The Perfect Husband Read online

  ‘Are you upset?’ he asked.

  ‘No, it’s just that I was planning to wear another dress. But I can wear this one if that’ll make you happy. Just let me try it on first to make sure it fits.’

  I tried on the dress, and the fabric, a mix of polyester and spandex, hugged my body. I sucked in my stomach and walked out to show Eric.

  He made a turning motion with his hand. ‘Turn around. Let me have a look.’

  ‘I’m too curvy to wear something so form fitting,’ I said.

  ‘Nonsense! You look amazing. The only thing that would make you look even more fabulous would be more cleavage.’

  I cupped my breasts. ‘Typical man!’

  Eric laughed.

  I walked over and looked him in the eyes. ‘Tell me the truth, do you think my breasts are small?’

  ‘They’re normal,’ Eric said. ‘But if you’re asking me if I’d enjoy bigger breasts, of course I would. I’m a man. But I love you no matter your breast size. What’s important is what you think, how they make you feel.’

  My insecurities melted away as he took me in his arms. I loved that he wanted me, that he considered me his. No man had ever wanted me as much as Eric. Scott chose someone younger and prettier. Eric could have someone younger and prettier, but he chose me. Finally, I was someone’s special someone.

  The black dress slipped to the floor and by the end of the night, I’d agreed to buy the log cabin.

  The next morning over breakfast, Eric brought up combining our two households. We sat across from each other in the hotel dining room and he took my hand in his. ‘Would you mind if we used my furniture and you got rid of the furniture you had when you were married to Scott?’

  I hadn’t even thought about what furniture I’d take and what I’d give up, if any. ‘I…I hadn’t thought about it. Some of my furniture is really good furniture.’

  Eric held up his hand. ‘And I never wanted to imply otherwise. I just thought that with all of my antiques we have plenty of furniture and really wouldn’t need yours.’

  ‘Is it Scott?’ I asked. ‘Is it because he and I bought it together?’

  Eric’s face was a river of red. ‘To be honest, yes. I love you. I want to be with you, and I don’t want to ever feel like there’s another man in our lives. Every time I walk into a room, I don’t want to be reminded that you were loved by another, held in his arms. I want to be the center of your world. I don’t want to compete with a ghost from your past.’

  ‘Oh, Eric. You don’t have to compete. You’re more wonderful than a million Scotts could ever be. If it upsets you that much, I’ll give it to Jackie or my god-daughter Lucy. It’s only furniture, after all.’

  Chapter 15

  Three Months Later

  Jackie walked into my apartment carrying a huge paper bag stuffed with newspapers.

  I looked up from the kitchen table where I was packing dishes. ‘Thanks for bringing the papers. I just ran out.’

  Jackie grabbed a bundle and laid them on the table. She pointed to the dishes I’d stacked on the kitchen counter. ‘Should I pack those?’

  I shook my head. ‘I’m not taking those. They were mine and Scott’s.’

  Jackie picked up one of the plates I’d been wrapping and walked over to the counter and picked up a plate stacked next to the toaster. She held up both plates. ‘Are you sure you don’t want to take these plates instead? They’re a little nicer.’

  ‘No. I like these better.’

  Jackie walked back over to the table and wrapped the plate in her hand. ‘Are you okay? You seem a little grumpy.’

  I sighed. ‘Just tired. I hadn’t realized how much stuff I needed to get rid of.’

  Jackie looked around. ‘Yeah, I guess combining two households can be a chore. Not that I’m complaining because I get your gorgeous dining table and cabinet. Are you sure you don’t want to take them? They’d look great in a log cabin.’

  I shook my head.

  ‘I can still remember when you and Scott bought them. We searched for months looking for the perfect table and you and I stumbled across that shop when we were driving through the Amish country, remember?’

  I smiled. ‘Martin’s Chair Shop.’ I walked over and rubbed my hand on the cabinet. ‘Well, if I can’t keep it, at least I know it’s going to a good home.’

  Jackie looked puzzled. ‘What do you mean can’t keep it?’

  I waved my hand. ‘What I meant to say is that I’m glad you’re taking it since I won’t have room for it. I’ll see it when I visit.’

