The One that got away

12. The One with the hugging

"This house is beautiful," I say when we stop outside a red brick double story house with a white picket fence and everything.

"Ashton's great grandfather built the house for his family and it's been passed down to the first born son or something like that," Jess explains.

"Wow. It is the most gorgeous house I have ever seen," I say and she smiles.

"Exactly how I reacted the first time I saw it," she says.

"And how many times have you been here?" I ask.

"A few. 3, maybe 4. Get Ashton's dad to give you the grand tour," she says and I nod.

The cab driver behind us clears his throat and I see our luggage ready for us. Jess pays the driver and we pick up our luggage before walking inside. Ashton's parents insisted we stay the weekend. Apparently they have more than enough space. Crystal's coming round for the bridal party lunch but won't be able to make the big barbecue.

"Okay," Jess says as we get to the door, "Kathy, his mom, gets really excited when meeting new people and insists on treating you like a queen. Mark, the dad, doesn't say much. He's one of those quiet types. Ashton's younger sister, Penny is here and she's a lot like her mother. Are you keeping up?" she asks.

"Yes yes. His mom's very welcoming, his dad's quiet and the sister's like the mom," I recite.

"Okay next is his granny who absolutely adores him. Hates me because I'm stealing him away. I haven't met Brian yet but his parents are really nice, Cynthia and Marshall. They're gonna be here too."

"Is that all?" I ask.

"Oh gosh no. Those are the ones I've met. There are many more coming through tomorrow."

"At least you'll get to meet them before the wedding," I tell her.

"Which is a bit of a relief," she says with a smile before ringing the doorbell.

A very happy woman answers the door and immediately I get what Jess meant about Ashton's mother.

"Jessica honey!" she exclaims before enveloping her in a hug.

"Hello," Jessica says hugging her back.

"And you must be Hailey," Kathy says before smiling at me.

"Yes I am. Thank you so much for having me Mrs Miller," I say.

"Kathy. Mrs Miller makes me feel old and I'm old enough as it is," she says before laughing.

I laugh along and send Jess a sideways glance. She just shrugs and continues with her fake laughing.

"But anyway. It's really nice to have you Hailey, dear," she says before hugging me.

Jessica may be used to getting hugged 24/7 but I'm not so it's pretty awkward for me. When she lets go of me I see that we're not alone. Ashton's dad is standing in the doorway. When he sees that Kathy is done hugging us he walks over and shakes my hand.

"Your house is absolutely beautiful," I tell him and he nods in thanks.

"Oh Mark! Give her the tour. Nobody gives a tour of the house the way you do," Kathy says and Mark sighs but obliges.

I hand my bag to Jess who rolls her eyes but takes it anyway. Mark starts walking and I quickly follow. The house is really the most beautiful one I've ever seen. The decorating and detail is absolutely beautiful and I find myself wishing I lived in a house like this.

"This used to be my room when I was growing up. It used to be Ashton's room," Mark tells me.

He is pretty quiet and reserved but he clearly loves talking about the house. I would too if I lived here. Eventually we arrive back where we started and I see more people. Kathy's no longer there but someone who looks like the younger version of her is.