55: Arriving

*Ben*

As a husband, I of course have the right to sit beside my wife in the car, but I prefer sitting across from her because it affords me the opportunity to gaze on her more fully, to watch her more closely. Every now and then, the light from the streetlamps we pass reflects off the pearls. I bought them because I wanted to lavish her with gifts, wanting her to have everything she has ever desired.

It's crushing me to realize how much I care for her.

She looks gorgeous in the blue. Whenever she looks at me, there is always a sultriness to her gaze that causes my body to react as though she has stripped herself bare. But it's more than the sex that appeals to me. It's her generosity of spirit, the way she's uncomfortable accepting something as simple as pearls.

Those who meet her tonight will be captivated. She can hold her own. Of that, I have no doubt.

“It didn’t occur to me to ask if you dance,” I say.

Her lips curl up into a soft smile. “I attended a country dance or two.