“This is not how I wanted to start married life, Cam.”
“Oh, boo-hoo. Tell that to my three ex-wives.”
“And that’s what I’m trying to avoid—thank you for making my point.”
“Look, you can always pass, but may I remind you that your six-month clock won’t start until you leave for the next mission.”
Goddammit.
“No,” I groused. “I’ll figure something out.”
“You’ll get the details at briefing. See you in eight days.”
And with that, he clicked off.
I stood staring at the empty shelves in the garage, wondering what the hell I was going to tell Jess that wouldn’t have her filing for divorce.
****
Jessica
It was weird that Alan had to go into the garage to make his call, but maybe he was worried Ruthie would start crying. Upset newborn in the background didn’t exactly scream “professional”.
I could tell something was bothering him when he came back inside. There was a line between his brows, and he seemed distracted—like he was only half-listening to what I said.
When we took our dinner plates back to bed, I found out what was wrong.
“I’m really sorry, babe, but we’re going to have to cut our honeymoon short.”
“Oh no! How come?”
“I have to go out of town for a few weeks. We have a new housing development that needs my attention.”
“So, when do you have to go?”
“We can go to the Cape until Monday, then we’ll go back to Lancastle overnight, and I’ll fly to North Carolina with you on Tuesday, but then I’ll have to turn around and leave Wednesday.”
“You don’t have to fly back with me. Why don’t we just both leave Wednesday? I’ll return to North Carolina, and you can go to…?”
“Uh… Vermont.”
“Vermont? I didn’t realize you worked in Vermont.”
“I don’t—yet. We’re in the middle of getting a license; that’s part of why I need to go.”
I was confused.
“So, if you don’t have a license yet, how were you able to get a new development started?”
“I’m working with a local contractor there. We’re using his license until mine goes through.”
“Ohhhh,” I nodded. “That makes sense.”
I guess.
Chapter Sixty-Nine
Jessica
