“That’s short, all right.”
“So tell me your life story.”
“In twenty-five words or less?”
“In as many words as you need.”
“What don’t you already know from your investigation of my background?”
“Whether you’ve ever been in love. Why you aren’t married. Why you moved to New Orleans right after high school.”
“I thought I was in love once—in high school. I am married now—to you. And I left Baton Rouge as soon as I could to escape my domineering grandmother.”
“And no current boyfriend?”
She shook her head.
Josh was silent for a long moment. “Have you ever had an affair before?”
Michelle shook her head again.
“So that wide-eyed innocent act isn’t really an act at all?”
“What wide-eyed innocent act?”
“Never mind. I’ve put my cards on the table. You let me know if you want to pick them up.”
“Josh, I don’t think having an affair is such a good idea. This is just a temporary arrangement while you locate my father. We don't want to complicate things.”
Michelle tried for a calm rational argument, but her heart was still racing out of control and a major part of her wanted to throw herself into his arms and agree to any terms he wanted.
But where would that leave her when it came time to end their marriage? She was already fascinated by the man. If there was any physical intimacy between them would she endanger her heart as well?
He rose. “If you change your mind, you let me know. Come on, I want to walk.”
The rest of the afternoon spun by. Michelle was worried at first that Josh would push her to comply with his outrageous suggestion. But he never even hinted. They were simply two people thrown together by circumstances who had to spend time together. He questioned her about her father, trying to gather as much information as she could provide.
Then they spoke of Penny, of the renovations in the downtown area, and of the chances of the Saints for next year’s Super Bowl.
When they returned to their suite after dinner, Josh located the television and turned it on.
“The sofa folds out into a bed. I’ll take that,” he said as he kicked off his shoes.
Michelle was touched. Had he seen how nervous she was?
“Thank you. I think I’ll go to bed now, if you don't mind. It’s been a long day.” And she hadn’t slept all that well the night before.
“Let me get my suitcase.”
Ten minutes later Michelle slipped beneath the cool sheets and turned off the light. She could hear the low murmur of the television. For a moment she wondered if she was doing right to resist his offer of an affair. They were married. And she hadn’t met anyone in her life she felt drawn to as much as Josh. Normally shy and uncertain, she felt she was growing more comfortable in his company. Who knew if she’d ever find a man to fall in love with and marry. Maybe she should take Josh up on his offer.
Josh was already up and dressed and raring to go when Michelle came out of the bedroom the next morning.
“I miss Penny,” he said with a sheepish grin. “This is only the second night we’ve been apart since she came to live with me last year. I had a trip last March I couldn’t avoid when I had one of the revolving housekeepers watch her.”
“Don’t you want to eat, first?” Michelle asked, touched at his revelation.
Josh glanced at his watch, and nodded. “It’s a bit early. We wouldn’t want Caroline to think we didn’t enjoy the present.”
“Thanks for going along with all that. We’re counting on her having a fine healthy baby. I sure don’t want to add any worry at this stage. She’s nervous enough as it is.”
“Chances should be good that the baby will be fine."
“So her doctor says.”
“Tell me more about Abby. Penny sure took to her yesterday.”
Michelle nodded, feeling just a hint of the jealousy that had hit her yesterday. She wanted Penny to like her, but they had never hit it off as well as the instant rapport between Abby and the little girl. She told Josh how her sister had chosen nursing as her vocation, and the genuine feelings for others she had.
They ordered breakfast and Michelle talked more about her sisters, inadvertently giving Josh a glimpse into her life at her grandmother’s. He added comments comparing his childhood with hers and she gleaned a broader perspective of his own background.
When they picked up Penny, she wore her blue ribbon instead of the baseball cap, and carried her dressed-up teddy bear. She gave Caroline and Brandon huge hugs and waved all the way down the street as they headed for Josh’s house.
On the ride, Penny spoke almost nonstop about staying with Auntie Caroline and Unca Brandon. Michelle smiled at her chatter, hoping Penny would soon feel as comfortable with her as she did with her sisters.
When they arrived home, Josh carried the two small overnight cases into his bedroom. Michelle followed, carrying her wedding outfit. Standing near the bed, he surveyed the room. Except for a few items on the dresser, it didn’t look different from when he left. But striding to the closet and opening the door, he saw dresses, skirts and blouses hanging side by side with his own suits. Colorful high heels competed for floor space with his own dark shoes.
“I’ll move everything into the other room,” Michelle said, coming to stand beside him. “If you and Penny want to play out back as she suggested, I can do it now.”
He reached out a finger and tilted her chin. Brushing his lips across hers, he then looked into her eyes.
“Remember
