Chapter 1: Ashton

I groaned as I sat back in my chair; the mountain of case files and depositions never ended. I pinch the bridge of my nose, glancing at my watch,

Finally, I muttered in my head, releasing a sigh of relief as I began closing out of my computer, quitting time.

Standing up, I stretched my back and packed what I needed to bring home. The sound of the two others packing up, too, had my mind pondering what it’ll be like when I become the one who signs their paychecks.

“About to head home, Ash?” Terry, my long-time friend from law school, asked. I glanced over to him, seeing him already becoming disheveled as he closed his laptop that still sat on the desk,

“Probably.” I reply, “Hailie should call any moment to ask me what I’d like for dinner.” Ethan, the eldest of us all and my grandfather’s best friend chuckled at my response,

“Ashton, my boy,” he says, “Why don’t you ask the sweet girl on a date? You two practically live together.” I rolled my eyes and shook my head, but his question had Terry pondering this as well,

“He’s not wrong, Ash.” Terry tells me, “Weren’t you two practically raised together?”

“Yes, and that is why it would be weird.” I told them, “The girl is practically my sister.”

“But not in actuality.” Terry hummed. I crumbled a piece of paper, throwing it at him as we all chuckled. Ethan speaks once more, walking over and placing a hand on my shoulder,

“I’m just saying, Ashton,” he says, “There is more to life than running this firm and ensuring the victims receive justice.” Ethan pats my shoulder before heading towards the door, “See you both in the morning.” He called as he closed the door behind him. Terry came up beside me, his case flung over his shoulder as if he were a schoolboy again, one of the popular ones.

“He’s not wrong, Ash.” Terry tells me, “Someday, you’ll want to settle down, and I’ve met Hailie; you could definitely do worse.” I nudged his arm playfully as we went towards the door. Terry opened it right when my phone rang; it was Hailie, “Speak of the angel.” He cooed. I shushed him, then answered the phone,

“Evening, Hailie,” I said, “what are you planning for dinner?” No response. I heard a soft sobbing sound and Hailie’s voice croaking. I knew the sound too well; it was the sound she made when she found out her mother… I squeezed the phone before asking, “Hailie, what’s wrong?” Terry looked at me, curious about what was happening on the other end of the phone.

“M-Mr Woods,” Hailie croaked, beginning to hyperventilate,

“Hailie,” I said softly; she hummed in response, “I need you to calm down,” I told her. I could hear the coughing fit about to erupt, “Where are you?” Hailie coughed before replying,

“The hospital, in the city.” Hailie croaked out, “Yo-Your grandfather isn’t…” She couldn’t even finish the sentence before the sound of her sobbing filled the line once more,

“Stay put.” I tell her, “I’m on my way.” I hang up the phone, cursing under my breath.

“What’s going on?” Terry asked, concern dripping in his voice.

“My grandfather is in the hospital.” I bolted for the door and told him, “It sounds bad. I’ll let you know once I know what’s going on.” He nods as I slam my car door and head to Alador City’s hospital, the largest hospital in the state.

I burst into the hospital and got the information I needed, making my way to my grandfather’s room. I saw Hailie pacing the hall; her face was red and puffy as if she had been crying for hours. “Hailie,” I call to her; she turns to face me, a grim look on her face,

“Mr Woods,” she muttered,

“How is he?” I ask as I stand in front of her. Hailie takes a shaky breath before answering,

“The doctor says that it won’t be long.” She tells me, “It appears he’s been overworking himself in the study, which you know I’m not allowed in, but I…” She pauses, and I place a hand on her shoulder, urging her to continue, “I heard a loud thud and ran in; Mr Woods had fallen. He wasn’t breathing, so I began compressions and called 911.”

“This young woman was brilliant.” The doctor said, “You must be the grandson; I’m Doctor Grayson.” He extended his hand to me; I shook it firmly,

“Ashton Woods.” I replied, “So, what’s going on?” I asked; the doctor’s face turned grim,

“I’m afraid, despite Miss Kameron’s best efforts to keep Mr Woods alive, she has only prolonged the inevitable.” He says, “I’m sorry, Mr Woods, but it is only a matter of time.” A nurse poked her head out of the room,

“Excuse me,” she says softly, “but he’s asking for you.” She meets my gaze. I nod and excuse myself,

“I’m here if you need me, Mr. Woods,” Hailie says softly before I enter the room, the door closing behind me.

The beeping of the machines rang through my eardrums as I caught a glimpse of my grandfather; the man who raised me, the man who was strong, stubborn, smart as a whip, and damn good at his job, laid in the hospital, frail, weak, and Death wrapping his cold fingers around him.

“Ashton,” He groaned out, his voice just as weak as his body looked; the man reached his hand out to mine, which I took gladly, careful not to squeeze too hard, fearful of sending him to the afterlife with a broken hand,

“I’m here, Gramps,” I say softly; the old man’s grip was practically nonexistent, but he held it best he could,

“Ethan,” he says, “Ethan has my will. He will conduct my last bit of business when I am gone.” I nod my understanding, “And Ashton,” he sits up as much as he could, “Don’t work so damn hard.” He chuckles, “Find the girl you’re head over heels in love with, the woman you cannot see your life without. A woman whose will is not easily crossed, that can stand up to the Woods’ stubborn, bull-headedness and still love us enough to make sure we don’t forget why we chose them.” I chuckled,

“I will,” I tell him, “I promise.”

“And look after Hailie,” he tells me. “I promised her mother, nine years ago on her deathbed, that I would care for her until I die; that is now a task that I pass to you.” A single tear rolled down my cheek.

I nodded, clutching his hand with both of mine, “You have my word.” Gramps nodded as he leaned back into the mattress, and soon, his hand that had a weak grip on mine fell limp; the blaring of the machines alerted the nurse, the doctor, and Hailie as they all piled into the room.

Sucking in a breath, I stood, placing his hand on the bed, and repeating my last words to him once more, “You have my word.” And if there was one thing I will never forget my grandfather teaching me, it’s that Woods’ always keeps their word.