“I did—for the most part.”
It was only partly a fib.Sosupportive was debatable.
I was grateful that they’d been willing to let me continue living with them and support me financially. Emotionally, however… well, that was the questionable part.
But beggars can’t be choosers.
“Ruthie and I are never hungry or cold, and that’s because of my mom and dad. I thought I’d figure the rest out once I had my degree.”
He filled in, “But then you were kicked out of school for having Ruthie without the benefit of marriage.”
“Yeah.”
Alan was quiet as he put the picture back on the dresser.
“Do you want to go back to that school?”
“I’d like to.”
“What about transferring to another college?”
“I never even considered it, since my parents were so dead set against me going to college—period. The only reason they finally let me go was because I agreed to attend PCO.”
“Well, maybe your husband will have other ideas.”
Chapter Thirty-Four
Alan
I could only imagine the tongue lashing I’d get from Lainey and Jade if they’d heard me just say that.
I wasn’t some male chauvinist who thought he was in charge of his wife’s decisions. But spending time with the Bradburys tonight had given me a lot of insight into their family dynamic.
It was going to take time for Jessica to realize the extent of her autonomy once she was out from under her parents’ influence.
Right now, she thought she was trading one devil—her parents—for another, a husband. I suppose in some ways, she was.
I was happy to be the breadwinner. Lord knew I made enough money. But I would support her finishing her degree if she was worried about being financially dependent on me.
And, let’s be honest, I had lived a lot in my thirty-five years. Jessica’s world was miniscule compared to mine. But I was excited to give her every opportunity to experience whatever she desired.
And maybe some things she didn’t even know she wanted.
But first, I needed to get this ring on her finger, and we’d go from there.
And I needed help with that.
Chapter Thirty-Five
Jessica
The minute Ruthie was done nursing, Alan took her and positioned her against his shoulder to burp her.
I loved how eager he was to help and how careful he was when he held her.
I made sure to drape multiple burp cloths over his shoulder and front in case Ruthie spit up on him.
WhileIwouldn’t mind if he took his shirt off again, my parents might have a hard time if he came down the stairs naked from the waist up.
