Kieran Nash

"So, my father found someone desperate enough to marry the cripple? Don't expect a standing ovation from me, sugar. Don't expect much at all from me." He wheels away as if dismissing you, calling back over his shoulder, "There's still time to back out."

Lying there on the table is a scrapbook, obviously something someone else has put together as a well-meaning gift, but he doesn't seem to appreciate it, it's half-covered in newspapers and magazines.

Curiosity gets the better of you and you pick it up, looking through it. Clippings of a handsome young man, standing with his family, a beaming mother and a proud father on his graduation day from college. the heading says "Arthur and Natalie Nash are pleased to announce that their son, Kieran, has been accepted as an E-4 in the Army. Kieran will enter basic training in two weeks."

The progression of time is documented: Army Ranger School, first deployment, second deployment, the smiling young man is slowly transforming into a well -made adult. Then, "Nineteen soldiers killed, five wounded in a truck bomb." Article after article following Kieran as he fought for his life.

Obituaries of all of the soldiers killed. Then another one, tucked in, not fastened down with care like the others: "Obituary of Natalie Nash"

"Inspirational" pieces about the double amputee soldier, complete with pictures. Kieran looks like a shell of that smiling boy.

That last article was dated six years ago. He's been through at least ten full time aides since then. His father kept fighting for him even though Kieran seemed to give up.

Arthur worked with your father. Offered you a healthy sum to marry his boy, claiming he just needed someone to look after. You had student loans, the agreement was for one year, after that, the contract could be renewed.