Page 55 of Completely Captivated
“You’re right.You’re exactly right, and I’m sorry.I know that doesn’t make up for the shit I’ve put you through, but know everything I’ve ever done has been to help and support you.Even if I executed my actions poorly.”
“Wow.What is becoming of Lance Rivers?You keep surprising me.”
He laughed and shook his head.“I met someone.And she has turned my world upside down.Plus, she calls me out on my shit and makes me see the error of my ways.”
“I am speechless.My brother is in love.”
“Yeah, well, she helped me understand what Christa means to you.I want to help you save your marriage.”
“I’m all ears.”
“The hearing is in a couple of weeks now, Aaron.From what I read, they’re pushing for it based on your medical condition at the time of the ceremony.They allege you weren’t of sound mind at the time.With your concussion and subsequent amnesia diagnosis, the judge could grant it.
“Annulments are still very rare, regardless of what anyone says.I wouldn’t have taken the case myself because the chance of winning is very low.I want to help make sure there’s no chance in hell it’ll be awarded.”
“Tell me what you need.”
“We need proof you knew what you were doing at the time vows were exchanged.Do you remember the ceremony yet?”
“Only bits and pieces of my memory have returned.But I have a packet at home that includes a DVD of our ceremony and a bazillion pictures we had made immediately afterward.The DVD clearly shows I was of sound mind and elated over our wedding.I recited my own vows.”
“Perfect.Let’s make a plan to keep her your wife for as long as possible, then.I want you to be prepared, though.When the judge denies this request, he will advise her she can file for a divorce, and her lawyer will strongly suggest she does it immediately.It’ll still take six months before the divorce is final, though.”
“So, I have six months to win her back or lose her forever.”
Jared
I’d waited long enough.Today was the day.In a few short hours, her annulment would be granted, and we could finally be together.After all the years I’ve denied how much I wanted her, it was time I corrected that error.
I’d been sitting outside her café for the last twenty minutes, waiting for the early morning rush to clear out to give us more privacy and time to talk.
It was now or never.
“Christa, can you take a break?I need to speak with you.”
“Sure, Jared.Coffee?”
“How can I turn down your delicious coffee?”
She made two cups and joined me at the table farthest away from the few patrons left.
“What’s up?”
“This may come as a shock, and it’s probably the absolute worst time to share this with you, but I have to.”
“We’re friends, Jared.You can talk to me about anything at any time.I’m not the only one who needs to bend someone’s ear.”
It was insane, what I was about to say.Yet I was determined to blurt it out anyway.
“I love you, Christa.I am so very in love with you and have been for so many years.I’ve never told you because I knew you’d wait for me, and I never wanted you to put your life on hold while I was off living mine.Now that I’m back, I want us to be more than friends.”
I expected her to be speechless.
I didn’t expect the expression of dismay that subsequently shrouded her face.
“Jared, I don’t know what to say.”
“Say you love me too.”
