Page 58 of Operation Annulment
“I don’t know, Garrett. I can’t picture her on a snowboard.”
A runway? Sure.
Sports Illustrated: Swimsuit edition? Absolutely.
Zipping down a mountainside? Not so much.
He fixes me with his stare. “Well, what does she like to do?”
I focus on the road, not meeting his gaze. “How the hell should I know?”
He throws his head back and laughs at my response. “Are you kidding me right now? You’re the one who’s married to her. You should know what she likes. Does she have any hobbies?”
I try and think back over the last couple of weeks. “She cooks and cleans. She likes to read case studies and psych books before bed.”
The streetlights illuminate Garrett’s frown. “God, that sounds boring as hell. So, are you saying that she has no hobbies or just that you haven’t taken the time to figure them out?”
I pull into the garage. “I don’t know.”
I married a woman who quite possibly has no interests outside of work. I wouldn’t expect her to share all of mine, but how can I expect us to last if she and I have nothing in common?
I’ve already been married to a woman who had zero interest in anything I did, and look at how well that turned out. The doubts begin to creep in, and by the time he and I walk inside, I’ve convinced myself that Kate and I are doomed to fail.
It’s after eleven, and the house is dark. I don’t know what I expected Kate to be doing—maybe sitting up and reading. Instead, she’s fast asleep on the couch with Daniel wrapped up in her arms. His little head lays against her chest, mouth slightly open.
Garrett pulls out his cell phone and snaps a picture, whispering, “That’s too damn cute not to document. Lucky kid.”
I debate whether or not to hit him.
If we make it, this could be us.
The thought comes out of nowhere, but my mind runs with it once it’s out there. I can see her asleep on the couch with our oldest in her arms, her belly round with our second baby.
She’d look amazing carrying my children.
I know it without a doubt.
With Jess, I had impending fatherhood thrust upon me at the worst possible time. I’d experienced a lot of guilt over the relief I’d felt when she miscarried not long after we were married.
This is different.
I don’t know how much we have in common, but I know with absolute certainty that I don’t want her to leave once this trial period ends. I want everything I just imagined.
I’ve got to be losing my grip on reality.
I want a family with her.
twenty-three
COMMANDMENT #24: THOU SHALT NOT SLEEPOVER
Kate
“You missed our last session. How have things been for you over the last week?”
Carla can’t keep the grin off her face, which is surprising because she usually looks like she’s swallowed something bitter. “I’ve been taking better care of myself. I even joined a gym.”
I consult my notebook, looking over our past visits. “That’s a very positive change. Have you been in contact with your ex?”
