Page 386 of The Sinner: James

We indulge in exquisite wine while more information surfaces.

Our smiles vanish as we learn the circumstances leading to him proposing to her––his visit to Las Vegas and the fire that almost took her life.

And then, our faces light up when he paints the perfect picture of that unique moment when she said yes to him.

I see the reflection of what she felt in his eyes.

I see her happiness.

I’ve never seen Ed so thrilled and passionate about his life, so alive. Happiness oozes from his pores and glows over his face, sparkling in his eyes.

It’s impossible not to be happy for him and Thea, despite the strange feeling casting a shadow over the joy I feel for them.

It’s also impossible not to glance at James and think about us.

We’ve never talked seriously about having kids.

I know he wants them, but he’s never pressed me, and I’ve never set a deadline for having them too.

There’s no way I can think about having kids right now, not seriously, anyway.

I barely see him on the weekends, and that’s not even every week.

As Ed tells us his story, we all learn fate has played a hand in his realizing he wanted to share his life with Thea.

Eve and I listen, fascinated as he talks about Turkey, her life as a student, her fascination with the place, and how he sees their life back home. She wants to finish college, have a baby, and have a wedding next year.

I wonder how their new life will affect us.

By us, I mean James and I.

My gaze slides smoothly over my husband’s handsome face, corded neck, and strong shoulders before moving back to his smoldering eyes.

A soft smile glints faintly in his gaze.

It must’ve taken him by surprise as well.

Ed’s news must’ve prompted a few questions, and a review of his life goals, perhaps.

Why not?

It’s normal, I guess.

Or so I’d like to think.

I wonder what Lex will say about Ed’s news?

James’ eyes glint with a thought, and I think I know what he’s thinking.

Like Lex, he’s always regarded Ed as their younger brother, and they’ve treated him accordingly, while Ed behaved like their younger brother––a spoiled brat who liked doing things his way, never settling down with someone.

And here we are.

James looks at him with newfound admiration, maybe studying his own life through a different lens.

“So when is she coming back?” I ask, all eyes swinging to me.

“As soon as the semester is over. We’ll both go back,” he says, a sense of responsibility threading through his voice.

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