“Yes?”
“I love you.”
“I love you more.”
CHAPTER 26
Zane
I get homefrom work that night and find the house empty.
That’s strange. I thought things were slowing down for Bliss. I thought she’d be back by now.
I walk through every room in the house and then walk down and check the barn to see if she’s out there, feeding the dogs, but she’s nowhere to be found. I try calling her, but the phone goes straight to voicemail.
Now I’m starting to get worried.
I call Charlie first. Maybe she’s over there for a girls’ night again.
“Hello?” she answers.
“Hey, Charlie. I was just wondering if Bliss was with you,” I say.
“No, she’s not. Are you guys fighting again by any chance?”
“I messed up,” I tell her truthfully.
“No surprises there. What did you do this time?”
She’s becoming more like Max every day.
“I was a coward.”
“Oh, that’salmostworse than saying something mean. Not quite, but almost.”
“I know,” I reply. “I was trying to find her to apologize. But she’s still not home.”
“Are you done being a coward? Because you probably shouldn’t try to make it better until you’re ready to tell her your feelings.”
“Well, I’m trying to open up about some things …”
“Things?” Charlie snorts.
“Yeah. Fine. You’re right. I’m trying to open up about my feelings.”
“Wow. So romantic. Youarea coward.”
“Thank you. Is Max there? I think I’d rather talk to him right now.”
Charlie laughs. “No, you’re stuck with me. And a good thing, too, because I’m giving you solid advice about how to have a happy marriage. Tell Bliss that you love her and that you were being stupid!”
“But I can’t find my wife to tell her.”
“Well, I happen to know she canceled on dinner with Magnolia and me tomorrow. She said she was turning off her phone tonight.”
“She turned her phone off? On purpose?” I shout.
“Hey, don’t get mad at me. I’m just the messenger,” she fires back.
