Page 276 of The Heart You Kept

“She married him.”

“She did?”

“She did, and no matter what any of us said, she never listened.”

“Do you like him now?”

“I like how happy she is. As long as he loves her then I’m happy too.”

“That’s a nice way to think about it.” I stand and look back into the wardrobe. “What was your mom like?”

“Honestly?”

“Yeah.”

“She was a lot like you.”

My eyes meet his. “How so?”

“She was calm and centered, kind and good.”

I smile softly. “You think I’m good?”

“At fucking. Yes.”

I giggle as I stand on my tippy toes and pull a sweater down. “You had to ruin it, didn’t you?”

“You know, so many times when we are talking you remind me so much of her.”

“Like how?”

“Your belief systems.”

“What belief systems?”

“Like how you think I’m a good person.”

I turn back to him, surprised by his admission. “You are a good person.”

“Not always.”

“Always, Edward.” I lean over and kiss him. “I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t truly believe that you are a good person. You’re kind and sweet and loving and all things that are good.”

It’s his turn to smile softly.

“With a really good dick.”

He rolls his eyes. “You had to ruin it, didn’t you?”

I giggle as I turn back to my wardrobe. “You know, I keep hoping I will miraculously find something perfect to wear in here.”

“Who cares, just go naked.”

“Oh, that would go great, wouldn’t it? Hi, Earl of Nottingham, here are my tits.”

Amusement flashes across his face as he holds the remote up and turns the television back on. “That would win me over.”

EDWARD