Page 29 of Big Britches

“You have to live your life, too, T. You’ve been secluded for years. Do you really think you’re at the forefront of everyone’s thoughts?”

“No. But it’s a small town. Word travels fast.”

“Who cares?”

“I was the high school hero, P. My Dad is the mayor. My son has wealthy families on both sides. It’s—I don’t know how to explain without sounding pretentious. It’s?—”

“Shakespearean?”

Titus’s brow furrowed with confusion. “I’m not sure what you mean. I was terrible in English.”

“Sorry. I don’t mean to sound pretentious. It’s just—I read a lot. It’s a habit I picked up from my father. What I meant was that maybe it seems predestined—inevitable—like an arranged marriage.”

“Maybe.”

“And even though your marriage wasn’t arranged, it?—”

“—felt like one,” Titus finished. “Yeah. Kinda.”

“But you loved each other.”

“We did. I mean, there wasn’t a lot physically between us because our time together was so limited—less than three years total—most of which she was terminally ill.”

“I’m sorry. It’s a terrible ordeal. I’ve been through it too.”

“It was. But I took care of her and she gave me a beautiful son—a son I promised to raise well.”

“So, Violet… she knew about you?”

Titus nodded. “I think when people are close, they pick up on these things. I guess she saw it in my eyes. To tell the truth, I thought maybe you did too.”

“A little,” Pedro said, unable to suppress his grin.

“Yeah?”

“You’ve kind of been doting on me since I arrived.”

“I’d like to continue doting on you.”

“And you’re still holding my hands.”

“You said you’d be sad if I let go.”

“I have to get back to work, Titus.”

“I don’t want this conversation to end.”

“Real world, T. Remember?”

“Let’s go swimming.”

“I can’t. I have to finish my work.”

“No, you don’t. You don’t have to do anything. Silas will never know.”

“My conscience will. I can’t live with that. I have integrity.”

“I know. It kinda turns me on.”