Chapter 2:

Matt and Ashley lay in bed as he wrapped his arm over her upper body, "Good night mama."

Ashley took his arm and held it softly with her hands, "Are you sure that we're ready to get married?"

"What do you mean?" he asked, surprised.

"I mean, are we ready?" she questioned, grasping his arm tighter.

"Ash, we've been together five years. We have a daughter. We live together. I think we're ready," he replied. He kissed her neck reassuringly.

"I'm just not sure that you're geared up to."

"Why?" Matt was confused.

"I don't know. It just sometimes feels like you feel forced into our situation."

"Ash, I couldn't be happier. You gave me a beautiful child…" He was stopped.

"I know, you love Isabelle. I mean, do you feel forced to stay with me?" The question lingered for a moment.

"No. God no! I love you." He again kissed her neck reassuringly.

"I know. I just feel like you're sometimes thinking about…" She was stopped.

"We're not on this again, are we? I love you." Matt realised that he was also trying to convince himself.

"I just…I heard you talking to Isabelle today. And…"

"…And she asked me about Amy. I answered her honestly. I told her that I loved Amy very much, because I did at a point in my life. But I am no longer at that point in my life. Do you understand that?"

Ashley was still not swayed. "Matt, I am probably shooting myself in the foot here, but do you need some time?"

"For what?" Matt knew the answer.

"To work some things out…to see if this is where you want to be in your life."

Matt shook his head and protested, "Fuck no…I don't need some time. I love you and I want to marry you Ashley. How can I make you believe that?"

Ashley took a deep breath and turned to him. "You can give yourself some space for a few days and work out where you want to be. And if you decide it's with me, then I could not be happier. I just don't want to make this commitment if there are doubts between us. Okay?"

He nodded, "Okay. I've got a flight at seven in the morning, I'll stay in New York for a couple of days if you want. That will give me some time to think. Agreed?"

"Yeah, agreed." She took his arm again and held it close to her chest.

Matt leaned over and kissed her on the cheek, "I love you."

"I know. Good night." She closed her eyes.