Page 46 of The Work Wife

“What did you do?” she asked her father.

“Nothing.”

“Then why is my husband running away?”

“If he scared off that easily it’s better that you find out now, isn’t it?”

“And after he’d made it through the pancakes,” she joked.

“You don’t seem to be worried.”

“No. I know he’ll be back.” If there was anyone she knew she could count on, it was Weston. He’d always be there. She knew that without a doubt.

It only hit her at that moment. There were married people who didn’t know that about their spouses. Real married people. How sad that must be, to feel alone even though someone lived with you.

She looked back toward the window, missing her pretend husband.

By lunchtime, Jamie was starting to worry. Not that Wes had left her, but that something had happened to him. He wasn’t answering his cell, because he’d left it in their room. No doubt, out of respect for her father who complained twice about how young people always have their noses stuck to their phones. They were missing life go by. Though he was amused when she’d shared the video of cats that were afraid of cucumbers.

She had almost talked her father into calling the station when the car pulled up.

Wes walked inside as if he were right on time.

“Where have you been?” she asked, sounding the part of the nagging wife.

“I had something to take care of.”

“What could you possibly have to take care of here?”

“Something.” He shrugged, as if that one word should have been good enough.

“At least you could have brought another pie,” her father added with his normal frown.

She thought Wes might tell her what was going on later when they got ready for bed, but he stuck to his “something” excuse and just smiled when she pouted.

“You’ll find out soon enough.”

“Soon? How soon?”

“Friday.”

“Friday?” Her voice squeaked. Friday was two days away. And they would be packing to fly out on Saturday morning. “You know how I feel about surprises.”

“You know I live to torment you.”

“Come on. Tell me.”

“You’ve turned into quite a nag. I don’t know why I married you.” He smirked as she hit him in the stomach.

* * * *

It was difficult for Wes to sneak out in the morning. Mr. Witmer had ears like a father.

“Can’t help but notice you’re leaving again.” The man crossed his arms with a smug look on his face.

“Yeah. I’ll be back in a little while. I have something to do.”

“Something?”