  ‘And if you ever change your mind,’ Jackie said, ‘you can have it back.’

  ‘I won’t change my mind.’ I returned to the table where Jackie had just finished wrapping the last dish.

  ‘So, what’s next?’ Jackie asked.

  ‘The set of china in the cupboard. I want to give that to Lucy.’

  Jackie’s eyes popped. ‘But you got that set of china for a wedding present!’

  I nodded. ‘Yes. I want my god-daughter to have it.’

  Jackie walked over to the cupboard, opened the door and retrieved a porcelain tea cup trimmed in gold with pink flowers. ‘I don’t know what to say. This is a gorgeous set.’

  ‘Just say thank you.’

  Jackie hugged me and we wrapped the china, carefully placing the pieces in a sturdy cardboard box.

  Two hours later, we were done. I grabbed a bottle of water from the refrigerator and gave one to Jackie. ‘I don’t know about you but I’m exhausted.’

  ‘Does Eric have as much stuff as you?’ Jackie asked.

  I looked around my apartment. ‘More.’

  ‘Who’s helping him pack?’

  ‘He hired a company to pack, label and move everything.’

  ‘Nice.’

  ‘He offered to pay them to do the same for me, but I wanted to do it. I hadn’t realized how difficult emotionally this move would be for me.’

  Jackie sat on the sofa. ‘That’s understandable. Replacing a life you know with one you don’t is stressful. But you need to remember why you’re making this move. You love Eric, right?’

  ‘Yes. I’ve never met anyone quite like him. Loving, kind. Sometimes it feels too good to be true. And I know it’s all happened so fast.’

  ‘I agree. Your relationship did progress quickly. Six months after meeting him, you’re buying a house together. But I must admit I’ve never seen you this happy, even when things were good between you and Scott. And work’s going well, too, right?’

  I sat down beside her. ‘It’s been a great year so far. Remember that million-dollar home I told you about?’

  Jackie nodded.

  ‘I have someone interested. That would be a great commission if that came through.’

  I stood and walked over to a box near the bookcase. ‘Look what I found!’ I handed Jackie our high school yearbook.

  She laughed and paged through it. ‘We were quite the fashionistas.’

  I laughed.

  ‘What are you wearing to the reunion next Saturday anyway?’

  ‘A dress Eric bought me. Want to see it?’

  Jackie followed me into the bedroom and I showed her the dress.

  ‘That’s gorgeous. Try it on. I want to see it on you.’

  I put on the dress and twirled around. ‘What do you think?’

  ‘I think you’ll be turning heads. You look beautiful in it.’

  I cupped my breasts. ‘Do you think my breasts are too small?’

  ‘Oh, no! Not this again! I thought you got over your insecurity about your breasts. Did Eric say something?’

  I shook my head. ‘He said he loves me just the way I am.’

  ‘Good. I’m glad to see he isn’t feeding your insecurity which, I might add, you’ve had since junior high. I’ve told you before and I’ll say it again, your girls are perfect. But, if having bigger boobs is important to you and you want to do it, then go for it. Of course, you could just gain some weight like me and your breasts wil
l fill out along with your stomach and thighs. Just increase your caloric intake and focus on fattier foods like cheeses and sugary foods like cookies.’

  I rolled my eyes. ‘You’re crazy!’

  Jackie was right about one thing. I always felt inferior when it came to my breasts. I was a late bloomer and stuffed my bra with tissues in junior high. One day in gym class, I bent over and a tissue fell out. Liz the Loud Mouth picked it up and waved it around, telling everyone what I had done. I was mortified. After that, I tried to embrace my gymnast’s physique, but it still bothered me. Sort of like a splinter that you can’t get out from under your skin. There’s a dull ache and the more you try to dig it out the deeper it goes.

  I called Eric after Jackie left.

  ‘I told you I’d have helped you pack,’ Eric said.

  ‘I know, but Jackie wanted to. And we haven’t spent much time together lately, so it was great catching up.’

  ‘What did you decide to do with your furniture?’

  ‘Jackie’s taking the dining-room table and cabinet and I’ve donated the guest-bedroom furniture to a local women’s shelter.’

  ‘Great. I can’t wait to wake up next to you every day.’

