Page 54 of Worth the Vow

A little over four hours later, I arrive in Cañon City. After confirming with my mom that Kate’s location hasn’t changed, I find her car at a run-down motel on the main highway through town. I grimace, thinking of how down she must feel to get a room here, but realize she probably chose it because of price.

Going into the office, I shouldn’t be surprised when the clerk behind the desk gives me her room number with no issue. I said I was her husband, and the kid spouted off the number. A little scary, in my opinion.

I find her room number directly by her car. I hate motels like this with exterior entrances to rooms. Anyone could try to look in the window, or kick down the door. Knowing my wife is here, all alone, sends my anxiety into overdrive.

I knock quietly on the door, but Kate doesn’t open it. I knock louder, placing my ear to the door, but hear nothing.

“Dominic?”

Whirling around, I find Kate in the middle of the parking lot, a bag of fast food in her hand. Eyes bloodshot and face puffy, but in one piece, and I finally let out a relieved exhale.

“What are you do — doing here?” she stammers.

I would think it was pretty evident, but apparently she needs me to break it down for her. “I came for my wife.”

Kate gasps, a shuddering sound that seems to grow in sound as she throws a hand up to cover her mouth. I expect a verbal beatdown. A time when she will lambaste me with all the reasons why she doesn’t need me in any way. What I don’t expect is for her to burst into tears, drop her food, and jump into my arms. I grunt as her body hits mine, my arms automatically tightening around her and lifting her up. Kate’s legs wrap around my waist as sobs wrack her body. I bend down to grab her bag of food, knowing it would have been incredibly difficult for her to spend any money on fast food, then hug her tighter against me.

“Where’s the key to your room, baby?” I ask quietly, the term of endearment flowing from my mouth easily. Either Kate doesn’t hear it, or she doesn’t care. She lifts an arm from around my neck, showing me the key. Grabbing it from her, I carefully maneuver opening the door. After closing it, I drop the food on the table, then sit on the bed with Kate still wrapped around me.

I don’t speak. Kate doesn’t need that from me right now. I meant what I said to Matt. I’m here to listen, but I’ll grovel if she lets me. Slowly rubbing her spine, up and down exactly as Sienna always liked it, I wait until she’s ready to talk. And again, Kate chooses to throw my expectations out the window, when she falls asleep with her head on my shoulder and her nose buried against my neck.

Scooting back, I carefully unwrap Kate’s legs from my waist and rest against the headboard. Kate burrows even closer against me, one hand wrapping part of my shirt around her fingers as if she’s scared I might leave while she’s asleep. I find myself resting my head against hers, reveling in the scent of her shampoo. I’m acutely aware of how peaceful it feels to have Kate in my arms, and I’m surprised it doesn’t upset me.

Alex was right. I like my wife.

And I’m beginning to wonder if this fake marriage has never been fake to me at all. Just hours ago, I gave myself a mental pep talk. Focus on your kids. You or Kate will most likely be hurt in this. It’s not worth it. Putting stock in a woman, outside of my family, isn’t worth it.

Yet I dropped everything and drove four hours because she needed me. I would have driven double that. Hell, I’d have driven all damn day. Because as soon as I had her in my arms, I knew I couldn’t keep lying to myself.

I like my wife. Now I just have to carefully get her on board with … something. Dating? Can I date my wife? Maybe it would be better to refer to this as courting. We’re already in a relationship. Partnership. Legally bound roommates? I should probably figure out the terminology before I lay all of this on her.

As Kate sighs and rubs her face against my neck, I’m reminded I need to let other people who care for Kate know that I’ve got her. I gingerly pull my phone out of my pocket so I can update my — our — family.

Me: Got the goods.

Matt: Is she okay? What did she say?

Me: Nothing yet. Saw me, burst into tears, and cried herself to sleep.

Matt: Damn. Do you think you’ll head back tonight? You’re welcome here if needed.

Me: I’ll let Katharine make that decision when she wakes up. Shit, I put her food on the table.

Matt: So?

Me: I can’t go get it.

Matt: Why not?

Me: She fell asleep on top of me.

Matt: TMI, Dominic. That’s my sister for fuck’s sake.

Me: It was not meant in any derogatory way. She jumped in my arms crying. I carried her into her room, sat down, and she cried herself to sleep. We’re both completely clothed.

Matt: You’re lucky I believe you, or else there would be hell to pay.

Me: She’s my wife, asshole. You don’t have a leg to stand on.

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