Page 118 of Married With Lies

My parents had a true love story. Their story ended much sooner than it should have. They deserved to share decades more of love and laughter. But while they were here they knew how to make the most of their days. I should think of them more often and not with sadness.

In fact, I’d like to believe that maybe somewhere in the realm of the unknown they’re still together. And that they’d be pleased to know I’ve found my own love story.

I don’t intend to squander my days with Sadie either. As long as I’m here on this earth, I’m all hers.

A ceiling smoke alarm finally decides to start shrieking. Zeus and Apollo howl in tune to the shrill noise.

I’m quick about finding a chair to stand on so I can temporarily remove the battery but not quick enough. The alarm has stopped but Sadie comes running through the door in a panic.

“What happened?” She looks around wildly at the scene.

“Small fire.” I jump down from the chair. “I think the cats knocked a candle over.”

Sadie smacks a hand to her forehead. “I keep reminding her not to leave the candles burning. She forgets.”

“You need new smoke alarms. I can drive into town and get some. I’ll have to take your truck. I’ll be without wheels until I get my Mustang.”

“The car, right? Not the horse?”

“Very funny. Think I’ll get an older model. A fixer upper that will cost a lot of time and money to restore.”

Sadie pokes at the scorched pile of yarn in the sink. “I wasn’t even aware you were into old cars.” She looks up with a grin. “What other passions have you been hiding?”

“You want to see my passions?”

“Very badly.”

“Take off your shirt.”

“I can’t take off my shirt in Peggy’s kitchen.”

“Fine. We’ll save that for later.” I pull her into my arms.

She smiles up at me. The sight of her smile rouses a fierce collision of feelings and desires.

I want to do everything with her. To her. For her. Forever.

“I need to ask you something,” I say.

She laughs. “I told you I won’t take my shirt off in Peggy’s kitchen. But you’ve got the only ticket to a live X-rated show tonight.”

“Now you’re just daring me to throw you over my shoulder and drag you upstairs.”

She fans herself. “Wow, the caveman act kind of does it for me. Keep that. But first go ahead and ask your question.”

I drop to my knees so she knows this is for real. Gently, I take her hands in mine. Maybe I should have picked a more romantic spot than a smoky kitchen with a cat squad and Tinkerbell looking on.

On second thought, I can’t stand to wait another minute.

“Mercedes, will you marry me?”

EPILOGUE

SADIE

One Year Later…

I’ve kept my original ring.

---