Sitting across from each other they ate their cake. Hannah seemed deep into her thoughts, so he allowed her the time and space to think things through. Eventually, she let him in on her thoughts. “I know the retreat…” she spared him with a glare. “…was to be for ten days. Are we going to remain here for all that time?”
“I hope you agree to stay here. It is the perfect environment for us to connect. Before we left, we worked on getting on the same page in our leadership role. I think it will benefit us to do the same as a couple.”
For the first time since he knew her, Hannah’s expression became so closed off, it was hard for him to read it. He wasn’t going to guess, so he asked.
“It’s just that I agreed to all of this so quickly. Now, so many of the questions I should have asked are going through my mind.”
“Well, the nice part of being a couple is you don’t have to work through anything alone, anymore. Tell me what you’re concerned about. I’m certain we can work things out together.”
“I sold my house. So, I’ve been living in an apartment. Where will we live?” She blurted out.
“I have a townhouse. Without traffic, it is about forty-five minutes from the church. We can live there until we find something more suitable.”
She sat straighter. He could see the wheels turning in her head. “I have some proceeds from the sale of the house, as well as other funds. I had to give some to Jeremiah. But anyway, the point is I have funds I can contribute.”
“While I appreciate your offer. I can take care of the purchase of the house.”
“I was hoping for someplace with a lot of space.”
“We can look at property and you can decide what you would like for us. As long as we have a large kitchen and garage, I’m good. But like I said, I have the purchase of the house covered.”
Hannah shared the amount of the proceeds from the sale of her house. “Jagiya money isn’t a problem for me. Invest, spend, do whatever you want with the money from the sale of your house. I have more than enough to take care of us.”
Hannah shook her head. “I don’t want you to spend everything getting us a house. I can help.” His new wife was cute.
“I have more than enough. A considerable amount. I have way more money than you do.”
“You don’t know that!”
“I do. I spent a decade performing. Unlike my contemporaries, I barely spent what I made. I ensured I had shares in merchandising. The money I earned was heavily invested and made money for me. I’m still getting royalties every time my music is played. That is just what I earned. It doesn’t take into account my inheritance. The cellphone company my grandfather founded. One moment.” His goal was to be completely transparent with her. Let her know money wasn’t a worry. Grabbing his laptop, he placed it on the table. He logged into his account.
“Are you serious?” She asked when he turned the laptop towards her.
“Very. I’ll set up a joint account you can access.”
“You don’t have to.”
“But I do. What’s mine is yours. What else do you have on your mind?”
“So, you really don’t need your salary.”
“No. I had planned to donate most of it. Perhaps you can help me decided where it will be of best use?”
Hannah looked at him in awe. “I wasn’t expecting that. Well, I guess we have covered finances.”
He nodded “We have.”
“Anything else you would like to go over?”
“Not right now. It’s been a hell of a day.” Her hand flew to her mouth, and she looked horrified.
“It’s okay. I won’t tell anyone about your potty mouth.”
Throwing her hand up in frustration, she voiced her concern. “I don’t know what’s the matter with me. Lately, I’ve been struggling with my language.”
All humour disappeared. Samuel didn’t like the way she was beating up on herself. “Hey, take it easy on my wife. You’re only human. Saying hell, shit, ass—” She wisely covered his mouth. He would have run through them all. He licked her palm. Hannah pulled it back. “There is nothing wrong with some colourful expressions. There is a time and place for everything.”
Samuel certainly had plans for her to use some colourful language, but he wouldn’t address it with her now.
