That evening, Sean came home carrying flowers.
It was the first time in months he had bought me flowers without an anniversary or birthday to justify it.
“I’ve been thinking about what we discussed,” he said.
I placed the flowers in a vase.
“Have you?”
“I don’t want you to think I’m trying to hurt you.”
“Of course not.”
He studied my face.
“So?”
I turned toward him and smiled.
“Let’s do it.”
He blinked.
“What?”
“The swap. One week with Nancy and Alex. If it’s something you genuinely believe will help our marriage, I’m willing to consider it.”
For a moment, he looked almost suspicious.
Then the excitement returned to his face.
“You’re serious?”
“Completely.”
He pulled me into an embrace.
“Thank you. You don’t know how much this means to me.”
I rested my cheek against his shoulder, looking over it at the family photograph hanging above the fireplace.
