Chapter 4

Linda had been in a trance since Dennis left.

Come back to me.

Linda could still hear the raw quality of Dennis’s voice as he said those words. She could still see the plea in his eyes. She couldn’t remember the last time he’d looked at her like that. Like the fate of his universe hung on what she said next.

She had married a stubborn man, and she’d never imagined him showing up at the inn unannounced to ask for another chance. It just wasn’t like him. Was it?

Once upon a time, Linda would have expected Dennis to fight for their relationship. When they were younger, he’d claimed the role of her best friend, her protector, her lover...

The fact that their sex life was mind-blowing had probably kept their relationship intact far past the point it had stopped being emotionally fulfilling. And that wasn’t okay with her anymore.

Laura’s voice interrupted her thoughts. “Soooo, Dennis wants another chance.”

“I said no. I think.” She winced.

“Nope. You said you’ll think about it. His sexy eyes wiped your memory clean?” Laura smiled at her friend.

Linda let out a long sigh, “It was supposed to be over. And now...”

“And now?” Laura asked with a hint of hope.

“Dennis is asking for another chance. I have to think hard about what he needs to do to earn it.”

Laura bit her lower lip. “So are you going to give him another chance?”

A line formed between Linda’s brows as she went through the past two years. Trying to lure Dennis into a conversation and failing. Attempting to get her husband to open up to her about what was troubling him. The more time passed, the easier it had been to let sleeping dogs lie. Focus on the daily grind and let her personal aspirations slip further and further until they were unreachable. Now the situation had reversed and the success of her marriage was the thing that felt unreachable.

Did she want to try again? Risk her heart again?

“I can’t go back to what he had,” Linda said, guilt settling on her shoulders.

Laura gave Linda a sad look. “I understand.”

“That being said...”

Laura perked up. “Yes?”

“I’m kind of surprised, but ... I don’t think Dennis is going to give up that easily.”

For long moments, the only sound in the room was Linda’s ragged breathing.

“Hmmm, I have an idea,” Laura let out.

“What is it?” Linda narrowed her gaze at Laura.

“Remember Georgina? The gym teacher?”

“I think I do. Was she the one whose boyfriend proposed at Steve and Diana’s wedding?”

“The very same. Her fiancé’s best friend is a couple’s therapist. I met him at some town events, can’t remember exactly when. He looked a bit weird to me, but Daniel said he was great. I have Georgina’s number, I could give her a call if you want.”

Linda waited for Laura to say she was joking. She didn’t. “Are you serious? Dennis Harris talking to a stranger about his feelings? He gets uncomfortable when people cry on television!”

“Okay.” Laura shrugged. “Say he says no. At least you tried. You gave him an option.”

Unbelievably, the idea went from cockamamie to brilliant in the space of a breath.

“But what if he says yes?” Laura asked Linda.

“There is a zero percent chance Dennis Harris goes to counseling.” Linda tried to swallow but her mouth was dry. “I’ll think about it.”

Laura got the therapist’s number from Georgina, who informed her that he also had a webpage. Laura passed all the information to Linda.