Page 45 of Ten Kisses

"You had an actual conversation with my husband about Molly?"

"Yes. Well, Molly had one about me."

"You're saying JJ knew you guys were seeing each other, and he wouldn't let you tell me?"

"It's not quite as bad as that sounds. I think he's coming from a good place about it. He didn't want her to rush into anything with me, especially since both families are involved. Also, Sara is going to freak out."

"Why? Oh, because you met at the camp?"

"Yeah, and she thinks her and Molly seriously need to meet twins. She's writing about their story and she wants them to fall in love with brothers named Sebastian and Zach."

"She doesn't really think that."

"Well, Molly thinks the news is going to be hard on her. She's not telling her yet."

"Is there news, Salem? Are you and Molly seeing each other or something?"

"Yes, we definitely are seeing each other," he said. He let out a long groan after he said it.

"What?" she asked, responding to his sound.

"That felt amazing to say out loud. I needed to get this off my chest. Yes, Sadie. I am definitely seeing Molly. I am in love with her, actually. That feels wonderful to say. Isn't she amazing? I love her. I'm so happy. I hated not telling you about it. I just can't live without her. I didn't want it to be weird for you or John-Michael, obviously, but at the same time, I think you can handle the truth."

He waited for her to respond. He was quiet for a second, wondering what she would say, how she would react to this.

"Salem, you should know better than to do this to me... " she said, in a high-pitched voice. She was crying, trying to get herself together. "I'm pregnant and emotional already, and then Phillip and Addie have their baby, and he's so sweet, and Phillip's so sweet being a dad, and now… you and Mol… I can't… I can't, Salem. Are you serious right now?"

"Are you happy or upset Sadie?"

"Are you kidding I'm so happy! It's like the best match I could ever think of. It's amazing, Salem."

"I don't know why John-Michael thought you would have a problem with it," he said. "I mean, I can see waiting until we know we're serious, but we're serious. I just hope it's not that he doesn't like me. I know he likes me and respects me as a man. I just hope he… it's weird that he asked Molly not to be with me."

"He explicitly asked her not to be with you?" she asked, sniffling and getting herself together, speaking in a more serious tone.

"You'll have to ask him what he said. I know Molly doesn't feel like John-Michael wants us together. She definitely knows Sara doesn't want us together. Sara begged her not to be with me."

"Because of the fictional brothers thing?" Sadie asked disbelieving.

"No, I mean, I don't think she assumes they are actually going to marry twins, but I think the fact that Molly and I met at Camp Eden puts pressure on her. At least that's what she said. I was just sort of giving Molly time. I hate that we can't just tell you guys we love each other."

"It's not y'all's problem that Sara feels pressure, or that my husband or I feel a certain way," Sadie said. "And, it's not true that we wouldn’t want you to be together. I know my husband, and ultimately, he would just want both of you guys to be happy. He probably just doesn't know how serious Molly is. She's young. How does she feel about you, brother?"

"She loves me," he said.

Salem knew it was the truth, and the words came out easily.

"I don't even know what to say. How long has this been going on?"

There was silence on the phone while Salem figured out how much he wanted to say. "We had a couple of encounters… before… back some months ago. We kissed at your wedding—and Jenny's."

"My wedding? That was a long time ago."

"I know, but things picked up with us recently—a few months back."

"Oh, my gosh, Salem. How was I so oblivious? I offered to take those balloons from her in the hospital. Poor thing. I thought she was just making a delivery."

"She knows. She's the one being lowkey about it. We've been hanging out a lot, but never where you guys can see us and put it together."

---