Chapter Two: Men Talk

Claude had to head out early for a meeting with the Mayor so Jason, Claire, and I went back to the farm and sat on the grass. "Hey Aunt Claire, I was wondering if you are ever coming back to the city." Jason asked. She was lying between us and when I heard Jason's question. I was scared to hear her answer. "Do you miss it?"

"To be honest, I miss the city and I want to see everyone again like my dad and friends. But I love it here Jason. It is my new home and I don't want to leave." Claire answered. "Maybe I can visit you in the city."

"That would be great." Jason cheered. "Also, father told me that you didn't like being forced into marriage."

"WHAT?!" I screamed. "YOU WERE FORCED INTO MARRIAGE!"

"Yes, I was… It was a long story. My father wanted me to marry a young man from another company so we can have some alliance but I refuse and well my father and I haven't spoken since then. I moved here to escape my cage." She explained. "I want to marry a man for love not because of a business arrangement."

"So you believe in love." I asked.

"Of course, I want love like everyone else. Even though I am tomboyish, it doesn't mean I don't believe in love." Claire said. "I want love too." She then let out a small blush. "I can't wait to meet a man that loves me for me." I am going to be that man for you Claire. I am dying to love you. Great, I sound so desperate. Then her dog Haiku raced towards us. She licked Jason's cheek and all he can do is laugh.

"Aunt Claire, I didn't know you have a dog." Jason said, giggling.

"Her name is Haiku, she is very jumpy when it comes to visitors." Claire said.

"Haiku, that's your name girl." Jason said, petting her. "She is so cute. Can I play with her?"

"Sure…"

"I am going to play with here and also go visit the Stable and Barn. I want to see all the animals you have." Jason said. "Can I please?"

"Alright, don't be afraid of Hiro. He is a very kind horse and won't hurt anyone and stay close to Haiku." Claire said. "Please be careful."

"Okay…" He cheered, racing to the stable. "Come on Haiku…"

"Ruff… Ruff…" Haiku barked, racing after him.

"You must be a fun Aunt." I teased. "Jason adores you so much."

"Of course I am. I am the best." Claire praised. "I love children. I always want one of my own."

"Really?" I said, blushing.

"Yeah, I can't wait to have a family. I am thinking of having four to five kids. It will be so much fun." She explained. Her eyes glimmer with glee as she imagined her dream family. "I just hope there is someone out there that even thinks of me like that. I mean, I am not pretty like Karen and Popuri. I am not smart like Mary or a great cook like Anne and Ellie. I am not that great but I hope there is someone out there that would love me."

"I think you are great…" I said, shaking. "You are a wonderful woman in my eyes." I put my hand in my pocket and was rubbing a small black box. Yes, I wasn't just going to confess my love to her, I was going to make her mine forever. "Claire… I… I mean… I have something to tell you… I mean…"

"What is it Gray?"

"Well you see….I… I…." I said. Then I heard someone coming. I turned and found Claude.

"Hey bro, what's up?" Claire greeted.

"Claire, I was wondering if we can have dinner together tonight. I can pay for it at the Inn." Claude said. "There is so much that we need to talk about. I hope that you don't mind."

"No, I want to cook you all something tonight." Claire protest, standing up. "I am really good at cooking now so I want to treat you all in a nice dinner."

"You cook, this is something new." Claude said, patting her head. "I can't believe my little sister is growing in front of my own eyes. I am so happy."

"You can be so mean brother." She pouted. "I guess I have to do some major shopping at the grocery store." Then she hears rumbling sounds from the barn. "I have to check on Jason. He might frighten the animals. I will be right back." She dashed away to the barn and I was alone with her brother. There was an awkward silence between us and I was too nervous to say anything.

"So… I see that she is very close to Jason." I finally said.

"Well, she was there for him ever since he was born. Unfortunately, my wife followed the same fate as my mother." He said, letting out a sigh. "My wife Amber died a few minutes after Jason's birth and Claire was there to take care of him and also me."

"I am sorry to hear that." I said. "I didn't know…"

"It is alright. Jason doesn't know anything about his mother but being with Claire fill in that gap. I miss my wife but I know that I will see her again when the time comes. At the meantime, I want Jason to live a happy and successful life. Claire and I was born and raised together yet we followed different paths. I want him to find his own way so he can be happy." Claude explained, letting out a smile. "Seeing him with Claire reminds me of Amber and I am happy that I have that. I can't wait for the day Claire will settle down. She would make a great mother and wife."

"Yeah, she is the best." I agreed, blushing. "The man that marries her will be one lucky bastard."

"Yeah so don't break her heart." Claude said, looking at me. "It is obvious that you have feelings towards my little sister."

"I don't have…" I lied. "I mean, your sister is great and all but I… well…"

"You have my blessing." He said, revealing a box in front of me. I was shocked. "I found this in your left side pocket. Are you planning on giving it to someone?" Yeah, that was the ring I was planning on giving her. How did he get that out of my pocket?

"How did you get that?" I said, swiping it back from him.

"I have my ways." He replied, smiling. "It is a pretty ring."

"Yeah, I know but I don't have the guts to even give it to her." I said, letting out a sigh. "I am always nervous around her. I tried so many times but something always has to stop me or I chicken out. But I do love her."

"Hmmm… I see…" Claude said, letting out a smile. "Then I have nothing to worry about."

"BROTHER!" Claire said, racing towards us with Jason. "WHAT DO YOU WANT TO EAT?!"

"How about you make me pasta, I haven't had that for a while?" He replied.

"Sure, I am going to the store. Do you want to come?" Claire asked. "It will be fun."

"I would love too but I have to go back to the Mayor soon. But I think Gray would love to be with you." He teased, letting out a small chuckle. I let out a blush. "You don't mind going with my sister."

"WHAT DOES THAT MEAN!?" I snapped.

"Great, I would love to be with him too." Claire said, giggling. "Besides, it's Thursday and the day is not done yet. Let's do some major shopping Jason. I would make you a huge chocolate cake. "

"AWESOME!" Jason cheered. "Can there be ice cream too?"

"Yup, I learned how to make that from Kai." She replied.

"Well, you three have fun and Gray good luck." Claude said, giving me a wink. "I will see you all tonight."

"I see that Claude is starting to like you. I am so happy. He is never fond of the boys I hang out with." Claire said. "Well, let's get shopping."

"YEAH!" Jason cheered. We went shopping and all I can think of is how to propose to her. I only wish I have more courage. Maybe on the Firework Festival I would make my move. I can't wait.