Page 75 of Theirs to Treasure
The new information has me speechless.
“Of course he immediately proposed.”
“She got a proposal?” I ask. “Instead of being told what she’d do?”
Zev shakes his head. “As I said, you’re different.”
Lucky me.
“He didn’t want to let you go even before we had our suspicions that you might be pregnant.”
That tidbit is news to me also.
“Later, she informed him it was a false alarm, but she still wanted to get married.”
“What happened?” I know Forrest well enough to know he wouldn’t withdraw his proposal. That wouldn’t be the honorable thing to do. And duty matters more than anything.
“She eventually realized he didn’t care all that much about her or their relationship.”
As I listen, I pick at the sleeve that insulates my cup.
“Late nights, lots of travel. To be fair, he had a lot of responsibilities. Dad had just died, and the business demanded a lot of attention.” He nods. “Still, he could have made the time for their relationship, but he didn’t.”
“She walked away?” I guess. Just like me.
“Have you thought about what’s next for you?”
I tell him about my job with Amelia. “She’s just leased the shop next door to her current place. She’s considering adding a maternity line, and she’s hoping I’ll do some modeling for her.” I’m not sure about that.
“You’d be perfect.”
No matter what, I can always count on his support.
“If you do, I’d like to attend.”
We’ll see.
“The house is big and lonely without you.”
And my heart is empty without them.
Zev’s words make me ache. “I appreciate everything you told me about Forrest, but it doesn’t change anything. I can’t live like that.”
“Even though I get it”—he stands—“I don’t like it.”
“Me either.” I wish I could wave a magic wand and have the perfect life and perfect husbands where my wishes matter.
Where I’m loved.
“I’ll walk you to your car.”
In silence, I nod my agreement. There’s nothing else to say.
Outside, the evening is mild, warm, but humid.
He gives me a second hug, and this time it’s even more difficult to escape because I don’t want to.
Always a gentleman, he opens my door. Then he reaches across me to fasten my seat belt. “Anytime you want to talk…” He trails off. “Or are in need of a hot chocolate, I’m here for you.”