“My grandma used to have a pair of earrings similar to these. They had blue stones in them. And honestly, I don’t know if they were sapphires or blue topaz, but she wore those all the time.”
“Let’s get them.”
“Nah, they’re clip-ons, and I have my ears pierced.” But I love the reminder of my grandma. It somehow makes this little getaway even more special, like she’s giving Parker her nod of approval.
We continue browsing in the store until my tummy rumbles.
“Time to feed my Bonny Blue.” Parker carries the dish towels and scented soaps to the front counter. “Anything else you see before we check out?”
“I think I’m good.”
When I reach into my pocket for my credit card, he shakes his head. “Where do you want to eat?”
“What about the same place we had breakfast? The food was really yummy, and it’s just across the street.”
“Sounds good.”
With only a few places to eat in this town, I’m hoping the restaurant won’t be too crowded. “What if I go get in line while you finish here?”
“Perfect. I’ll be there in two shakes.”
The line at the restaurant is to the door, so splitting up was a good idea. Taking advantage of the few minutes alone, I text Paisley.
Me:We’re having a good time.
She sends a heart.
Paisley:Remember your promise.
Me:It’s not like that. We’re friends. And I’m okay with that. When I get back, I’ll let you read the text Mom sent me last night. Sometimes I want to block her number.
Paisley:I’m sorry.
Me:It’s not so bad. Parker and I talked about it. I’ve always considered him a friend, but we’re already becoming closer, which I’m really happy about.
She sends another heart, and I don’t think she’s understanding that there isn’t anything more than friendship happening on this trip.
Parker presses a hand to my back as he steps up beside me. “I dropped off the bags in our room.”
“Oh, good. This line is moving along pretty fast, so I don’t think we’ll have to wait that long.” I pull a peppermint out of my pocket. “And I have a stash to tide me over.”
If this morning is representative of how married life will be, I’ll be really happy. Marrying Dumplin’ was the right decision.
* * *
We’ve only been marrieda few days, but bedtime is quickly becoming my favorite part. Tucked in bed beside Parker, there are no secrets, no pretending. It’s just the two of us. And something about the darkness makes honesty easier.
After Mom’s text that first night, something shifted. There’s a certain comfort in having Parker’s arms around me and in resting my head on his chest and hearing his heartbeat. In a few short days, he’s become my safe place.
Vulnerability isn’t one of my strengths. My walls are in place for good reason, but the hard part about walls is carrying them around with me. It’s exhausting. I find I’m relishing these few minutes at night where I can be me and speak freely without worrying how he’ll react.
His calm, even-keel nature is what I didn’t know I needed in my life.
I climb into bed and he holds out his arm, inviting me to snuggle against him. And I do.
Head on his chest, I listen to the relaxing thump-thump of his heartbeat while he trails his fingers up and down my back.
“Have you gotten any other messages from your mom?”
