Page 65 of The Wife Situation

Being alone gives me time to think. I drink more whiskey, my cheeks tingling with each sip. However, I’m not sure if it’s the booze or Easton’s lingering touch.

The boat glides forward as I give myself a tour of the bottom floor. A long, leather couch fills a wall, and all the light fixtures look as if they’re coated in gold.

I follow a hallway to the other side and find a mini library. I scan all of the books on the shelves. There are some about sailing and boating, several thrillers, and business books. At the end are the sleeping quarters, with lamps hanging over the bed. It’s easy to imagine him in here, reading by the soft light, hiding on the waterfront, away from it all. A bathroom connects to his bedroom, and I’m actually surprised by how large it is—it has an actual tub.

I pass a kitchen that’s larger than the one in Carlee’s apartment and a dining room area too. It would be easy to live here, comfortable even.

Once I’m back in the living area, which also has a minibar, I grab the bottle of whiskey and step outside for some fresh air. I walk the perimeter of the deck as the boat soars across glassy, smooth water. At the front of the boat, there’s a leather couch, and I sit, looking out at the moon casting reflections on the water’s surface.

I close my eyes, leaning my head against the cushion as I replay tonight. I had a great time. The pendant still hangs around my neck as I sit on a yacht in a $12,000 dress. All of this is unbelievable, and I’m waiting for the bottom to fall from the paper bag. It will, won’t it?

It always does.

The engines stop, and we slow to a halt. I open my eyes to see the glittering skyline shining bright in front of me. I sit up straighter, taking it in, never once seeing it from this vantage point. I’ve experienced the city so differently since I met Easton.

The door opens and closes, and I focus on the view as he joins me, leaving plenty of space between us.

“This is beautiful,” I admit, taking a drink and handing him the bottle, but he declines.

“So, now that my friends are fully on board, what have you decided? Are we moving forward?”

I turn to him. “I think we should flip a coin to determine the outcome.”

“Ah, so not only are you reckless and sign documents without reading them, but you also aren’t afraid to gamble away life-changing decisions.” He shakes his head. “What am I going to do with you?”

“Do you have any pocket change?”

“No.” He gives me a look, tilting his head. “I might have something, but if I don’t, then what?”

“We’ll play Rock, Paper, Scissors.”

A roar of laughter escapes him. “You’re unbelievable. But I’ll go with it.”

Easton walks inside, and five minutes later, he returns. He drops a golden coin into my hand. There’s an eagle on one side and a woman on the other. I’ve never seen anything like it.

“What is this?”

“It’s a Saint-Gaudens gold coin. It belonged to my grandfather. It’s named after its designer, the sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens. It’s often considered to be one of the most beautiful coins in the history of the United States.”

I hand it back to him. “Nope, I’mnotflipping that into the water. This is all on you. I can’t be responsible for that.”

He chuckles. “You call it.”

“I’m choosing the woman. If it lands on her, it’s a yes.”

With a flick of his wrist, the golden coin flips and twirls in the air. Easton catches it and holds it in his palm before flipping it onto the back of his hand. He scoots closer to me, close enough that his arm brushes against mine.

“Are you ready?” he asks.

I wait with bated breath as he removes his hand, revealing the side I chose. I think I hear him sigh in relief.

“It’s a done deal,” I say.

I love seeing him on edge over this. I’d have moved forward regardless of what that damn coin showed, but I won’t tell him that.

A smile plays on Easton’s lips, and it almost feels like this is meant to be.

The two of us fall into silence, both zeroed in on the skyscape.

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