Page 19 of Renewal After Dark

“Nah, I’m not a big fan of marriage,” she said. “I don’t get why people are still bothering to get married. Why not live together and have a family and be together every day by choice rather than because you’re legally bound to someone?”

“That’s a good point. I think people like the tradition of it.”

“Which is fine, but when it’s so damned complicated and costly to get out of a marriage, and half of them end in divorce anyway, why does anyone take a risk like that?”

Duke thought about that for a second. “Hard telling. I guess in most cases, it’s a leap of faith.”

“Definitely. A scary leap of faith that I’d prefer not to take. I love the idea of two people choosing to be together because they want to be, not because the law says they have to be.”

“Playing devil’s advocate… People who get married seem to like the comfort of knowing that one person is theirs for a lifetime.”

“I don’t like the thought of someonebelongingto someone. We all belong to ourselves, not anyone else.”

“Also a good point. I should’ve said the comfort of commitment, not belonging.”

“That’s fair. Sorry if I got a little heated.”

“You didn’t. It’s an interesting point of view.”

“Especially from a woman my age who’s supposed to be enthusiastically in the market for a husband.”

He cracked up. “You said that, not me.”

McKenzie laughed with him. “Yes, I did because it’s true. After you hit twenty-five, everyone thinks something’s wrong with you if you’re not married or heading that way. I hate that kind of societal pressure.”

“Have you felt that pressure?”

“God, yes. My mother wants me married yesterday, especially since both my sisters got married in the last few years.”

“Why is she pushing it so hard?”

“Who knows? It makes no sense. Marriage ended badly for her twice. I’m not sure why she’s still such a fervent believer.”

“Rosemary told me when she got divorced the first time, from your father, I guess.”

“Yes, he was first. The second one was worse than the first, which I wouldn’t have thought possible.”

“Ouch. No wonder you’re not exactly jumping for joy at the idea of getting married someday.”

“Exactly. I’ve witnessed two ugly divorces up close and personal. No, thanks.”

“Understandable.”

“What about your parents? Are they still together?”

“I was raised mostly in the system. My mom resurfaced when I was an adult, and I talk to her occasionally, but we’re not close. Never knew my dad.”

“Oh.” McKenzie was momentarily stunned. “That must’ve been tough.”

“It was. At times. Other times, it was fine.” He shrugged. “I survived it.”

McKenzie had so many questions she had no right to ask him. As messed up as her family had been, she couldn’t imagine growing up with no family at all.

“Hey, don’t be sad for me. I’m okay. I swear. I’ve created a family of my own that makes me very happy, which is why I wouldn’t leave the island even to save the relationship with my girlfriend. All the other people I love are here.”

“That makes perfect sense.”

“It didn’t to her,” he said with a smile.

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