Page 40 of Things Left Unsaid

She sags. “I didn’t think you’d concede as easily as you have. I asked about the fire, I don’t know, to make you see how insane the idea of us getting married would be. I-I thought if you backed out,Grand-mèrewouldn’t make me go through with it. This entire thing feels… too easy.”

“Both of us are being dragged into this. There’s no reason to make it hell for whatever time we’re together.” I decide to go for broke. “I’ve already lived through my parent’s hellish marriage. I’ve no desire to punish any kid we may have with that too.”

My candor appears to have done something all my other reassurances haven’t.

Softly, Zee nods in assent and takes a seat in the cab.

And that’s that.

Because everyone in Pigeon Creek knows what my mum endured as Mrs. Clyde Korhonen.

It’s a bitter pill to swallow that that’s what makes her accept our mutual fate, but I’ll take the win. Especially as it removes our argument from Main Street and the eyes of the town.

A five-minute ride later and I’m pulling up outside her friend’s place. Christy MacFarlane’s father is the elementary/middle school’s principal and he’s less of a fan than I’d like.

Despite a donation for a new computer labandspecial free sessions for the kids at the ‘Cole Korhonen’ rink.

I guess I know why he doesn’t like me now—Zee.

“Before you go, we should exchange numbers,” I prompt.

“You’re right.”

I rattle mine off and watch her text me.

Once that’s done, I order, “Wait there.”

She frowns as I jump from behind the wheel and round the fender.

As I open her door, I hold out my hand for her to take.

She glares at it.

“I don’t need any help.”

I shift closer. Lean over her. Unfasten her seatbelt and move aside, hand held in the same position as before.

“You’re my fiancée,” is all I say. “That comes with expectations in town.”

Her eyes narrow on me but she slowly slides her fingers over my palm.

As I stand in place, I wait for her to clamber down.

Her jaw works as she stares at me.

There’s a big height difference between us despite her being tall.

“I’ll be in touch,” I inform her, amused when her lips settle into a flat line.

It’s giving old schoolmarm vibes, but she’s pretty enough to make it work.

Unable to stop myself, I settle my thumb on her chin. When she continues glaring at me with a defiance that’d fit if I’d said something to piss her off, I murmur, “You’ll learn, Zee.”

“What will I learn?”

“What it means to be a Korhonen.”

Colton

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