Page 139 of Extra Dirty
P.S. You did an incredible job on these invitations.
You are cordially invited to the engagement party to celebrate the marriage of Jonathan Hanson and Catherine James.
Date: December 9, 2022
Time: Six p.m.
Completely. Irrevocably. Head over fucking heels in love with you,
Your husband
From: [email protected]
December 8, 2022
Subject: Re: I love you
Husband,
You’re just trying to butter me up since you left your laundry on the floor in front of the washer after your hockey game this morning. It stinks. Do better.
Love,
Your exhausted wife
From: [email protected]
December 8, 2022
Subject: Re: Re: I love you
Husband,
I’m sorry. Your message was really sweet. I’m looking forward to tomorrow too.
Don’t forget, Chloe and I are leaving early for our hair appointments. Make sure you arrange a driver for yourself.
Still head over heels in love with you despite your disgusting laundry,
Your wife
63
NOT ABOUT ANGELS BY BIRDY
Cat
In my robe and sweats, I sit in the garden my mother designed and read the words on her headstone for the thousandth time in my life. I wanted to celebrate our engagement here, because I knew it would make me feel closer to her. Like we’re including her in some way.
“Hey, Mom,” I whisper, the cold December air leaving me almost breathless. “I got married.”
Maybe it’s foolish talking to a piece of stone. If she’s watching over me like I believe, then she already knows about my wedding. But saying it somehow makes it more real.
“I got married to the most amazing man I’ve ever met. He makes me so incredibly happy. Makes me feel loved, accepted…makes me feel whole.” I swipe at a tear. “And he wants babies, Mom. He wants more children, and he’s the best father ever. But I’m scared. I’m so freaking scared to leave them.” The image on her grave, the silhouette of a woman and her three children held tightly in her arms, comforts me. “But I feel like you didn’t regret it. I don’t remember much, but what I do remember is the way your arms felt when you held us. And the sound of your laugh. God, you had the best laugh. I’d do anything to hear it again.” A sob ripples through my chest, and I drop my head and press my hand against the image, wishing for warmth when all I feel is cold, hard stone.