AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Before I can free my arms from his to hug him, he rolls us to the side and pulls me into his chest, face buried in my hair.
“Consummated.”
I laugh, my body vibrating with pure joy. “I want to soak in a big bathtub with you, but you don’t have one. What are we going to do about that?”
He hums, kissing my head. “I think your husband should build a house for his wife and children.”
“That’s so sexy.”
He pulls his head back. “Are you being serious?”
“You building me a house? Uh … yeah.” I can’t hide my grin.
“Hmm …” His lips corkscrew. “What else do you find sexy about your husband?”
Husband …
This life with Koen is going to be the best.
CHAPTER FORTY-SIX
I THINK THIS YEAR I WILL PUT A BIG BOW ON MY HEAD AND HOPE MY FAMILY GETS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF IT.
Price
I stay.
Three work days turn into four—ten-plus hour work days. I could quit and stay home, but it wouldn’t matter. My home is not my refuge. It’s a fortress of the excess that no longer serves me.
Amelia and Astrid settle back into the pre-cancer routine.
Eight hours of sleep turns into six, sometimes less, because my wife is a night owl who likes to binge TV shows, and sex takes place after those shows. And if sex doesn’t happen, then she assumes something is wrong with me.
Reassuring her I’m fine is a full-time job, much like doing things to actually be fine was a full-time job. And if I hint that I’m not fine, her answer involves a trip to the doctor. I could leave again … but I need my wife and daughter. So, I’m letting this play out, trying to stay positive and not feel burdened by the stress.
By Thanksgiving, we’re celebrating the holidays and one-year post-diagnosis. By all accounts, I should be dead.
“They’re gone.” Amelia dramatically wipes her forehead and leans against the front door after my parents, her dad, and my sister leave. “What’s that look?” Her smile dies when I sit on the stairs.
I fold my hands between my spread legs. “I haven’t been feeling well.”
She frowns. “Haven’t been feeling well as in?—”
“I think the cancer’s back.”
Slowly, she shakes her head. “You shouldn’t have skipped your last appointment. I’ll call first thing in the morning.”
“Babe, if it’s back, it’s not because I skipped an appointment.”
She kneels on the floor before me, pulling her hair over one shoulder before resting her hands on my knees. “I’ll go grocery shopping and get you everything you need. It’s the holidays; I think you can take time off work. Whatever you need.”
I cover her hands with mine. “We need to leave Philly. I can’t do this here.”
The lines along her forehead intensify. “You want to move,” she murmurs, eyes glazing over like they did at Scottie’s wedding when I suggested it.
“Move where?” Astrid says.
I glance over my shoulder while she descends the stairs.
