Page 39 of Falling Again
Alice gestured to her brother, her sharp gaze assessing his reaction. “This is different. You look like you—” she hesitated, struggling to find the word. “Like youmissher. Why do you miss your wife?”
Glancing over his shoulder to make sure they were still alone, Anthony lowered his voice. “It’s complicated.”
Alice snorted. “I bet it is.”
Rubbing the back of his neck, Anthony eased onto a stool and sighed. “Things have been really hectic ever since Natalie opened her event planning firm. The kids are getting more active. We just don’t have a lot of time for each other, and I can tell it’s taking a toll.”
With a frown, Alice took a stool next to her brother and reached out, gently tapping his hand before she balled her fists in front of her. “I’m sorry. You and Natalie always seem so perfect. I guess I never thought you two were...” She trailed off for a moment before settling on, “Human.”
Anthony laughed, a low laugh that didn’t hold an ounce of humor. “We’re definitely human.”
“Then you need to make this week away special. Make the most of the time without the kids and work.” Alice spoke so sagely, and Anthony wondered when she had become so wise. Maybe all that time in school had given her more than a stack of diplomas?
“I know that, but I’m still trying to figure out how.” Exposing his marital insecurities was awkward. After over thirty years of playing the role of a protective, all-knowing, big brother, it chafed him to have to rely on her for advice, or even comfort.
Alice looked thoughtfully around the kitchen for a moment and then snapped her fingers. “I’ve got it! Didn’t you two spend a summer on the island after you got engaged?”
Anthony nodded, smiling at the memories of that heady summer. For two months they had been alone in their own bubble. They cooked out on the grill, read old paperbacks along the shore, and went swimming in Lake Erie. When the sun went down they roasted marshmallows for s’mores or went to town for a drink. It was carefree, that first visit as a couple to the island. South Bass Island held some wonderful memories, and Anthony hoped the time away would work the magic Alice thought it would.
Not waiting for her brother to respond, Alice soldiered on. “Recreate some of those dates and experiences. I know you have to pack up a few things for Mom and Dad, but don’t you think you’ll have time for fun?”
“That’s the plan. I just need to figure out what we will do once we’re there.”
Alice nodded perceptively. “You can do this, Anthony. Natalie is the best, and I know you love her. Even if you’re sometimes awful at showing it.” She winked to soften the blow.
“Okay, I think brother-sister bonding time is over.” He chuckled as he stood and stretched. “You sure you have everything you need for the kids?” Anthony changed the subject when he heard Natalie’s footfalls on the stairs.
Alice rolled her eyes, slipping right back into the bratty sister he knew and loved. “Yes. And you know Mom will be over here in twenty minutes.”
Natalie joined them, clad in a navy-blue sundress covered in white flowers. Her blonde hair was swept back, and she held a straw hat in her hands. Anthony had to swallow past a lump in his throat at the sight of his wife. She looked so beautiful, so perfect. It was a crime that his hands weren’t all over her, pulling her against him. He craved her with a force that shocked him.
Lost in his own thoughts, Anthony missed the chance to praise his wife. Alice said, “Nat, you look gorgeous. Very nautical for the ferry ride.”
Natalie smiled and shrugged. “I figured I might as well look the part before we turn into the packing crew.” She turned to Anthony, a look of expectation crossing her lovely features.
“You look n-nice,” he stammered, instantly feeling like it was the lamest compliment she’d ever received. Turning to Alice, he saw her throw her arms in the air and mouth “You’re hopeless.” In that instant, Anthony couldn’t argue. He needed to get out of his own way and reconnect with Natalie.
And he didn’t want to reconnect for himself, but for their family. The Snyders were not demonstrative, but they did love each other fiercely. Madeline and Otis deserved to grow up in a home where their parents loved each other, where they hugged and kissed and made time for each other. He wasn’t naïve enough to think one week away would be the magic solution to their problems, but Anthony hoped it was a start.
Natalie was everything he wanted, and needed, in a wife. It ate away at him that he’d been ignoring her and their marriage. Standing there in the kitchen, with his wife’s disappointed expression and his sister’s exacerbated one, Anthony vowed he would fix this. He’d be a better brother to Alice, and he’d be the best husband possible for Natalie. Frankly, Anthony decided he was just going to be better. It was time to step up his game.
