Contractually Ever After 2

Wade "I flew in from America, for this, this, this nonsense." I slam down the clipboard containing the most ridiculous, I suppose you can call it a business contract I have ever seen. Part of me wanted to wield it into the fire that's burning slowly in my folks' living room. "This little understanding has been in talks since you were a boy, son. What's your concern ?" My father eases, trying to use one of his best tactics on me to close a deal. "She's a lovely young lady, practically raised to be the perfect wife, and as you'll read, she's still intact." He continues. "The concern, old man, is my love life and my future married life, isn't some sort of business deal you can concure and control. I want to do things the right way, if thays what I ever decide to do. I'm 24, for God's sake." I strongly retort. "Wade Anthony Slate. Now you listen here, young man. That is by no means a way to speak to your father. Apologise this instant." My mother stands, hands on her hips, staring me down from where I'm perched in her Ox blood chesterfield tub chair. "I'm sorry, both of you, I truly am. This, this is just a shock. How can you expect me to marry a woman, I don't know much less care for and expect her to sit back whilst I try to bring Slate Enterprises to America?" I try my damned hardest to use work as the excuse. But the truth is I've always had my heart and my eyes set on one woman, although I haven't seen her with my own 2 eyes for years. But we made a promise as kids that I would be the man she married when she was older. I knew it was only child's play, but part of me always hoped I'd have my chance to make that a possibility. "Son..." my dad starts as he wipes his hands over his face. A clear tell that he's aware he might not win this one. "I just want to carry on with the traditions my father set out for me before he handed me the business and like his father before him. You're my only son, Please make this old man happy so I can retire in peace." "Jesus dad your retiring, not dying. I just don't comprehend how being married makes me more competent at running the company." I try to reason. Knowing it's sinking like a lead balloon. "It's just a family tradition, Wade. It didn't end so bad for us, did it ?" Great, mum's on to the guilt trip. I let out a defeated huff. "Where do I sign?" I guess I got to speak to Penny to get a number off her. There's a phone call I've got to make.