“So, my marrying you wasn’t?”
I put a finger to her lips. “Shh. Let me enjoy this.”
She puts a hand to the base of her neck and turns her head side to side modeling her new jewelry, being a smart ass, but it gives me hope that I was wrong, and she’ll be fine.
“How was the talk with Lily?”
Hazel rolls her eyes. “How about you bring in my stuff so I can settle?”
“I can do that.”
“Good.”
“Still want to know how it went.”
“Not great. I don’t know what she wants from me, but I can’t pretend like there’s this bond there. She seems nice enough. We don’t click. I wish I felt differently and there was this mother daughter connection. I do.”
“You sure that’s it or are you keeping her at bay because you’re so used to disappointment, its better if you don’t let her in so there is no failure if you don’t open yourself to the possibility of a relationship there.”
“Stop analyzing me. I don’t like it.”
“Why? Because I’m right.”
“It’s not fair that you know me so well.”
“Hmm.” I grin and Hazel surprises me, leaning in to steal a kiss.
“Go get my stuff.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Eww.” Her nose scrunches up. “That makes me sound like I’m your grandma or something.”
“Far from that.” I shake my head and stomp out to her car to start bringing in bags and boxes.
I suck in a deep breath as I open the trunk. The bite of winter’s chill blasts my cheeks. The wind picks up and I glance back at the house to see Hazel’s silhouette in the living room window. I can’t stop the smile that spreads across my face at the sight.
My wife. So god damn beautiful.
I’m going to fight like hell to be a man worthy of her.
To see her so fucking brave after what happened to her makes me feel like a pussy. She’s tougher than anyone I know. I only hope we survive this storm.
I grab a load and return to the house to find her covering the couch in a couple old quilts I picked up somewhere along the way.
“Figured this way it’s not a total loss. We could get some faux leather to redo the cushions or buy some slipcovers.”
“Anything you want. Name it, babe. I’ll make it happen.”
“That’s a dangerous offer.”
I chuckle and lick my lips. “Why is that?”
“Because I want it all. I want that promise of a beautiful life.”
“Got the white picket fence,” I tease.
“It’s a good start.”