  ‘You’re so sweet.’

  ‘It’s easy when I have someone like you. By the way, I’ve arranged for you to have a day at that spa we saw in town.’

  ‘Wow! You didn’t have to do that.’

  ‘You’ve been working hard. And since you insisted on packing yourself, I wanted to give you an afternoon at the spa to relax.’

  ‘Thanks. I don’t think I’ve ever met a more thoughtful person.’

  Chapter 16

  The next day I went to the gym after work. I wanted to work out with Jackie one more time before moving. Eric and I joined a gym in our new town and planned to go together.

  I was getting dressed when Jackie walked into the locker room. She threw her gym bag on the floor. ‘I can’t believe I’m losing my gym buddy!’

  I sat on the bench to put on my sneakers. ‘I’m sure you’ll survive.’

  Jackie sat down beside me and opened her gym bag. She pulled out a wrapped box and handed it to me. ‘Just a little something for your new place.’

  ‘Thanks, Jack.’ I hugged her. I ripped off the wrapping paper and lifted the box top. On the left was a photo of me and Jackie as teens. On the right was a current photo.

  ‘It’s beautiful, Jackie.’ Tears formed in the corners of my eyes.

  Jackie smiled. ‘I know we won’t see each other as often, but I wanted you to know that I’m always here for you no matter what.’

  A warm tear slid down my cheek. I hugged Jackie again. ‘Thanks for always looking out for me.’

  ‘I’ll always have your back. Now, let me change into my gym clothes so I’m not late to class.’

  One Zumba class and weight circuit workout later, Jackie and I hit the sauna.

  Jackie spread a towel on the bench and sat down across from me. ‘What time are the movers coming tomorrow?’

  I sighed. ‘Eight. I took off Monday, too.’

  ‘A four-day weekend will be nice. Are you sure you don’t want me to help?’

  I tilted my water bottle and took a sip. ‘I think everything’s taken care of. Eric moved today; I’ll move tomorrow. He said the movers were excellent and I shouldn’t worry about a thing.’

  I looked at the timer on the wall. ‘I feel like we’ve been in here forever and it’s only been a couple of minutes.’

  ‘If you’re ready to get out, just let me know,’ Jackie said wiping her face with a small towel.

  I shook my head. ‘A couple more minutes.’

  ‘You know, there was a time when I couldn’t get you into a sauna.’

  ‘You’re right. I never liked being trapped in small spaces. I was so afraid the door wouldn’t open and I’d be stuck inside and die.’

  Jackie laughed. ‘So, I guess you wouldn’t like having one of those panic rooms.’

  ‘Never thought about it. Maybe. I mean, it would be handy if someone was breaking into the house. I could just crawl inside and hide and no one would be able to get to me. I sort of like the idea of being able to hide.’

  Jackie looked at the timer. ‘Time’s up. Let’s get out of here.’

  I checked my phone as soon as I finished showering. There were four texts from Eric.

  Can’t wait to see you tomorrow!

  Finally, we’ll be waking up together every day!

  Where are you?

  Call me. I’m worried.

  I called him on the way home. ‘I’m sure I told you I was meeting Jackie.’

  ‘You should download a GPS tracker app on your cell phone so I can keep tabs on you.’

  ‘You’re joking, right?’

  ‘Not really. I mean, I worry about you. I can’t help it. I don’t want anything to happen to you. I love you too much to lose you.’

  ‘Are you saying that if I download the tracker app, you won’t worry so much?’

  ‘Yes. And I’ll download it, too. That way we can both know where the other is. It’s not about keeping tabs. It’s about having peace of mind that you’re safe.’

  It seemed like a reasonable request. And to be honest, I liked the idea of someone looking out for me and keeping me safe. I’m not sure I ever felt as if someone wanted to keep me safe. Maybe Grandma. Certainly never Mom or Scott. It was nice that someone cared so much about my wellbeing. By the end of the night I had downloaded the app.

  Eric was right about the movers. They were careful and quick. I stood in the middle of my empty living room and scanned the empty walls. There were a few holes where pictures had hung and indentations in the carpet where furniture had sat.

