Page 153 of The Wrong Husband

“He was dead already. I know, it makes me look like I’m delusional?—”

“Oh, you’re not delusional.” Grace waves a hand. “You were hurting. And you were finding it difficult to deal with what seemed to be the outcome of the first time you tried to set up boundaries with him. And given how he was gaslighting you…I suspect you felt relieved when he died in the accident, which probably made you feel worse about yourself.”

Tears fill my eyes, and I look at Grace with both admiration and gratitude that I didn’t have to explain every single nuance of what I went through. She cut right to the heart of it. I nod. “I really am sorry I didn’t confide in you earlier. I realize now, I’d have been able to cope with things better if I’d shared with you.”

Grace shakes her head. “You did what you thought was right for you. Never apologize for that. You know yourself better than anyone.”

Zoey nods. “I second that. And you’re telling us now, when you’re ready to share with the world.”

“I wish we could have been there for you, sweetie, instead of you going through this alone, but I’m so happy you emerged stronger and found your Mr. Right,” Harper’s eyes glisten.

“Thanks.” I look at them gratefully. “Trust me when I tell you that I won’t keep anything from you guys again. I’m so pleased to see you.” I rub at my chest. “Especially with Connor being away. I miss him more than I thought I would.”

"Aww, look at you, so much in love." There are little hearts in Harper’s eyes.

This woman is a real romantic. And for the first time, I understand the appeal. This melting feeling inside me every time I think of Connor is a strange kind of high.

It makes everything I see sparkle—like the world’s been dusted in light, sharper, more vivid, too beautiful to bear. And when he’s away, my chest aches with a hollowness so fierce, it’s hard to breathe. If I don’t see him soon, I think I might shatter.

"I am, aren’t I?" I name these sensations which have been building inside of me like pressure inside the earth’s crust.

"What’s that supposed to mean?" A questioning look comes into Zoey’s eyes.

Thankfully, she and my other friends stay silent, allowing me to formulate my thoughts. Another reason I love these women. They know when to push and when to back off. Something I can’t quite say about my mother. Although, after the last time I saw her, I can honestly say, I think she's trying.

I rub at my temple. "This might sound strange, but I wish I had been more open about my emotions before he left. I wish, I’d told him how I really felt before he went on his trip."

Harper exchanges a look with Zoey. "Is his trip…dangerous?" Her voice is hesitant. "Skylar didn’t give us the details, except it was to help a charity."

I nod slowly. I guess, there's no harm in sharing what Connor told me? "The reason we got married so quickly is so Connor could get access to his trust."

"Something to do with the grandfather wanting each of the Davenport brothers to get married before he lets them access their individual fortunes." Zoey nods.

When she sees the confusion on my face she holds up her hand. "I know, only because I held Skylar’s hand in the time leading up to her wedding with Nathan Davenport. She’s told me a little bit about Arthur’s machinations."

"Seems like he’s quite the character." Grace shakes her hair back from her face.

“He’s doing his best to protect his family’s legacy," Harper protests.

"You’re probably right." I glance around the table. "The reason Connor wanted to access his money is so he could donate a chunk of it to Save the Kids."

"That’s the charity which provides aid to children in conflict regions," Harper exclaims.

I nod again. "In this case, just money wasn’t enough. They also needed him to negotiate the release of supplies which had been held up by rebels. It was time critical. He had to rush there."

"But he’s, okay? He’s been in touch, hasn’t he?" Grace asks.

The wrinkles on her forehead tell me her journalist’s mind is working overtime. She’s probably trying to place which country he’s gone to. Guess this is why Connor didn’t share more details with me.

If I knew, I’d be tempted to tell my friend, and that would make things unsafe for both of us.

“He was, until he had to go off the grid.”

Grace’s eyebrows draw down. I see the question in her eyes and quickly add, “He told me there are inherent dangers in what he’s doing, but that he’s taking every precaution to make sure he’s safe.”

"That’s fair." Grace’s voice carries a hint of admiration. "I’m glad he didn’t hide the hazards involved. But he also reassured you." Her lips curve. "I already like this husband of yours."

"He’s the most gorgeous, most personable, most charismatic man I’ve ever met."