Page 92 of Falling for You Again

Oriana looks at me with curious interest when Graham’s face brightens at the mention of my name. He takes my hand. “Yes, Melissa. I do remember you. You’re Aaron’s wife.”

A surprised cough escapes me at his warm reception. Oriana’s slightly raised brows lift even farther as she turns more fully toward me.

“Oriana, honey,” Graham says. “This is Meli ... Is it all right if I call you Meli?”

“Of course.”

He smiles. “She’s Aaron’s wife. Surprised us all when he told us, didn’t he?”

“He sure did,” Oriana agrees, and Graham winks at me.

I feel a gentle upturn of the corners of my mouth in response to his ease at using the familiar version of my name and introducing me as his son’s wife. After Kaye’s cold welcome into the family, Graham’sacknowledgment—and dare I say, acceptance—of my status doesn’t make me feel like the temporary fixture in Aaron’s life I’d started out as.

“Meli,” Graham says with a smile that is both proud and full of love, “this is my wife, Oriana.”

She extends her hand. “Nice to meet you, Meli.” Her voice is crisp, her handshake firm, and she has great eye contact. She’s wearing an expensive pantsuit with heels. I immediately judge her as a highly educated woman. I’d put my finger on Oxford or Cambridge given her accent.

Feeling slightly intimidated, I say, “Nice to meet you too. And, well, Aaron and I aren’t married anymore. We’re getting divorced.”

Graham looks astounded. “He didn’t tell us. That’s a shame. He so admired you. I admit, it was certainly a shock when he told us he married and why.” He gives me a knowing grin and looks at his wife. “He really stuck it to Kaye, didn’t he? He showed her. The way he got her to fire him. Brilliant. Always has been a clever boy. He would have made a superb president for Savant, but Charlie has a good handle on things. Plus, I think Aaron’s happier not working with his mother. She can be a real pain in the ass,” he says to me, and Oriana smirks.

“You’re being too kind, Graham.”

He grunts. “I’m disappointed to see him go but admire his guts. He knows what he wants, which isn’t working ten- and twelve-hour days as Kaye expected of him. In retrospect, I wish I’d taken more time off to be with the family.”

“I admire Aaron too,” I hear myself say. “He recognized what had been a perfect career for you and Kaye, and may be for Charlie, isn’t right for him.” Just as continuing Artisant Designs wasn’t right for me. Even without my uncle and parents, I’d still be working in their shadows. If I want to grow, I must seek out the sunlight. “We need to follow our own paths.”

Oriana turns to me with a widening smile. “I couldn’t have said that better myself. My parents wanted me to follow in their footsteps. They’re both genetic scientists. Research bores me.”

“What do you do?” I ask, genuinely curious.

“I’m an attorney. I specialize in international law and human rights.”

Now I’m smirking. Oriana is more of an Amal Clooney and far less the twat Kaye considers her. No wonder Kaye doesn’t want Oriana anywhere near the Savant House. She’d probably end up running it.

“Graham, darling.” Oriana rests a hand on his forearm. “No regrets. You can’t change the past. You spend a lot of time with me and my family, and you’re very good at letting me know when I’m working too much.”

“I am now. I didn’t used to be. Took me most of my life, Meli, to learn how to prioritize my personal life without sacrificing my goals for Savant.”

“Communication has helped us when it comes to time management,” Oriana points out.

“It certainly does, as does supporting each other’s endeavors,” Graham countered.

“And you’re very good at that with me. You’re also good at giving me personal space when I need it.” Oriana gives his forearm a gentle pat, and I’m reminded of the Marriage-Material List Aaron and I drafted years ago on the plane. Graham and Oriana’s exchange echoes what we wrote: Someone who supports your passions. Someone who will stand behind you. Someone who understands “me time” doesn’t mean you don’t want to be with them.

Their conversation is a stark contrast to what I’ve observed in my parents’ relationship, my own past experiences, and what I know of Uncle Bear’s marriage to Aria. But Aaron and I unknowingly outlined a blueprint for our ideal balanced and supportive relationship. And for the past couple of months, we lived by those guidelines because we knew what we’ve wanted all along in a marriage. We—I—already understand what it’ll take to make my relationship with Aaron work alongside my passion for woodworking.

I’ve been so determined to adhere to Uncle Bear’s advice so I wouldn’t repeat his or my parents’ mistakes, or risk losing myself ina relationship, or neglect it for my work. But Aaron and I created a vision of a partnership where we can both thrive. I don’t have to choose between loving him and loving my craft, while wondering how I fit into helping him and Fallon raise their child. I can have it all, and I can do it all, because Aaron and I are true partners. We’ll help each other prioritize what’s important. We’ll help each other find balance.

Oriana glances at her watch. “I’m running late. I have to get to court. It’s been a pleasure, Meli. I hope we can meet up again. I’ll see you at home this evening, dear.” Oriana kisses Graham’s cheek.

“Aren’t you waiting for your coffee?” I ask.

“I don’t drink coffee. I was just keeping Graham company. Have a good day.” Oriana waves and she’s off, leaving me basking in and slightly envious of the affection, admiration, and respect I witnessed between her and Graham. Almost too easily, I can picture Aaron and me doing the same, grabbing coffee in the morning and sending each other off for the day with a kiss. In fact, we did that on quite a few occasions when we were together.

I miss spending mornings with him. I also don’t want to go to work in the opposite direction of him. I want to be with himandgo to work with him.

The barista calls Graham’s name. His order is ready.

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