Page 116 of The Marriage Mistake

Becky’s big smug smile returns, and I immediately regret asking.

“This one’s my favorite,” she says, beckoning forward Delivery Boy #3.

“Card?”

“No card,” Becky says.

Delivery Boy #3 is holding only a little blue box.

“Open it, darlin’,” Mysti May urges.

I shift the flowers over to Myst and take the box in my hands.

My fingers are trembling.

I know what must be inside.

“When did—”

“Early this morning,” Becky says with a little nod.

Now it feels like my whole body is shaking.

It was never about the flowers. I have to admit that now. It was never about having a ring on my finger, either.

It was never about anything other than being too fucking afraid to accept what I’m always too drunk to remember.

I’m in love with Lock.

I might have been in love with Lock for a very long time.

But I’m an idiot, and I’m an asshole. Faced with something so slippery and intangible as love, I wanted to hold out until I had something solid. Evidence or data or a fucking checklist with all the boxes ticked off.

And now, being presented with all that shit…

Fuck.

I’m in love with my husband.

God fucking dammit.

My fingers slip as I fumble with the box, trying to open it.

I’m terrified to discover what’s inside…

And I’m excited, too.

I pry the box open slowly, holding my breath…

“Uh, guys?”

Percy’s voice carries down the hallway, and I pause, grateful for one more moment before the full reality of my life comes crashing down on me.

“Kinda having a moment right now, Perce!” Becky yells back at her.

“Yeah, that’s like, cool and stuff. It’s just…”

Percy’s bubblegum pink head pokes out into the hall.