Page 72 of Never the Bride
“You don’t have to worry about any of that. I’m here to help things go as favorably for you as possible.”
“I’m not saying it’s all his fault. I’m sure there were times I wasn’t that great to live with, but I’m also saying I didn’t want things to end like this. I would’ve been committed to him forever.”
Nothing lasts forever.
Especially commitment.
Hess
I dropinto my office chair, drink in hand, and pull up the Ring camera app on my computer. It’s become a habit now—one I’m not exactly proud of but can’t seem to quit. Last month, I noticed that, every morning, Camila stops on the porch on her way to work and talks to Harvey as if he were a person. This is particularly cute to me because I talk to Harvey as if he were a person too.
The first time, it was rule-making and telling him not to open the door to strangers. Another time, “No parties while I’m gone,” or “Make good choices,” or “Hold down the fort.” Sometimes she assigns him a chore to do while she’s at work, like the laundry or emptying the dishwasher. It’s different every time, but it’s adorable.
She doesn’t know I’ve seen her do it—doesn’t know I’ve been cataloging these little pep talks like they’re episodes in a series only I get to watch.
I scroll back to this morning’s footage and press play. There she is, heels clicking on the porch, bag over her shoulder. Harvey is right at her side, tail wagging like he lives for this moment. Today, she bends down to rub his head, her voice softer than I’ve ever heard it. “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do while I’m gone.”
I smile like a deranged man. I can’t help it. I hitSave, dragging the clip into a folder on my desktop that I’ve labeledMy Wife.Then I lean back in my chair, still grinning.
Looks like someone likes my dog more than she’s letting on.
It only took a month and a half of living here.
Everything about this situation tracks with Camila. She says something, using words and beliefs as a shield for her heart, but once she feels safe, that shield comes down, and the real her opens up.
The key is just making her feel safe enough to trust me.
Camila
I got a late start this morning, and to make matters worse, I forgot my laptop. It wasn’t until I was a mile down the road that I remembered and had to turn my car around.
Quick in, quick out.
But as soon as I step inside the house, I hear it.
Singing.
I walk slowly down the hall, head tilting toward the open bathroom door. Hess’s voice drifts out with the steam, low at first, then louder, and surprisingly on key for a man singing “Call Me Maybe.”
I bite my lip to keep from laughing as I lean against the wall and listen. I’ve lived here for seven weeks and have never heard Hess sing. But that’s how things have been going betweenus. Each week, I learn something new about him, and he learns something new about me. Our friendship deepens, and so does my curiosity. Is this kind, easygoing guy really who Hess is, or will he eventually show his true colors, like every man who’s been in my life?
The water cuts off, and panic jolts through me.Oh no.He’s about to step out—completely naked—and the door to his bathroom is wide open.
I straighten and clear my throat loudly. “Uh…hey! Just so you know, I’m here. I had to come back and get my laptop. And you left the door open. Kind of dangerous when you live with someone.”
There’s a pause then his voice, low and lazy. “I’ve got a towel.”
“Well, make sure you’re wearing it because I’m passing by.” I shield my eyes as I speed-walk past the door like I’m avoiding a car wreck.
I grab my laptop off my dresser, hug it to my chest, and turn back toward the hall. And there he is, standing in the doorway, steam curling around him, towel slung low on his hips, hands raking through his wet hair, water droplets rolling down his body. My heart skips just from the quick glance I allow myself.
My. Oh. My.
When I got married five and a half years ago, I didn’t know I would be face to face with my half-naked husband so much. A hazard of marriage I hadn't anticipated.
“You were spying on my shower concert.” He seems amused, not embarrassed.
“Kind of hard to miss. Even the horses heard you singing that song.” I scrunch my nose as if I disapprove.
