Page 43 of Conflagration
“So that’s how you ended up married even though you didn’t love her?” I ask, this whole scenario sounding all too familiar.
He lets out a deep sigh and swallows hard. “We were compatible and we wanted the same things, so getting married seemed like the natural step. By that point, we’d been a couple for over four years. At first, she embraced the wife role with enthusiasm. She loved throwing cocktail parties and entertaining clients. But over time, she got bored and lonely. Which was partially my fault. I wanted so badly to prove myself to Dad that I started taking on more responsibilities at work and I jumped at every chance to go on business trips. Megan traveled with me at first, but eventually, even that got old for her.”
He shrugs and reverts his eyes back to mine. “Megan didn’t single-handedly ruin our marriage. It was a joint effort, and to be honest, it was doomed from the very beginning. We didn’t love each other. We loved the idea of what we could be for each other, and that clearly wasn’t enough. So yeah, it wasn’t all her fault. She just dealt the final blow when she fucked around on me. Not that it should have come as a surprise. We hadn’t slept together in months. I guess it wasn’t exactly shocking to find out she was getting it elsewhere.”
A shiver runs down my spine, knowing full well that my marriage to Benjamin would’ve been just as Branson described. “And you?” I ask hesitantly, needing to know if the indiscretions worked both ways.
His eyes darken, his brows drawing together. “I may not have been a good husband, Ariana, but I was always faithful.” His lips twitch, and his eyes soften. “That’s probably why I’ve barely let you leave the bedroom this past month.”
“Well, then, I guess I should probably send Megan a thank-you card. You know, since you were able to warm me up from my frigid state.”
He laughs, sitting up and sliding over to me, careful to keep his leg stretched out in front of him. Doctor’s orders say that he should be trying to bend it, at least a little bit, but since it’s date night, I decide to let my bossy side take the night off.
He takes hold of my left hand, his thumb running over his grandmother’s ring. “It’s kind of funny. Dad never offered this ring to me with Megan, but he didn’t hesitate to give it to me for you.”
I take a moment to study the ring before looking up at him. “Maybe that’s because he was appalled at that garish engagement ring that was on my finger before.”
His gaze lingers on my lips for a few beats. Then he looks back at the ring, his hand still toying with my finger. “Probably. It’s weird. The woman I’ve come to know over the last month? I can’t imagine her ever accepting a ring like that.”
“I know. And I could say the same thing to you. Everything you’ve just told me about your life with Megan? I can’t picture it. Sure, you’ve had to take a few work calls, but you’re attentive and always present when we’re together. The man you described? I figured he’d be itching to get back to the office, not hanging out on the couch all day with me.”
“I never had a reason to stay home. Now, I do.”
My heart skips a beat, but Branson changes course in our conversation before I can savor the feeling.
“What about you? How’d you end up with that guy?”
I wrinkle my nose, and he laughs, leaning down and giving me a quick peck on the lips.
“Come on, babe. If I had to spill, it’s only fair that you reciprocate. Spare me the details though. Atlanta’s not that far away, and even with my crutches, I’d kick his ass if I have to.”
Letting out a sigh, I know it’s only fair that I tell him about Benjamin. “Looking back, it’s really a dumb story. It’s embarrassing how close I came to having a marriage like yours and Megan’s.” I place my hand over his when he winces. “It’s not exactly the same, but what I mean is there wasn’t any love there. Not really. My dad set up us, and we hit it off. He was intelligent, educated, and dedicated to his job. He was attentive at first, and we just kind of fell into a relationship. Growing up, I watched my parents in a passionless marriage, yet neither of them seemed miserable. Our families were friends, and last fall, he proposed in a very public setting, in front of everyone. We’d talked marriage before, but nothing serious, so I was in a state of shock. I hesitated, and I should’ve known that very second that I didn’t want to marry him. But then I looked up and saw his expectant smile, the huge grins on our mothers’ faces, and the look of pride my father was giving me. So I said yes.”
“So what happened? Why’d you run?” His voice is low and husky. “Not that I’m complaining.”
“Our mothers threw themselves into wedding planning. All I had to do was show up and give the final approval. It was extremely stress-free, and to be honest, it helped me remain detached from the wedding. But as the day grew closer, I got cold feet. I started questioning if I could really go through with it, yet I never actually took a step back to truly consider calling it off. That would’ve been too much of a disappointment to William and Victoria, and the old Ariana Covington did not disappoint her parents. The night of the accident was our rehearsal dinner. I happened to overhear some things, and it was enough to get me to leave. I told him it was over, got in my car, and drove north. The rest, as you know it, is history.”
“History, huh?” he asks, his tone teasing.
“The other stuff is history,” I tell him, placing a hand on his thigh. “This is very much my present. And to be honest, I think I’m happier here than I’ve ever been.”
“What exactly did you overhear, Ariana?”
I shake my head. “Nothing worth repeating. Just know it was enough to get me to leave.”
He cocks an eyebrow. I know he’s not going to let this go, but just as he’s about to speak, I feel the limo come to a stop. Over the intercom, the driver announces our arrival, and Branson’s expression changes to one of pure excitement.
“Are you ready for this?” he asks. His grin is contagious.
“My first date with you? I’d say it’s a long time coming.”
The driver opens the door on Branson’s side, taking first his crutches and then helping him out. Branson gets situated before he leans in and holds a hand out to me. I take it and exit the limo. My eyes widen as I see where we are. Then I turn to him with an excited grin.
“Seriously?” I ask, and his smile deepens.
I had no idea what Branson had planned, but this is not what I was thinking. This is beyond anything I could have imagined, and it’s perfect.
“Ever been here before?” He practically beams when I shake my head. “Then let’s go.” He starts to crutch towards the front door, and I fall into step beside him as we enter Dave and Buster’s. “Let’s grab something to eat first, then I can show off all my badass skills in the arcade.”
