{His reassurances make the tendrils of jealousy dissipate. His curiosity about the box is noted and she tries to will it away, but it only puts more emphasis on its presence. The lid rattles slightly and she winces.} Old boyfriends? Some more… adventurous than others? {She attempts a smile of perfect innocence but she’s blushing and it gives everything a rosy tint. There is a hint of worry, about what he might think of her if they should go through it, but she also knows that there is nowhere to hide here. Trust is the only option.}
Well, I’ll leave you two to the persuading. I still say we don’t have to but… well. Ella does provide a very nice cover. {She can’t help but turn up and give him another kiss along his jaw.} I would like to do this in person.
{His question stills her and too many of her thoughts filter in at once. Peter and various memories of them, bad and good and deeply personal, flicker across the walls before she can stop them. Love is there but it feels like a burden and a blessing, intermingled with pangs of duty and guilt and promise and regret. He may be her husband but here he feels more like a friend than a lover; he’s her best friend, he’s family, he’s the last person she ever wants to hurt.}