Her Reluctant Husband by Erica Marselas (summer beach reads txt) 📗

know,” she snarls and wiggles out of my hold. She doesn’t run this time. She crosses her arms over her chest, a fight burning in her eyes again. I don’t know what it is, but I like this fire igniting in her. This is little old June trying to put me in my place.

Get your head out of your ass, Alex.

“I just don't see the problem. One year is a long time for either of us to go without our needs being fulfilled. I wouldn’t stop you from having fun."

"People talk around here, so real or not, or your lack of feelings for me, I refuse to be made a fool of. I won’t do it to you."

"Okay. Sure."

"Either agree or I'll call Kelley and cancel for Wednesday. This is supposed to be us moving on. I won't do this if you can't do this one thing for me.” I should’ve known telling her about Whitney would get her panties in a twist, but I didn’t think she would take it this far.

"Look at you, already making ultimatums like a true wife."

She pinches the bridge of her nose. “I'm serious, Alex. What’s it going to be? You’re sex life or the house?”

My jaw ticks. "Fine!” I snap. “I’ll do it, but for Aunt Liz. Not for you."

"Fine by me." She turns around and starts to stomp out of the room, but I call her back stopping her dramatic exit. She tosses her head back and spins around. “What?”

"Now I have my own ultimatum." I march over to her and stand toe to toe with her, glaring down at her. If she wants to play these games, so will I.

"Whatever could that be?” She crosses her arms over her chest but avoids looking at me.

“I refuse to be married to some drunk lush, so if I see you around a drop of alcohol our little deal is off.”

“Oh, for fuck’s sake!” she growls, and her eyes narrow as they zoom in on me. “For your information, I haven’t touched it since before my nineteenth birthday.”

I roll my eyes. “Right. You don’t have to lie to me, June.”

Considering she was nineteen when she got wasted and killed my sister.

“I’m not lying. If you would just listen to me about that night—”

“There’s nothing I need to listen to you about, so save your breath.” I cut her off. “Also, while we’re at it, we will not talk about that night! Nothing you say can change my mind about how I feel about what you did.”

Her chest heaves and she looks away from me. “Fine, but not drinking isn’t an ultimatum, Alex. So, you have no worries about that, trust me.”

“Then I guess we will be fine.”

“Are we done now?” she hisses, making me smirk.

“For now.” I spin around and head back to the kitchen to finish my lasagna while she seethes and stomps away to her room. I have a feeling this is going to be a very long year.

 

5JUNE

My little June-bug

I hate knowing as I write this, I'm going to be leaving you. I love you, sweet girl, and I’m thankful I got to spend my final days with you. Staying up and watching Netflix, teaching you to bake, and riding together were some of my favorite moments.

I only wish I could've done more for you sooner, so I could see you truly smile one last time.

So, I hope you understand what I'm doing is because I love you and I hope it will help you heal. I also think it’s the only way to get the two people I love back whole again.

And to do so…you need to work it out with Alex. And I have to do something a little extreme.

I know you never wanted me to say anything to him.

Honestly, I admit, I tried once…

You were right, he wasn't ready to hear it.

Even though I know talking to Alex seems useless. Pulling teeth would be more pleasant. But that’s our Alex. Under that hard of hearing stubborn layer is a sweet caring boy that would do anything to protect you. Move the world for you. I just hope in time you both air out your hurt.

Don’t let his anger hurt you. They are just words and not what he feels. He’s broken. Not because of you, but for what he lost. One of those being you.

Most of all, I want you to find peace for yourself. No more hiding. No more fear. You have so much to give and it was taken away from you. Just know I'm always here looking over you. I know Kathleen is proud of you and smiling down on you for fulfilling her legacy and continuing her dream.

I’ll always be looking out for you June.

You are stronger than you think. Don’t let the bad dreams tell you otherwise

I love you June-bug.

Stay Strong. Be happy. I know you have it in you.

 

I clutch Liz’s note and press it to my heart, it helps make me feel close to her, and it’s about the only thing right now that brings me calm. I fold it up neatly and slip it safely into my pajama pocket.

It’s two in the morning and I’m standing out on the front porch, staring out into the dark field waiting for the sun to rise and the next day to start as sleep evades me once again.

It’s nothing new. I don’t remember the last time I’ve slept the entire night.

For the last five years, I never sleep for more than three hours straight before I'm scared awake—with a scream, drenched in sweat and shaking. It's my normal. Three hours for me is good sleep. Four is a miracle.

Tonight, I made it two.

Even