Total pages in book: 25
Estimated words: 22864 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 114(@200wpm)___ 91(@250wpm)___ 76(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 22864 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 114(@200wpm)___ 91(@250wpm)___ 76(@300wpm)
“By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife.'' I want to kiss her so badly, but instead, I lift my finger to run it down her cheek; when she flinches and jerks back like she is expecting something else, I clench my jaw to retain the anger. Someone has hurt her and not just emotionally.
She lifts her eyes, guilt pouring from them, so I smile and nod my head, letting her know it is okay. “We set up a reception for two but if you would rather not have one we understand.” Alton’s wife, Lavinia, looks at Florence momentarily before conveying to me with her eyes that she also saw it.
“We appreciate that,” I say to all of them. “But I imagine my wife is tired after traveling all day so I think I will show her her new home and let her rest. But soon, we will have you all over to celebrate once she is settled in.” They all nod at me, but I can see the concern written on their faces.
“Would you like to walk or drive?” I ask her, walking out of the church together. All she has with her is a backpack and a small duffel bag. I could carry that for the ten-minute walk to the house.
“Can we drive? I am eager to shower,” she whispers; a glance of insecurity crosses her face like she thinks I will deny her.
“Of course. Right this way.” I walk her to the car and help her inside. The ride home is quiet and filled with many questions from both of us, but they are all left unsaid. “Home sweet home,” I announce when we pull into the driveway,
She leaves the car slowly, taking in the vast estate before her. I look at the house, trying to see it from her perspective. I am unsure if she comes from money or not, not that it matters, but if she doesn’t, this would be overwhelming. It is by no means the biggest estate in this town. That would be Jude and his wife, Hannah. But this has been in my family for generations, and each of the ones before me added their own touch, whether it be new paint, awnings, an addition, a modernized kitchen, or something for their time. Me, I have changed nothing waiting on my wife to do it to her specifications.
“Your home is so beautiful,” she says with awe in her voice. I look at her, smiling.
“It’s our home now. Come on, let me show you the inside.” With my hand at her back, careful not to add too much pressure to the gesture, I lead her through the front door and inside.
“The inside is gorgeous too,” she says, walking further into it.
“Thank you. This is my family home. It means a lot to me that you like it.” She looks at me, biting her lip, searching my eyes for the sincerity of my words. “Are you hungry?” I had something prepared for us to eat, but I don’t think she was up for it.
“No, thank you. If it is alright with you, I want to shower and take a moment.”
“Of course. You can explore later. Follow me.” We walk up the spiral staircase, which is one of the things my parents added, and I lead her past the six bedrooms and right to our master suite.
Immediately, she turns to me with fear in her eyes. “Is this a guest room?”
“No. This is our room.” Her breathing begins to pick up, her eyes clouding with panic. I walk to her, hellbent on calming her down, when she folds into herself and begins apologizing.
“I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I will do whatever you want.” She chants over and over. I stop mid-stride and clench my fists, barely cooling the rage inside of me to hit something at the signs of her obvious abuse.
“Florence, listen to me. Can you look at me?” She raises her eyes so obediently it hits me in the chest that she has had to live in fear of not doing as she is told. “I cannot let you sleep in another room because we are going to have to learn to trust one another, and develop some sort of relationship.” I don’t break eye contact, but I try to ensure my voice is calm and soothing.
“I want you beside me, hopefully eventually you will feel safe enough with me to wrap yourself around me while you sleep so I can comfort you and show you that you are safe. I want us to get to the point where we can have a real marriage and have a family. We will not get there with you in another room. However, I do not expect anything from you until you are ready. Do you understand?” She nods her head, but she looks at me skeptically.