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She didn’t address it, however. “Hopefully, you’ll be on your way soon.”
He didn’t address it, either, and simply nodded in agreement while recalling another conversation they’d had. The one tied to the type of man she wanted in her life, who’d love her like he loved breathing, and accept her the way she was—rough edges and all. He enjoyed being with her and not just in bed. He admired her spirit, her intelligence, her devotion to her family, and in many ways those rough edges. And yet? He didn’t know how to complete the thought or if he should. At some point, maybe soon, answers would need to be addressed.
“Since we’re celebrating and I don’t have to wake up so early in the morning, will you read me some of theAlicebook you like so much?”
He smiled. “I’d love to.”
“And maybe help me read it, too.”
“Of course.” He admired her bravery and was still touched by the trust she’d placed in him. Dusk had fallen, and the mosquitoes were rising. He slapped one on his hand. “How about we go inside and get away from these mosquitoes?”
“Good idea.”
Inside, he retrieved the book and sat next to her on the edge of the bed.
“What’s the title again?”
“Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. It’s a children’s book written by an Englishman named Lewis Carroll and published in 1865. Carroll’s real name is Charles Lutwidge Dodgson.”
“I think I’d call myself Lewis Carroll, too.”
That made him smile. “Are you ready for me to begin?”
“Yes.”
The first page was an illustration of the King and Queen of Hearts.
“The queen looks very upset.” she noted, eyeing the picture. “Who’s she so angry with?”
“Everything and everyone, as we’ll soon see.”
“I didn’t know there’d be pictures, but that makes sense if this was written for children.”
“Exactly. The book starts with a poem about how and where the story was first imagined. Dodgson and a reverend friend were on an eight-mile rowboat ride with three young girls who were sisters.”
“Were they his daughters?”
“No. I believe they were the daughters of another of Dodgson’s friends.”
“Was he with them?”
“Not according to the background information I’ve read.”
“What kind of father lets his three girls go on a boat ride for eight miles with two grown men? Was their mother there?”
“I believe the men were the only adults.”
“The Moreaux would never let Dorrie or any of the little cousins, girls or boys, go anywhere with two men. And one was a reverend? I’ve known some pastors and priests, and the only holy things about them were the holes in the soles of their shoes.”
“The outing could have been totally innocent.”
She looked unimpressed. “Until proven guilty.”
He waited.
“I’m sorry for fussing. I just find that concerning. Go ahead and read the poem.”
“Are you sure?”
