The Arrangement by Thayer King

tell everyone at once. The family room was the most casually decorated room in the house. It had comfortable sofas, a large screen television, and an area off to the side that they had filled with toys for the kids. When they walked in the girls were playing with dolls while Tara and his dad were discussing his political rivals.
    “It’s Sunday,” Terri interrupted them. “Give it a rest. The two of you can talk shop tomorrow.”
    His dad looked up. “Ash,” he said , standing to greet him, “I didn’t know you were back.”
    “Just last night,” he answered, moving into his father’ s embrace. As soon as his father stepped back, his legs were attacked by two tiny girls chanting his name. They were five and four. He scooped them both up and gave them a twirl before setting them back down. They giggled. He demanded kisses from them each before they returned to their dolls.
    “Ash,” Tara said softly, greeting him with a kiss on the cheek. Whereas her mother was plump, Tara was very skinny. The two women actually bore very little resemblance. Tara had dyed and straightened her hair so that the one thing that they had in common was gone. Ash thought it was a shame since Terri exuded a natural softness and kindness that drew people in. Tara had a fragile kind of beauty that she liked to emphasize by acting ultra-feminine, but beneath the act, he knew lay pure steel. She was a scheming, conniving bitch, but she disguised it well until one got to know her better. That made her a perfect campaign manager for his father, but Asher had no intention of becoming romantically involved with her.
    He knew that at one point that she had set her sights on him as a potential husband. It didn’t take her long to realize though that he didn’t have the ambition or the drive that she wanted in a husband. Simply put, he was a slacker as far as she was concerned. He couldn’t have been happier when she’d moved on. Since her divorce a year ago though, he’d noticed that she’d become interested in him again. He still wasn’t ambitious or driven, but he was at least mature enough now that no one had had to bail him out of jail in the last few years. Oh, and he was rich. One could not underestimate the appeal of money.
    “The sun agrees with you,” she went on, her hand on his chest.
    He removed it and took a seat in one of the lone wing chairs to ensure that she couldn’t join him. “Thanks.”
    “How are Ted and Erika?”
    “They’re doing well.” He paused. “As is Ari. I asked her to marry me.”
    “ What? ” came the incredulous question from the three adults in the room. They stared at him with openmouthed astonishment. Ash couldn’t help it. He laughed until he was doubled over with mirth.
    “You’re kidding right?” Tara asked.
    “No.”
    “What did she say?” David asked.
    “We got married.”
    “What? Already? No wedding? Why didn’t you call me?”
    “Dad, she said yes. I wasn’t going to give her time to change her mind.” Which was the absolute truth. Given even a day, he was terrified that she might back out on him. Especially since Ted and Erika had been determined to talk them out of getting married. He still could hardly believe that she was his wife. “We can have a wedding later.”
    “Wait,” Tara said, “Is this because of what I told you?”
    “It played a part in it, but no, not really.”
    David frowned. “What are you talking about?”
    Ash gestured to Tara. “She thought it would be best if I were married and settled before your run for office. There’s nothing even slightly shady about your past. Your one weak spot is me.”
    He shook his head. “I don’t consider you a weak spot. You didn’t have to do this for me.”
    “Dad, if there was even a chance that my past foolish behavior would hinder your chances, then I had to do it.”
    “But marriage, Ash? I wouldn’t ask that of you.” His father’s handsome face twisted in pain. His hair was thick and full but all