Ashton gazed into her beautiful eyes with so much sincerity that it took her breath away. “Yes, I can and I will. I didn’t ever date, but you made me want to date you. I didn’t believe in relationships, but I wanted to be tangled in an everlasting relationship with you. I didn’t think I’d marry, but you make me desperate to marry you. So now that I’ve sailed through every obstacle and gravitated towards you, I want this thing to last forever. So will you marry me, Hayley, and make me the happiest man in the universe?” Hayley grinned and nodded at his heart-warming lines. “Yes, Ashton, I’m crazy about you. It had been my dream to marry you and it’s coming true now.” He pulled out a beautiful pear-shaped ring with numerous diamonds encrusted all around the sparkling solitaire in the middle. Pushing the ring on her delicate finger, he sprang up to grab her and claim her lips in a gentle kiss. Dazed, Hayley kissed him back, unable to believe that now she was an engaged woman. Everythin
She dealt with his craziness for the next few days, loving every minute of their time together. Both of them were too intoxicated with one another to keep in touch with their friends and family. Hayley forgot to call her dad and update him, and so did Ashton. Their mornings and nights were filled with passion, but during the day they worked very hard to bring up Simon Baylor’s venture. It seemed as if Hayley had forgotten her own company, Barclay International. Her dad wasn’t pleased at all and waited for her to return to New York and look into the business. Just as planned, Hayley and Ashton started visiting the hotels under the Baylor Group but to their immense disappointment, Simon Baylor accompanied them everywhere. It wasn’t the pre-wedding honeymoon that Ashton had expected it to be. Yet it was fun. After a brief visit to the hotel in Los Angeles, they headed to the Grand Canyon National Park. With Mr. Baylor traveling with them, they couldn’t even steal a kiss in front of the
After a hectic day, they cuddled with one another to sleep. With the noises from the room next room distinctly being heard, they dropped their plans of a pre-wedding honeymoon. After another day of extreme hard work, they went to the Grand Canyon National Park to enjoy the stunning views. Thankfully, Simon Baylor departed the night before to his hotel in Cody, Wyoming, 55 miles from Yellowstone's East Entrance. They would join him in a day’s time.“We have a day to enjoy ourselves,” said Hayley as they headed towards the helicopter. With less time on their hands to explore, Ashton opted for a helicopter tour to cover most of the South Rim. “It’s enough, Hayley. This will be our first outing far away from home.” “Yes. To me, all that matters is that we’re together. I need nothing else,” said Hayley as they walked hand-in-hand from their car to the sleek red helicopter, waiting for them. They climbed in and the chopper started its journey across the South Rim while they sat mesmerize
The next morning, they set out on a road trip to Cody, Wyoming. It was the peak season and no flight tickets were available at such short notice. It was a boon for them as they could enjoy an experience of a lifetime. “We can visit the Zion National Park on the way,” suggested Ashton. They had rented the car from the lodge in Tusayan and the driver was amicable. He took a detour into Zion National Park, which was a bold desert park in South Utah, that fell on the way. There were trails traipsing the ridgelines to the river, wading under the steep canyon walls. On their return to the Highway to resume their journey, they stopped at a mountain ranch to tuck into their farm fresh organic lunch. They resumed their journey, stopping at Bryce Canyon National Park after a while. Ashton showed her the iconic section of the park. The Bryce Amphitheater is home to the greatest concentration of irregular rock spires called hoodoos, found anywhere on Earth.“How do you know so much about this p
They reached Baylor Ocean Villas, Maui on the pristine beaches close by Kamaole Beach Park I, II, and III in Kihei. The beautiful brand-new property was ready, and Simon Baylor was keen on inaugurating it in a few days. Hayley’s jaws dropped since there was a lot to do before that. However, Simon wasn’t deterred at all. He made everyone overwork to make it possible. After almost a month, they could inaugurate the hotel and open it to the public. It was the peak season, and they welcomed their first few guests. Simon Baylor was over the moon with happiness. He hugged them both, appreciating their efforts. “Thank you for helping me save my dad’s dream. I wouldn’t be at peace if the company went bankrupt and closed down. I shouldn’t have neglected it for so long. You both have eased the guilt off my mind at last.”“We did nothing, Simon. It was our joint efforts. I’m sure we will achieve more in the coming years,” said Ashton, earning a sad smile from the old man.“I trust you, my boy!
“Why didn’t you say so before? Oh, I’m so happy! Finally, one of my children is settling down!” exclaimed Aunt Jodie. “Yes, this is good news indeed! Hayley is a nice girl,” agreed Uncle Daniel, making Ashton release the breath he was holding. He hadn’t planned to drop the news like a bombshell, but he couldn’t stop himself.“But you don’t need to buy an apartment for yourself. Your uncle has already bought three. Alexander and Alyssa are living in theirs and yours is still lying vacant. Why don’t you move into it?” said Aunt Jodie. “You were living in your work accommodation and then with us, so I didn’t mention it to you. It’s near Alexander’s penthouse,” said Uncle Daniel, getting up to find the keys. “Oh, can I move in immediately?” Aunt Jodie smiled at his enthusiasm and nodded. “Sure! I’m so excited to settle you there. Daniel, I’m going with Ashton to his new apartment to help him settle down.” Ashton smiled but didn’t stop her. He was thankful for everything they were doin
After Simon Baylor’s funeral, Ashton was in a state of confusion. Ever since he arrived in Miami, he had been busy with the hospital formalities in the absence of Simon's family or relatives. At the same time, he had to handle the business all by himself and prepare for Simon’s funeral too. However, he was glad that Victor Hughes helped him with everything. Having worked for Simon for eight years, Victor was extremely knowledgeable and knew everything about Simon Baylor. “Mr. Pierce, I have scheduled a meeting today at 4 o’clock with Henry Willis, sir’s lawyer. Sir wanted you to meet him right after your arrival here, but we had to take care of the other important things first.” There wasn’t much time at hand, and Ashton grabbed a late lunch and rushed to the conference room. Simon Baylor’s death was so sudden that Ashton didn’t get a moment of respite, struggling to sort out the loose ends. Maybe Simon didn’t expect the infection to spread so fast and turn fatal. Maybe he had expec
Ashton’s jaws dropped with shock, and he gaped at Hayley, who looked as surprised as him. “But she doesn’t have any of the symptoms the other pregnant women do.”“All women don’t show the same symptoms. Some are too nauseated, some don’t even realize they’re pregnant until the fourth month. It varies from person to person.” “Is it a cause for concern? I mean, Hayley is just twenty-two, and she hadn’t been resting exactly.” “Her age is perfect for bearing a healthy baby. Don’t worry, I’ll just prescribe some medicines to take care of her fatigue. Otherwise, you both can lead a normal life but you have to go for timely checkups. Keep eating small meals and never stay on an empty stomach. I can make a diet plan for you if it helps,” offered the kind doctor to a dazed Hayley. “Yes, please. That would be helpful indeed,” said Ashton, seeing Hayley’s unresponsive state.After the doctor left, Ashton couldn’t contain the happiness he felt deep within him. He sat on the bed and pulled her