Page 29 of The Marriage Agreement (Agreement)

“I had it sold.” Her mouth drops open.

“Before you get upset, your new car is sitting in the same spot. And before you tell me you can’t take it, I want you to think about how bad it would look with the many zeroes in my bank account and the fact that I can’t buy you the car you really want.” I watch a tear drop, and she wipes it.

“Thank you.” My heart opens at the simple words of appreciation. She unbuckles her seatbelt and, to my surprise, reaches over to hug me. “Thank you,” she says again, kissing mycheek before getting out and going to check out the car. I unlock it for her to get in.

“Osei told you, right?” I nod. No point in lying; there’s no way I would have guessed what to get her without him.

“Can I drive it to work tomorrow?”

“Yes, it’s yours and I bought it in your maiden name.” She gasps.

“I love it. This is Jace 5.0!” I laugh.

“Thank you. This means a lot to me,” she says. I nod, glad she’s happy.

“Come on, you can see it better in the morning.” She nods, retrieves her backpack from my car, and we head upstairs. She’s all smiles. She puts her shoes away and heads to her room. When she comes out in her shorts and T-shirt, she plates some food and puts it in the microwave. I feel the stir right away, and I can’t hide it. I grab one of the pillows to cover it. Fuck! It’s best not to get up from my position in front of the TV.

Soon as she returns to her room, I race to mine. She doesn’t need to see my open desire for her.

Chapter 17

DELE

I can’t believe he bought me a car! A wave of happiness washes over me, but I must set it aside to focus on my last exam and work, then I can rest for a few days and enjoy the car. The idea of getting extra days off, filled with relaxation and rejuvenation, isn't a bad one. I’m ready for it.

When I return to the living room, Luke is gone. I was hoping we’d talk, but I guess he’s tired, and it’s a good thing. I’ve used work and books to lock all thoughts of him out. I eat and wash the single dish. Back in my room, I text Osei about my new car.

Me: Luke bought me the Lexus I was dreaming about.

Osei: I heard. I hope you didn’t give him a hard time about it.

Me: ??

Osei: ??Congratulations, Mrs. Blythe.

Me: Thank you. Heading to bed—exam and work, then a few days to rest.

Osei: Finally, we get to party!

Me: Rest, not party.

Osei: We’ll see. Goodnight, Dele.

I turn my phone off, get my clothes out for tomorrow morning, and make a mental note to stop at the library quickly to review my notes before the exam. I turn off the light and doze off.

Chapter 18

LUKE

We boarded our commercial flight, something I haven’t done in a long time. On such short notice, the possibility of one of the ladies I’ve been with showing up as a flight attendant is very likely. I didn’t want to introduce Dele to that, if I could help it.

I asked my PA to arrange our itinerary and book a commercial flight for us to visit Honolulu on the first flight out. The commercial flight was better. The thought of women from my past getting catty at my wife wasn’t something I needed her to experience just yet. This is, after all, our honeymoon, and I didn’t need it ruined before it even began.

To my surprise, yesterday she texted saying she had gotten three extra days, so she would have six days to rest. I asked what time she was returning home. She responded, saying 11:30 p.m.

I called Paula to pack a bag for her with summer clothes, and Dele could check it when she got back.

When she returned, our bags were by the door.

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