The Reason I Married Him
: Chapter 11

Hattie: Uh, are we not going to talk about it?

Ryland: You realize I’m about to go to bed, right?

Hattie: Yes, but you went up to your room before I could even discuss things with you.

Ryland: There’s nothing to discuss.

Hattie: What do you mean there’s nothing to discuss?

Ryland: There’s nothing to discuss. This is Aubree’s life.

Hattie: I’m fully aware, but we also know about Aubree’s life. We know this is not the kind of thing she does. She’s only ever had one other boyfriend, and Matt never moved in. This doesn’t seem weird to you?

Ryland: Am I shocked? Yes, but she claims they’ve been talking for a while. Pointed out that you and Hayes probably moved in together in a similar timeframe to her and Wyatt, but we were just aware of you and Hayes.

Hattie: That makes sense, but aren’t you worried?

Ryland: I’m always worried when it comes to Aubree. I’m worried that she won’t ever open herself up. That she won’t allow people to be in her life. That she’ll let her past lead to loneliness. It’s always on my fucking mind, Hattie. I know what she saw, what she heard, what she was told, growing up. And I know that hurt her as she’s gotten older. I see the distance in her eyes. I see the pain. I’m always, always worried about her.

Hattie: I’m worried too. I mean, I haven’t even seen them hold hands or hug or kiss. I talked to her about intimacy today, and she nearly choked on her own spit. I don’t want things to end badly for her. I know they did with Matt, and . . . she just needs to replace happiness.

Ryland: I agree, but I don’t think there is anything we can do.

Hattie: You could talk to Wyatt, maybe explain Aubree to him.

Ryland: I don’t want to step in like that, Hattie.

Hattie: I want to trust that Aubree is talking to him, but I don’t know, she just seems so stiff. I want to help her like she helped me with Hayes.

Ryland: I know, and your heart is in a good place, but there’s nothing we can do at the moment other than support her. Keep talking to her, encourage her to step outside of those comfort zones she’s made for herself.

Hattie: I just want her to replace happiness, Ryland. I know you guys worried about me when Cassidy died, and I really appreciate the help and love you gave me, but now my head is out of the dark cloud that was Cassidy’s death. I can see what’s happening around me. I can see that Aubree is on autopilot. I can see that you struggle. I want to help.

Ryland: I’m fine. I struggle like every other person taking care of a child. Aubree . . . she will be okay. We’ll keep our eye on her, and if we feel like we need to step in to help, we will. But she will be madder with us if we step in without her needing it. Let her replace her peace with Wyatt.

Hattie: I know you’re right. I just wish she was more affectionate, more open to him. Maybe she is in private. Ugh.

Ryland: It will be okay. Let her replace herself. Wyatt will be good for her. I can feel it.