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“You got the flowers.” He stopped beside her, leaning in to give her a kiss on the cheek before waving to Dani. “Hey, sweetheart. How was school?”
“Fine,” Dani answered, her shoulders hunched.
She’d had a difficult day at school and withdrew into her sketchbook and music. The school was having her use the nurse’s bathroom rather than the girls’ restroom, and though it may seem inconsequential, it was one more thing making Dani different from the other kids at her school. Brynn’s stomach churned with concern. How much more challenging would days like this be for Dani if they hadn’t gotten her into the right doctors to start her transition? I made the right decision for her in marrying Aaron.
It was things he did like that which had her spun topsy-turvy inside. No one was here to witness this except them. Was he this way with his other female friends? She tried to think of a time she’d seen him kiss anyone else’s cheek. Marge from the center. Yes, he did greet her that way. And he’d told her he was a touchy-feely guy.
“You okay?” he asked, backing away.
“Yes. I—thank you. They’re beautiful. But you didn’t have to.”
He shrugged. “I wanted to . . . Something smells delicious. Is that lasagna?” He picked up a few pieces of shredded mozzarella that had escaped the package and dropped them into his mouth.
Her focus fell to the bob of his throat before he licked his lips. “Yes, it is. You said you like Italian food, right?”
He grinned, his eyes lighting up. “Absolutely. Lasagna is one of my favorites.”
Brynn smiled in relief. “Good. I made some brownies too.”
He clapped a hand over his heart. “Damn it, woman, if you weren’t already married to me, I’d propose right now.”
He was in an interesting mood today. Calm, cool, and collected Aaron was full of energy and flirtation it seemed.
“Why don’t you get a drink and take a seat, and I’ll bring it over.”
“I can help.” He reached into the cupboard and took down three plates.
The way he was always ready to serve others was just one of the reasons she admired him. But today was her opportunity to pay him back in some small way. Which meant she needed to speak up. “Yes, but you’re always helping—that’s the point. I wanted to do something special for you to say thank you.”
He set the plates on the counter by the stove and turned to her. “I appreciate the gratitude. Why don’t we use the dining room tonight? Make it extra special.”
She nodded. “That would be nice.”
Aaron turned to the fridge, then grabbed a couple bottles of water and an iced tea before nudging Dani’s shoulder. Dani looked up at him, pulling her earbuds from her ears.
“Come on, let’s get set up for dinner in the dining room. You can tell me all about your day.” Aaron handed her the iced tea.
Dani left her things on the counter and followed him into the dining room. Brynn got to work serving the pasta casserole onto plates and checked the timer for the brownies.
This was why things with Aaron were so easy. Because he listened to her and respected any boundary she set. Because he’s a good man. Maybe she could let down her guard and trust in this powerful feeling growing inside her with each promise kept, and gentle care given. And for however long this fake marriage lasted, he was hers. If only she didn’t want . . . more.
