“Remember how I told you I left without saying anything to anyone and I’ve basically been in hiding ever since?”
“Yeah, I remember.”
“Well, being in hiding and basically not speaking to him for the past three years has made it difficult to completely cut ties with him.”
“What are you trying to say here, Jules? You still got feelings for this guy or something?”
“Oh, God, no!”
“Then, what is it?”
“Well, we’re... it’s ...” She lowered her head in shame as she finally muttered, “We’re still married.”
I didn’t respond.
Not because I wasn’t bothered by her news.
I was.
But it wasn’t exactly news to me. I’d known from the start that she was still tied to that piece of shit ex of hers, and I hated it. But I’d held onto the hope that she’d eventually gain the courage to do something about it, and now, it looked like that day had finally come.
She nervously raked her teeth across her bottom lip, then said, “I know I should’ve mentioned it earlier, but I talked to MJ and she’s going to help me. She’s preparing the papers, and it won’t be long before James is completely behind me.”
“Hmmm.” I kept my voice calm and steady as I asked, “Does she have any idea how long this whole thing will take?”
“She didn’t say.”
“Well, I’m sure she’ll get it all taken care of.”
“So, you aren’t upset with me?”
“I’ve got no reason to be upset with you, Jules.” I reached for her and pulled her into my lap as I told her, “You do what you need to do when you need to do it. This is your journey, Jules. I’m just glad I get to be a part of it.”
“Well, in case you didn’t know, you’re the best part of this journey of mine.” She brought her hand up to my face and rested her palm on my jaw. “You’ve made all the crazy worthwhile.”
She lowered her mouth to mine and kissed me with a kiss that was full of promise—a promise of tomorrow. I had no idea what my future held, but I knew without a doubt that I wanted Jules to be in it. And if that kiss was any indication, Jules felt the same about me.
It was a thought I would hold onto when trouble came knocking at our door and our entire world was turned upside down.
JULES
“Idon’t get it.” Caroline pulled a sweater out of my closet and held it up to my chest. “You’re acting like you’ve never been around these people before.”
“I haven’t been around them all. Just the ones who’ve been out at the orchard. Besides, this is different.” I pushed the grotesque sweater away as I shook my head and said, “Everyone will be there. All the brothers. All the ol’ ladies. All the kids. All the significant...”
“I get it.It’s a lot.”
“Yes, it is.” Caroline put the sweater back in my closet and pulled out another. She studied it for a moment, then held it up until I shook my head. “And I’m terrified. What if they don’t like me?”
“Don’t be ridiculous. They’re going to love you.” Caroline flipped through several tops, then pulled out another sweater. “Besides, Q is crazy about you, and that’s all that matters.”
“I wish that was true.”
“Of course, it’s true. They want their brother happy, and you make him happy. Simple as that.” She tucked the sweater under my chin, then nodded. “I think we have ourselves a winner.”
“Are you sure?” I held it to my chest as I stepped over to the mirror, and I was pleased to see that it didn’t look absolutely hideous. “Hmmm. I think you might be right.”
“I know I am.” She walked over and plopped down on the bed. “You just need to fluff up your hair and put on those hip-hugger jeans you keep hidden in your bottom drawer.”