My lips twitch. “It’s a different time now,” I promise softly and kiss the top of her head.
I’ll woo her like she requested and win, but I would just throw her over my shoulder kicking anyhow, because I have no plans of letting her go again. Our marriage may have been an accident, but divorce won’t be in our cards.
15
HADLEY
Icount the number of bee-print leotards in the box that was just delivered. This has been my day today. Sitting on my knees, checking on all the costumes that came in for the upcoming summer show, after my doctor’s appointment for my annual checkup this morning. Slamming my pen down after I cross off my list, I glance to Isla who writes down a number on her list, as I roped her in somehow since she was working from home this afternoon.
“I think everything is here,” I confirm.
“Cool.” Isla swings her feet to enable her to sit cross-legged on the floor, and she takes a sip from her water bottle. “Did I tell you that Ford said he is sending me to a conference later in the year down in Florida? It’s especially for organizing sporting events, it should be good.”
“Sounds awesome. If it’s near a beach, then I might just tag along.”
“Tampa or nearby, I forget the exact location. Perfect for my bikini that I intend to pack. I actually checked the schedule, and I think the Spinners have an away game there the same week. Assuming you’re still in your wife glory, then you should totally come.”
A line stretches on my closed mouth at the way she said that. “Assuming?”
Isla flicks her hair behind her shoulder and smiles. “What’s going on with hubby? Don’t blame the canines, you two were completely easy and in your own bliss the other week. Thank you too for giving the marketing department enough material to break the internet.”
I begin to pull my hair up into a bun as I recall how Connor and I are falling into a routine. He makes me my breakfast smoothie, we check in during the day, we laugh over late dinners, and go to bed not to sleep. “It’s nothing. The hockey game was fun, minus Connor ending up in timeout like a toddler. You did a great job organizing it. We might even adopt one of the dogs or convince my parents to.”
Isla begins to fan herself. “Oh my, if you adopt a dog together, this would absolutely blow up our socials. That’s me being ‘trying to advance my career’ Isla. Your best friend has to point out the obvious…” She trails off, and I look at her, entertained and waiting. “You are totally committing to making this work between you and Connor. What in the world changed?”
I slide a box to the side. “It’s more… I don’t know. I owe it to myself to try and make it work since we’re married. But something my dad said made wheels in my head turn toward where we all deserve a second chance, and maybe my brain got fried when we kind of, you know, the other day.”
Her entire face blazes with so much interest. “What now then?”
“He has to prove to me that I won’t get hurt. I’m not jumping full swing in, I’m dipping my toes in a little bit first,” I attempt to justify. My feelings are there, but I’ve built a barrier.
Standing up, I pretend to wipe dirt off my legs, as I’m satisfied that I got through the boxes and can start handing them off to the dancers in the coming days.
“As long as you believe you are making the right move. I mean, despite watching you two over the years nearly murder each other, I don’t think Connor would ever let anything happen to you, not then or now.”
My jaw goes slack, and I touch my cheek as I listen to her state the obvious, what everyone, including myself, has always known. “Anyhow, we’re married and kind of living together, so I might as well see him give his best shot.”
“What is his version of best shot when it isn’t hockey?” she wonders.
My face screws. “No clue, but he texted me earlier that I need to be ready soon, which is fine, as I’m letting one of the teenagers take on more responsibilities with teaching.”
“What’s the dress code?”
My shoulders bounce. “He didn’t say. I’m sure in his mind less is better, zips are preferred, and my purse should be able to fit handcuffs.”
“I dunno, is there also room for the blindfold?” Connor’s voice takes over the atmosphere from where he’s standing behind me. Is it possible to already see his smug smirk? I’m positive he has one.
Isla attempts to hide her smile. “That’s my cue to leave.”
We both stand and she walks by me while I remain frozen, not because I’m mortified—I’m not. It’s because a flutter travels through me, and my heart thrums from excitement that Connor has plans for me.
I give Isla a nod in acknowledgment before I spin on my feet to face Connor who is leaning against the doorframe as if he owns the place, and his mouth confirms the image that I had in my head.
“I’m sure you’ll keep her in line.” Isla snorts a laugh when she walks past Connor, leaving us alone.
“You’re early,” I say, attempting to steady my voice.
He does that move I like, where his eyes dip low, then he bashfully glances up with a suave grin. “I don’t know the rules around kidnapping since we’re married. Is that kidnapping then? Anyway, there has been a change of plans.”
