I don’t answer right away.
“Well, considering we eloped, fast,” I admit. I haven’t told them about the kiss at the basketball game, but even then, it would still be fast.
My mom cuts in gently, “That doesn’t mean it was wrong.”
“I know,” I say. “And I don’t feel like it is. I want to stayinthis marriage. And lately, it feels like she does, too, but now I can’t help but wonder if she was already planning an exit or if it really was her dad.”
My dad lets that sit.
“Silas, when people are scared, they prepare for the worst, even when they hope for the best. I’m sure seeing his daughter get married like that shook him up a bit. He’s probably worried about her.”
I run a hand through my hair. “So, you think this is fear.”
“I think it’s insurance,” my mom says. “A way for her to feel like she has control. I’m sure it has less to do with you and more about his hopes and dreams for her.”
That … actually makes sense. Too much sense.
“I don’t want her to feel like she has a backup plan if things get bad,” I say quietly.
“Then, if that happens, don’t argue about the papers,” my dad replies. “Argue for the marriage.”
I look down at my ring, twisting it once. “I just don’t want her to leave if things get hard. And this is making me think she might.”
My mom’s voice is firm now. “Then you show her why she should stay.”
My dad adds, “And you do it without ultimatums. Without pressure. You make it safe for her to stay. Make it her idea to stay.”
I swallow. “I really love her.”
“We know,” my mom says. “We can hear it.”
“Son, you know we’re here for you through all of it, but you also need to think about everything you have going on. You’re a good man, and I know you’re keeping her in mind as you make some of these decisions, but you also can’t lose sight of what the goal is here. Create a future for yourself. You’ve worked hard for this. Your marriage should enhance your dreams.”
“Thanks. I love y’all. I’ll see you soon.”
“We love you too. Everything will work out—you’ll see.” My mom is so sweet. She always sees the world in a golden light.
“You’re still planning to come home for the draft?” my dad asks.
“Yeah, that’s the plan. Hopefully, we can work this out, and she’ll be with me too.”
I hang up a few minutes later and sit there in the quiet of my truck again.
Two months ago, things were different. I was just a guy who wanted a girl. But now, I’m a husband, hoping his wife wants to stay married to him.
CHAPTER
TWENTY-ONE
BROOKE
By the timeSilas got home last night, I was asleep. I’m not entirely sure if he actually slept with me or not though because his side of the bed is still neat, but the clothes he was wearing yesterday are in the hamper.
As much as I would love to stay in bed and drive myself crazy, overanalyzing everything that happened yesterday, I can’t. I need to get down to the weather center for one of my classes, and there’s no way I’ll make it by foot or bike at this point.
I run out of the room to see if Silas is still home, but he’s not, and I don’t see his truck out the window either.
I do see Bo’s and Chelsea’s cars here though. Maybe I can get a ride from one of them.
