Even so, their conversation crawled into my ears like insects with legs of their own, gnawing through my veins until my fingers trembled beyond my control.
Rebecca gathered her skirt and twirled before the full-length mirror.
"Sean, do you think this shows too much skin? What if the older relatives start gossiping at the wedding?"
Sean's hands settled naturally around her waist. The mirror reflected two faces that looked like they belonged together.
"Nobody would dare say a word about you. There are over a dozen more gowns to try. If you like them, buy them all. I'll propose to you every single day at the estate."
"And I'll marry you every single day in a new gown?" Rebecca tilted her head, her eyes sparkling.
"Mm."
Just one syllable, dripping with indulgence.
Sean had always loved like that. Endlessly patient, endlessly giving. No one knew this better than I did.
Because five years ago, he'd been my husband. He used to hold me the same way.
Back then we were dirt poor, crammed into a tiny rental in the worst part of town.
The room was barely big enough to turn around in, but he'd still wrap his arms around me from behind and whisper against my ear: