Page 99 of Marrying Hope

Oh God! How late is it? I attempt to untangle myself from Zach’s arms, but he tightens his grip on me.

“Ma is helping me right now.”

“Um, okay. You need Ma’s help in the bathroom?” Ray asks incredulously.

“Yes. I need her to wash my back.”

“Okay. Bye, Dad. Bye, Ma.” Completely satisfied with Zach’s response, I hear Ray’s retreating footsteps along with his hollering. “Grandpa Will, Ma is helping Dad. He is such a baby. He still needs help in the shower.”

We both chuckle, or I snort while Zach chuckles.

Still captive in his arms, I look around. We aren’t supposed to be like thishere, in our home.

“Zach,” I whisper.

He stares at me, probably thinking the same thing. His confused expression says it all. Without any response, he kisses me deeply before placing my shaky feet on the ground.

“I’ll take a shower; can you get my breakfast ready?”

And just like that we break another rule of our insane contract marriage.

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