Page 78 of Be My Bride

“I’ll be nice. Now shoo.”

With one last lingering look at me, Hansley joins his dad at the door and walks out with the fishing gear. A few moments later, I hear a truck’s guttural engine.

It slowly fades to silence.

I turn to Mrs. Nicholas. “How can I help, ma’am?”

“Oh please. Call me Zo.”

“That’s a pretty name.” I round the counter and wash my hands at the sink.

“Not as pretty as yours.” She winks. “Were you really strangers when you married Hansley?”

“We met once before. The day my fiancé—my ex, I mean… uh…the day he dumped me.”

She chuckles.

“Why? Is it obvious that we’re strangers?”

“Quite the opposite.” Zo throws a bunch of spices over the salmon cuts. “I’ve never seen him this relaxed and at ease before.” She pauses. “Well, except with Sharon.”

“Sharon?” I perk up. “Who’s that?”

“Brett’s sister and Hansley’s best friend. They met in preschool. After the… tragedy, they didn’t see each other again until they were older. Hansley doted on Sharon like she was his morning star. I thought for sure they’d get married…” Her voice tapers off. “I’m sorry. You probably don’t want to hear all this.”

My stomach twists into knots.

But why should I run from this topic?

It’s not like Hansley’s my actual husband. The fact that he loved Sharon McQueen—a gorgeous, well-educated member of upper society—since pre-school means nothing to me.

Whatever.

I’m totally not bothered by it.

“No, I’m fine. Hansley and I haven’t had time to discuss this stuff. Did he…” I tap my fingers on the counter, “ever date her? Before she passed?”

“I don't think so. They were always friends. I don’t think Sharon ever took him too seriously.”

“Hm.”

“After Shar died, Hansley took it pretty hard. I thought for sure that he would never settle down and give me grandkids.” Her lips inch up. “Your marriage took me by surprise.”

“Us too,” I mumble.

“I was skeptical at first, but after seeing how much Hansley fusses over you,” she bobs her head. “It reminds me so much of him and Sharon. And I,” she stirs the pasta, “well, I have hope that he’s fallen in love again.”

My smile trembles on my lips.

Hansley hasn’t fallen in love again.

He’s still in love.

With a dead girl.

His heart still beats in her hands.

And I can never compete with that.

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