“Yeah,” I said. “She’s totally taking me back.”
* * *
Grace waselegant in the formfitting black dress I had bought her.
It’s a sign, right? It has to be,I decided, my heart lifting. I had the ring in my pocket. I was all set.
This is in the bag.
We settled down on the couch in front of the threeMarriage in a Minutetherapists.
Rainbow beamed at us.
“First of all,” she began, “we are so proud of how both of you have worked through your marriage. We’ve seen so much growth and a willingness to take risks.”
I glanced at Grace. Her face was unreadable.
She felt sorry for you at the office when you found out about Dad, I assured myself.She loves you.
“I will admit,” Dr. Kwame said, “it was a little touch-and-go at the beginning. Unlike with the other couples, you two seemed tense and wary. But you came around. You put in the work.”
“Full disclosure,” Priyanka added, “when we originally matched you two, I wasn’t quite sure it would work. Grace is an admitted workaholic, and while Chris also works hard, he also takes more opportunities to let loose, maybe a bit too much. You both complement each other and bring out the best in each other.”
“So now we have to ask each of you the question,” Rainbow gushed. “Chris, you’re first. Do you want to stay married to Grace?”
Time for my big moment.
“Grace,” I said, taking her hand. “I know I screwed up over the last few weeks. I know I hurt you. I know I lied. But I wanted to tell you that I never lied about my feelings for you. I love you. I’ve always loved you. You’re right, I do have weird hang-ups, but I’ve cut off all contact with my parents. They will never poison our relationship again. I want our life back. I want you to move back in with me.”
I took out the real estate listing. “But I think we need a fresh start. I’ve bought us a brand-new penthouse. We can decorate however you want, and,” I said, grinning at her, “Gran can move into my current one because I only want to see you doing naked yoga in the morning.”
Grace gave me a small smile.
So totally winning.
I pulled out the ring box and got down on one knee.
“Grace,” I said. “I know the question is, do I want a divorce? Not only do I not, but I want you to be my wife forever and for real. Will you marry me again?”
Grace let out a sigh and took the ring box from me.
“Chris,” she said, snapping it closed. “Get up.”
“Grace, no.Please,” I begged. “I need you, I love you. I want you as my wife. And not just for the inheritance. I don’t care about the money. I only want you in my life.”
“Chris, I’m not going to stay married to you,” she said sadly.
“I love you,” I pleaded.
“Don’t worry,” Grace said gently. “We’ll stay married until you secure your inheritance. I won’t fight you for a penny of it. I don’t need any money from you. I have a book deal, and my job is going well. I have everything I want.”
“You don’t want me?” I asked helplessly.
“Chris,” she said, stroking my cheek. “I do care about you, but this?” She motioned between us. “It’s not going to work. You don’t need a wife. You need professional help.”
It was a knife in the gut.
“So no.” She turned to the team. “Chris and I are getting a divorce.”