  Jackie and Bruce had just hauled away my dining-room set in a truck they’d rented. What I hadn’t given away was headed to my new home where Eric was waiting for me.

  I felt as if I had a watermelon lodged in my throat. It was more difficult leaving the place I’d escaped to after my marriage ended than I anticipated.

  I heard Izzy purr and picked her up. ‘I know, Iz. It’s tough saying goodbye but I think you’ll love our new home.’ I scratched her head. ‘I’m sure you’ll find a great spot to watch the deer and rabbits and squirrels in the backyard.’

  I put Izzy inside her travel crate and checked every cabinet and room to make sure I’d left nothing behind. I noticed a half bar of soap in the shower and dropped it into the trash bag I’d put in the dumpster outside before I left.

  I texted Eric: I’m on my way.

  As I left the apartment complex, I glanced in my rear-view mirror. I could still remember the day I’d moved into my apartment. I was scared about starting my life over, of being alone, wondering if I’d ever love again.

  As I pulled onto the highway heading south, for the first time in a long time I was excited about my future. I wasn’t sure what it would bring, but I was sure it would be great. After all, I’d found Eric. He was the best thing that had ever happened to me.

  About twenty minutes into the drive, I felt hunger pangs and realized I hadn’t eaten breakfast or lunch. It was now two. I noticed a sign for gas and food and decided to get off at the next exit. I pulled into a burger joint. Normally I didn’t eat fast food, but it was either that or a sandwich from the gas station.

  Rather than drive and eat, I pulled into a parking space and gobbled down my food. I followed it up with two pain killers to squash the headache my lack of eating had caused. Eric texted.

  Hungry, huh?

  I jumped, thinking he must be here, too. Then I remembered he knew where I was because of the tracker app. How sweet of him to check up on me. I texted him back: Yes. Very hungry. Was getting a headache. See you soon.

  I wondered if there’d ever be a time when having the tracker app would be more of a curse than a blessing. For instance, I’d been thinking about buying Eric a new watch. A couple of weeks ago, he’d showed me one he liked while we were checking out rings at the
jewelry store next to the mall. If he was constantly checking the app, he might see that I was there and my surprise would be ruined.

  As the miles fell behind me the reality of being so far away from work hit home. I told my boss the distance wouldn’t be a problem, and I was determined that it wouldn’t be. I planned to keep an overnight bag in my car in case I had to unexpectedly stay over. Besides Jackie, a few co-workers also offered me a room if ever I needed one.

  When I arrived at the new house, the movers were unloading the truck. Eric was at my car door as soon as I pulled in. I got out and he threw his arms around me. ‘Welcome home!’

  I retrieved Izzy’s crate from the car and we walked inside. There were towers of boxes everywhere.

  I sighed. ‘I’m glad I have a long weekend. We have a lot of unpacking to do.’

  ‘I want to show you the bedroom and see if you like where I placed the bed and dressers.’

  Eric had decided that we’d put my bedroom furniture, which I bought after leaving Scott, in the guest bedroom and use his. I walked into the bedroom. ‘It looks great.’

  ‘Do you like where your dresser is?’ he asked. ‘If you don’t, we can move it to the other wall.’

  I smiled. ‘No, it’s perfect. Thanks!’

  I liked my mahogany bedroom furniture more but it pleased Eric that I’d agreed to use his oak set, and I liked making him happy. After all, it was only bedroom furniture.

  After the movers left, Eric and I started to unpack. We started in the kitchen, where Eric had already lined the cabinets and put his dishes away.

  I opened the cabinet where he’d stacked the dishes, saucers and bowls. ‘Wow! You have a lot of stuff. I’m not sure we really need mine.’

  I checked the rest of the cabinets and drawers. All of them were filled with his things. ‘Why don’t we just store my kitchen items in the basement? I really don’t think we need to use mine and yours, and since yours is already put away. I can store mine.’

  He looked down at the box he’d just opened. ‘Are you sure?’

  I nodded.

  ‘Or…’ he started to say but abruptly stopped.

  ‘Or what?’

  He glanced at the kitchen boxes stacked on the dining-room table, which was also his, and the floor. ‘You could donate them to charity. It’s not like we need them. Like you said, I have all of the kitchen stuff we need.’