Page 35 of Her Inconvenient Wedding Date

I feel like a prisoner—or at least a guy who got banished to a distant land.

It’s not that I hate my job. Most days, I enjoy staring at a computer monitor for hours on end or talking tech with my colleagues, but today’s not one of those days. After almost four hours of sitting, my mind—and behind—are beat. I’m ready to go to management and ask if we can have our meetings lying down from now on. I can’t wait to get up, stretch my legs, and take a long break. The only thing I’m looking forward to more is spending time with my wife. Assuming Lily will want to see me.

Now that I’ve had the whole morning to process what she said, I’m starting to understand her concerns. We did do things a bit backwards. Usually, a man and a woman have a few awkward conversations, then some semi-awkward dates before they decide to commit to a relationship. In our case, wetripled the awkwardness by getting married first. Since then, my foot has been on the gas, revving the engine so we can speed forward while Lily’s still stepping on the brake. No wonder we’re stalled.

Thank the Lord that He’s opened up my eyes to the situation we’re in. Back-to-back meetings can do that to a person. When you have all the time in the world with nowhere to go, you start ruminating. It’s like marinating, just less tasty, but the result is the same. You come away with a more tender and mature understanding. This marriage isn’t only about me and my wants; it’s about Lily’s. And if she needs me to slow down, that’s what I’ll do.

Sloth-mode has officially been activated.

I take my wedding band off my left ring finger and move it to my right hand. Next, I open up my phone and go to my social media accounts. I’d jumped the gun and updated my status to “married” yesterday. I now switch it to “in a relationship” and hope no one notices and questions the change.

Oops, too late.

A message hits my inbox just seconds after I make the update, and it’s ironically enough from Lily.

Hey@GeekyGirlsRule, I don’t mean to be stalking you, but I just happened to see your new relationship status. I hope everything’s ok?

Maybe now would be a good time to let Lily know thatI’mthe one who’s been stalking her with my incognito username?

Things are good, thanks for asking. Just a little complicated,I answer back.

Lily:It’s ok if you don’t want to go into details. I get it. Matters of the heart are not easy to make sense of. I’ll be praying for you to figure things out.

Her reply makes me smile.I could use the prayers. Thank you. I appreciate it.

Lily:Anytime! Oh, and I just remembered that I forgot to sharethe pumpkin brownie recipe I told you about in my last live video. I’ll ask my hubby for it and get it up soon.

My jaw drops. Did Lily just let the cat out of the bag? Not just one but the whole clowder? What happened to keeping our marriage a secret? I quickly type back:You got married??

Lily:I did!! You’re the first online friend I’ve told. I just logged on to update my status. I’ll do a video sometime and tell you guys more about him. Maybe even ask him to join me if he doesn’t mind.

Of course I don’t mind,is what I want to reply, but I reply with this instead:Congratulations. He’s a lucky guy.

Lily:Aww, thanks. But I’m the lucky one. I’m so blessed to be his wife. He’s the best gift God’s given to me. God knew exactly what I needed. I know God sees your needs, too, and will provide for you. I gotta go, but I’ll be praying for you!

A lump grows in my throat as I reread her message. I’m not sure what changed for Lily, but she seems to be happier and more at peace with our situation. Which makesmehappier and more at peace.

With a grateful heart, I reply:Thanks for the reminder, Lil.

“Anything you want to add, Hunter?”

My head whips up at the mention of my name. “Sorry, what was that?”

“I asked if there’s anything you want to share with us before we end the meeting.” My manager, Al, looks across the rectangular table at me. He adjusts his horn-rimmed glasses as he gives me a cheeky smile. “Speak now or forever hold your peace.”

A couple of our coworkers chuckle. I’m starting to realize why everyone around the room is giving me knowing glances. “I suppose it’s time to address the elephant in the room, namely me.” I raise my left hand and say, “I’m officially off the market.”

Al narrows his eyes and frowns. “Either myeyesight is failing me, or invisible rings are a new tech I don’t know about?”

“Oh, my bad!” I switch my wedding band over to the correct hand, then hold it up again. “Let’s try that again. I, Hunter Payne, am a married man now.”

Al gives me a thumbs-up. “It’s about time. I’m glad your persistence paid off and you were able to win Lily over.”

I blink in surprise. “Was it that obvious that I liked her?”

“Only to the trained eye.” He winks as he stands up. “Meeting’s over. Go get some lunch, guys.”

Everyone scrambles out of their seats, then heads for the door.

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