who: Oliver Wood, Nash Ashford (NPC) when: 22 August 2004, Sunday afternoon where: The back garden at the Ashford's. what: Oliver searches for a way to ask Nash for his blessing.
Today the gin didn't taste like juniper. The seat on the porch which had become Oliver's in the last month felt foreign beneath him. And even though he was sitting, his legs felt like rubber, although he and Nash had hardly pushed past five miles that morning. Clearly, something wasn't right, but up until now Oliver had held out and Nash hadn't meddled.
The ring in Oliver's pocket, however, was a constant source of pressure.
Turning the gin and tonic round in his hand, Oliver contemplated its condensation, much like the sweat collecting at the base of his neck. Anything to distract his mind from backing out.
Through the months since his accident, Oliver's relationship with Verity's father had grown. They shared a bond now, and though he had never put words to it, Oliver had begun to think of Nash much like a father figure, something he sorely relied upon during his rehabilitation. And though their relationship seemed sturdy, there was something about asking for permission to marry Verity which took Oliver's breath away. He hadn't said anything in nearly five minutes.
There was little chance that Nash would react negatively, but the what ifs floated about Oliver's mind like a plague. Nash's response wouldn't change Oliver's course of action, naturally. He was bound and determined to marry the lass, as long as she would have him. Only her opinion truly mattered. But there was something about asking Verity to marry him after being told no by Nash which turned the gin in his stomach to curds.
Eventually, knowing that the anticipation would only grow worse the longer he waited, Oliver set his drink down upon the patio table, and squared his shoulders to Nash.