That’s why one morning, I’d pulled her wedding rings back out and placed them on the dresser. She’d given them back to me the day of our divorce, even though I tried to tell her she could keep them. I didn’t want to pressure her, so I just slipped my own ring back on, came downstairs and waited.
And when she walked into the kitchen in her sleep shorts and nursing bra, hair pulled up into a messy bun with her wedding band and engagement ring back in place, I nearly fell to my knees and sobbed. It might not be official on paper, but Vi and I knew nothing would ever tear us apart again.
“I have to go see Lachlan. Hayes called…said he’s not in a good head space. I won’t be long, though. It’s going to be a beautiful day if you want to bundle Connor up later and take him for a short walk. Might be our only chance over the next few days. There’s a cold front moving in; storms are coming.”
She sucked in a sharp breath. “How bad is it supposed to get?”
My hand slid around her wrist, letting my thumb put some gentle pressure on the pulse point there. “Can’t be as bad as that crazy storm we made it through when we were in tenth grade.”
That storm front had spawned ten tornadoes across six states.
“Remember how the winds uprooted that tree right in front of the school?” she asked as her thumb dusted across my beard.
“Yeah, I remember,” I chuckled. “I remember Hayes climbing all over it, too, and the principal calling Mom and Dad down to the office over it.”
“You Ford boys sure were a handful.”
“I thinkwereis being a little too generous.”
“Yeah, but you’re the law now. You have to behave.”
My fingers gently massaged her side and she laughed. Brilliant. Loud. Free. Her hair spilled out of the soft, silk tie she’d pulled it back with, the red tendrils dancing across my face as retribution for tickling her.
“Careful,” Vi giggled, “I’m not sure I won’t pee on you.”
“Shit. Sorry.” I placed my hand over her soft belly, wincing. “Did I hurt you?”
“Not at all.” She rolled her eyes. “I’m not that easy to break. Tell me about Lach. Want me to cancel my visit with Ryan and bundle up Connor so we can go with you?”
“God. Yes. I would love that.” I set my forehead on the space between her shoulder and her neck. “But I think Lach needs some tough brotherly love right now. I feel like there are going to be a lot of swear words said.”
Violet held up her hand. “I get it. Besides, I think it’d be a little unfair to Ryan, flying all this way to see me. Can’t really tell him no now, he’s up in the air.”
“I told Hayes it would have to wait until after Connor’s bath. I’m not missing that. And I won’t be gone long.”
“Take as much time as you need. And don’t feel bad for wanting to check in on your brother. I want to know that he’s okay, too. You have to go.”
“I don’t want you here on your own while I’m gone.” I ran my hands through my hair.
Violet sighed as Connor cooed from his bassinet. Both our eyes went to him, but he quieted right down and stayed asleep. “Ryan is only here for like an hour before he has to fly back out. I’ve got to make sure I understand the breach of contract and he can walk me through whatever backlash there is going to be from missing my deadline. And he wants to meet Connor, which he should, seeing as how he is going to be his godparent.”
“Shouldn’t I have some say in who our child’s godparent is?”
“You do. You can pick whoever you want as your person. I’m picking Ryan.” Violet kissed me, then pressed against my chest as she stood. She scooped up Connor, bringing him to me. “He’s been the only friend I’ve had since I left here. And he’s always had my back on all my publishing stuff. I trust him.”
“Hey, buddy,” I cooed. “I can’t believe they won’t give you some leeway for his birth.”
“That’s just how it works in these situations, Colt. I don’t blame the publisher for holding to the contract. I mean, they’ve already given me an extension. I can’t just keep taking advantage of that. And with everything from the books…this person…I’m not sure I want to keep writing anyway.”
“Vi, you can’t let him take that from you.”
“I’m not. Those stories…those worlds…they were all built on a well of pain I no longer have access to. Or, maybe I do still have access to it, but I don’t want to live in that pain all day every day just to have the creativity there. I’m happy just being Connor’s mom right now.”
“And what about being my wife?”
She smiled. “I’m wearing my rings, aren’t I?”
Her hand lifted and she wiggled her fingers towards me. I snatched them quickly, pressing my lips over the jewelry. “Still, I don’t like the idea of you being upset over anything right now.”
