“Meesha mentioned she works at the hospital.” Dennis turns to me. “She must have fascinating stories.”
I grind my back molars together, forcing my face to remain neutral despite the intrusion. “She’s very good at her job,” I say curtly, checking my watch. “We should get going. This storm’s picking up fast, tabarnac.”
“Ten years with the same woman?” Dennis says, not moving. “That’s impressive these days. Most people I know can’t make it past the honeymoon phase.”
A slideshow of memories flashes through my mind. Meesha’s laughter on our first date, her tears when I was injured and forced to give up hockey, her glowing face when we had a pregnancy “scare” last year.
Ten years of building a life together, learning each other’s secrets, creating a bond that’s become the foundation of everything I am. How could I possibly explain what she means to me?
“When you find the right person, time doesn’t matter.”
He studies me for a moment. “You’re a lucky man. Some guys spend their whole lives looking for what you have.”
Something in his tone feels off, like he’s testing me. The wind howls outside, matching the growing storm inside me.
“I think we’re done for today,” I say, starting the engine. “The weather’s getting wosening.”
Dennis smiles, the expression not quite genuine. “Of course. Wouldn’t want to worry Meesha by being late, would we?”
As I pull away from the property, snow swirling around us in angry gusts, I can’t shake the feeling that Dennis isn’t just looking for real estate. There’s something calculated about his interest in my relationship—something that makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up.
My phone buzzes as I navigate the increasingly treacherous roads. I press the button on my steering wheel. “Hello?”
“Connor?” Meesha’s voice fills the car, tight with concern. “Where are you? The weather’s getting really bad.”
“Just dropping Dennis off at his hotel,” I reply, glancing at my passenger, who watches me with an unsettling smile. “Then I need to check on Maman before heading back to the rental.”
“Babe, they’re closing roads already. The hospital just announced emergency protocols.” Her worry travels through the line, warming me despite everything. “Maybe you should go straight to the rental?”
“Je vais faire vite, ma belle. Just want to make sure Maman has everything she needs.”
“Please be careful,” she says softly. “Text me when you’re on your way back.”
“I will. Je t’aime.”
“I love you, too.”
After dropping Dennis off with a curt goodbye, I make my way to my house. The roads are nearly empty now, visibility decreasing by the minute. By the time I pull into my driveway, the windshield wipers can barely keep up with the snow.
I hurry to the front door, fumbling with my keys as wind whips snow against my face.
“Connor! You shouldn’t be out in this weather,” Frédérique says, opening the door.
She’s wrapped in a plush cream bathrobe, cinched tightly at her waist.
“Where’s Maman?” I stomp snow from my boots in the entryway, feeling the welcome warmth seep into my cheeks.
“Sleeping. Her pain medication makes her drowsy.” She tugs the robe. “Before you go... could we talk? Please?”
I check my watch, hearing the wind’s banshee wail intensify outside. “Make it quick.”
She leads me to the kitchen, her fingers toying with the belt of her robe. “I’ve been thinking about us.”
My body tenses. “That was a long time ago.”
“Was it?” she asks softly. The robe loosens as she leans against the counter. “Sometimes it feels like yesterday.”
I keep my eyes fixed on her face. “Frédérique, I’m engaged to Meesha.”
