couch and take another look at the file her parents gave us. I take a good sip and put the drink on the coffee table and look at the picture of this big beautiful house. I turn to the 2nd page to read about the house. It's definitely huge. A total of 7 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, 4 fireplaces in all. One being in the master bedroom. The basement is a finished room combo media game room. A 3 car garage and the land. Oh man the land is gorgeous. Huge backyard with a pool and a patio. Beautiful front lawn. I finish the last of my drink. "Man I this place is something else".  "It certainly is dear".  I'm startled by the sound of Henry's voice. "I'm sorry to scare you. Cora and I just got in and I thought I'd have a night cap. Mind if I join you?"  "Oh not at all. It is actually your office". I say with a little laugh. I see him smile as he pours himself a drink. "Care for a refill Emma?"  "Yes. Thank you". I hand him my glass and he pours me another cider. He sits across from me and looks at the papers in my hands. "So what do you think?"  Before I answer I take a sip of my drink. "It's absolutely gorgeous Henry. Regina and I did talk to each other about it".  "Have you made a decision?"   "I think so but I don't think it's the right one". He looks at me confused. I take another sip and continue speaking. "I'll explain. I know Regina absolutely loves this house and to be honest so do I, and I know you said it was a gift for Regina and I but when I think about what really would go into it as far as the property taxes every year and the lawn up keep. I just don't know if Regina and I will be able to afford that. Now before you tell me that Regina has money and a trust fund I know all that but that is hers and I don't think it's fair that she should end up paying for everything. She agreed with me and said that we should start out small and build up along the way. I know she's disappointed and I don't like that I made her feel that way".  "You have thought a lot about this haven't you?"  I nod yes. "I admire you very much Emma. Since the day my daughter brought you home to meet us there was always something I liked about you. You've always treated my daughter with respect and love. I also knew that you had a great work ethic. Was I a little worried about all the time you were spending with my daughter? Of course I was but that was just me being a father. I saw how hard you worked on your studies and your job at Granny's and especially how hard you worked on your relationship with Regina. So it was really no surprise to me the day you both came home with those matching rings. I was glad you hadn't gotten married yet because I wouldn't want to miss that day but I was very happy that you both were still taking it slow so you both could finish school and begin working on your careers. So with all that said there is something I'd like to show you". He gets up and walks over behind his desk. He moves the painting from the wall and begins to open the wall safe. He reaches in and takes out a few files. He looks for the one he wants and puts the others back and closes the safe a moves the painting back. Then he retakes his seat across from me. "The day after you both came home with those rings I knew that you were definitely the one for my daughter so I got in touch with my lawyer and had him draw up a few papers for me. I'd like you to take a look at them".  I knew right away what this is and I have to admit that it did break my heart a little but he's just looking out for his family. I get up from the couch and go get a pen off the desk and sit back down. "You don't need to explain anything to me sir just tell me where to sign this prenuptial agreement and I will. I have no problem with that. I love your daughter and I don't want anything other than love from her".   "Emma please just look at these documents". He hands me the file. I carefully read it and have to read it again just to make sure I understand what it says. "Sir. What, what is this? I don't understand. I mean I've never actually seen a prenuptial agreement before but this doesn't seem to be one. I don't understand".  "Emma dear. That is not a prenuptial agreement. I know you better than to think you want my daughter for her money. These papers I had drawn up are for a trust fund for you. I need to know that my daughter and her family will always be taken care of. I know you are a proud person and don't like getting things you haven't earned but I believe you have earned the right to live as comfortably as you and my daughter see fit. The day I knew you were planning on getting married I did a little planning of my own for the future of you and Regina."    "Your giving me money to marry Regina?"   "No. Please don't think of it that way. It's really not how it sounds. When you get married you will be my daughter as well and I will always take care of my family and with me giving you this I know you will use it to take care of your family with Regina. That's what this is".  "Henry I don't know what to say. I'm a little overwhelmed by everything. First the house now this. Can I please have some time to grasp all this and talk to Regina?"  "Of course dear. Take all the time you need. It's time I head off to bed now before Cora comes looking for me. Keep the file and look it over again. Good night Emma". He kisses my cheek then leaves the office. "Holy shit". I say looking at the papers. I pick up my drink and down the rest of it. It burns a little as it goes down. "I really need to talk to Regina. I pick up both files and shut the lights off in the office and go upstairs.