Page 107 of Champagne Nights

“Yeah, because by that time, we’ll have had so much wild and crazy sex on it that it’ll be begging us to buy a new one.”

“I like that idea.” I smiled.

Romeo started nudging me, indicating that he was hungry. I sighed as I climbed out of bed and opened a can of Fancy Feast in the kitchen. After giving him breakfast, I poured a cup of coffee and sat down at my desk. It was something I did every Saturday morning since my husband had passed away. I took out a piece of pale pink paper from the drawer and my ballpoint black ink pen.

My dearest husband,

This was yet another tough week for me. It’s getting harder to get out of bed in the mornings. They say with time, it gets easier. For me, it’s not. I’m unsure why, considering we’ve been apart for almost a year. I went into the office a few days and had lunch with Lucy. All she talked about was how she suspected that Ray was cheating on her. I went dress shopping with Piper. She and Liam were going out for their one-year dating anniversary. I think he’s going to ask her to marry him. Mom sent Keaton over last night to check up on me, which you know I hate, and he started in on me about not leaving the house. I can feel you here, watching over me, and being home helps me stay closer to you. I love you, and I miss you something awful. Take care, my darling.

Love forever,

Paisley

I neatly folded the paper and stuck it in the matching pale pink envelope. I opened my side drawer and tucked the letter neatly behind all the others I’d written every Saturday for almost a year.

Chapter Four

Ben

I put on my running shoes and headed out the door for my run. Being a fireman, it was important to keep in shape. Plus, the morning air always cleared my mind for the day. Amy wasn’t much of a runner, so she didn’t jog with me in the mornings. She preferred to work out on her elliptical machine, listening to her favorite music. Since it was Saturday, and I had the weekend off, I would spend it finishing up the table I was building.

After running ten miles, I hopped into the shower and let the cool water refresh my body. When I finished, I stepped out, wrapped the towel around my waist, and checked my phone. There was a missed call from Brady and a voice message.

“Ben, Linda is going out with her girlfriends, and I need to babysit Kara. Are you up for some cards tonight? It’s been a while, man. Call me back.”

I sighed as I set my phone down. Brady and I had been friends for the past five years. He was a great guy and a good friend. After Amy passed away, his wife, Linda, cooked two weeks’ worth of meals for me and came over and cleaned my house a few times, even though I told her it wasn’t necessary.Linda was one of those people who always threw herself into helping others no matter what she had going on in her own life.

“Tell me you’re coming over tonight,” Brady said as he answered my call.

“Yeah, cards sound good. What time?”

“How’s seven? I’ll order us a couple of pizzas.”

“Seven it is, and I’ll bring the beer.”

“Thanks, man. You’re saving me tonight.” He chuckled.

After putting on some old clothes, I went into the garage and sanded the tabletop one last time before coating it with the cherry stain I’d bought.

“It’sgood to see you, Ben,” Linda said as I kissed her cheek.

“Good to see you too.”

Kara ran over to me and wrapped her tiny arms around my legs. “Hi there, Kara.” I smiled as I gave the beer to Brady and picked her up. She put her hands on my cheeks and squeezed my face while she laughed. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t jealous of Brady’s family.

“I’m off. You boys behave yourself. Kara, keep an eye on your daddy for me.” Linda smiled as she kissed her goodbye.

I set Kara down and followed Brady into the kitchen. “Why don’t we ever go out?” he asked.

“You know I don’t really go out much anymore,” I replied.

“You should, Ben. All you do is work and build furniture. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, but you need a social life, too.”

“Yeah, yeah. I know, and when I’m ready, I’ll let you know.”

It was the same spiel every time from everyone I knew. The pizza arrived, and Brady put Kara to bed as I answered the door.I set the pizza boxes on the counter and grabbed a couple of pieces and a bottle of beer.

“I hope she goes to sleep. She’s been really fussy at night,” Brady said as he sat down at the table. “Oh, I hope you don’t mind, but I invited Lance and Juan over to play.”

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