“Yes,” I reluctantly admit. “But all that shit he did—”
Eden holds up a hand, and I shut up.
“It’s unconventional. I won’t defend it, but you’re married now. Stop pretending to make it work and make it work, girl. Everything that you wanted that slipped through your fingers is back on the table. Stop playing games, Cori. But real talk. You ready?” I sit up and brace myself for what Eden will say next.
“Okay. Real talk.”
“It was a bribe, which means you could have said no and walked. You made thechoiceto marry him.” I open my mouth to answer, but Eden speaks first. “Don’t you dare bullshit me,” she warns. “You could have told him to take his bribe and shove it.”
“I couldn’t let my mother stay in that chair,” is all I can say in my defense.
“You could have, or you could have appealed the insurance company’s decision. You could have asked Sam Armstrong to sue them. You could have told Daxton Hunt to kiss your brown behind, but you chose to marry him.” I look down at the table and remain quiet. “Same situation, but he’s five feet tall witha lazy eye, body odor, halitosis, and six missing teeth.” I gasp. “Front teeth,” she clarifies.
“Oh, hell no.” Selene almost coughs from her laughter.
“Fuck no,” I agree. “You think I’m gonna be with a man with stank breath?” I put a hand to my throat and make a gagging sound.
“Breff,” Selene clarifies. “If it’s stank, it’s breff, not breath.”
“So, a bribe is okay because he’s tall and sexy?” Eden ignores Selene’s nonsense, but I can’t help but laugh at my cousin. “Don’t you dare tell my husband I said that.”
“He has to pay. He forced Cori to marry him,” Selene adds, but Eden’s words strike a chord. Bribe marriage aside, no one has ever treated me like Daxton Hunt.
“Cori seems pretty happy to me, Selene.” I drop my smile and scowl. “Oh, stop that.” Eden waves her hand. “Your ass is happy.”
“Well, only because my plan for revenge is working.”
“That’s complete bullshit. Look, I’m not one for revenge. I think it’s best to move on and live your best life, but we already kicked his ass on your behalf.” Eden gestures to herself and Selene. “There’s still time for you to drop this plan. Just be, Cori. Take Dax up on his offer to go to school. Let him be your husband without these games. You’re better than that.”
The phone buzzing is a nice distraction. After leaving lunch, I returned to an empty house and closed myself off in my sewing room, which is almost as big as the house I grew up in.
My grandmother’s sewing machine sits in the corner, but it’s the soothing whirring of the Bernina that my new husband bought me that brings me contentment today. But my lowerback aches, so I move away from the machine and answer the phone.
“Hi, Mom.” My voice catches, and I feel a sudden bout of guilt for resenting my mother a little bit. I push that aside.
“I’m coming home tomorrow, baby.” I can hear the relief and excitement in her voice. “And I stood for forty-three seconds today. I could have done more, but I’m supposed to take it slow.”
A stray tear rolls down my cheek, and I quickly swipe it away.
“That’s wonderful. I can’t wait to see you. I’ll come to the house and make dinner.” I’d invite them here, but I’m sure Mom will be too tired from her trip.
“How are you, baby? How are things with Dax? I’m sorry I haven’t called to check up on you before—”
“Mom, you just had major surgery. Don’t worry about me, but things have been fine.” I don’t give her more than that. I know she probably wants details, but the last thing I want is to tell her how good he’s been, only for this to end in a few months.
Only it doesn’t have to end.
If I decide to leave him, I’ll need to have a backup plan before the divorce is final. I’ve changed my mind about Shadow Cove. My life and best friends are here. This is also where I want to open my business. The problem is, my husband seems to own the entire town.
“He’s been good to you?” She lowers her voice, and I sense a bit of trepidation. Part of me wants to lie and tell her he’s terrible. I know she’ll tell my dad, and he’ll feel awful, but I can’t find it in me to tell that tale.
“Yes, he has.” Mom audibly exhales.
“I’m so glad, and I’m so thankful to you for bringing him into our lives. The doctor is pleased with my progress, but I’m anxious to get home. I miss my kids and Ruby.”
I don’t speak for my brother or Ruby, but I say, “I miss you, too. Can’t wait to see you when you get home.”
“Daxton has a housekeeper starting tomorrow, and I’ll have a full-time nurse. No need for you to cook for us, but you’re so sweet for volunteering. I love you so much, Cori.” I close my eyes. Daxton didn’t tell me about the housekeeper. I’m sure it’s something he worked out with my father before we got married. I’m relieved that Mom will have help, and all I will need to do is visit.
