Ashley's response was very reassuring, and very pleasing to hear. A smile was playing on his lips too, and he gave her a nod of understanding. "Well, good. I wouldn't want to be so awfully selfish about it," he insisted, the smile threatening to become more of a grin now.
His heart was racing; she was actually talking about it, she wasn't offended or upset, she seemed genuinely happy about the prospect. "Then you, and no one else, shall name the date," he told her, giving her hand a squeeze in return. "If I were to ask, I mean, of course," he added with a chuckle.
"One thing more..." he said, shifting to take both hands now, his expression turning more serious. "Your mother. It has been made very clear that she will not be giving her approval. She also made it very clear that you are a consenting adult and that you can do as you wish. I mention it, though, because I would not wish to cause damage to your relationship with your mother. And also, perhaps... you may expect a happier reaction, and I don't want it to be a bad surprise when it is not received."