It’s only a matter of time until the confession. And we kiss and make up.
“Darling, is there anything you want to tell me?” I say, prodding him.
He gazes at me with his piercing blue eyes that still make me melt. I’m ready to hear the truth and forgive him.
He takes a sip of tea. “Jane, don’t forget that we have an appointment with Dr. Grimm at noon.”
I’m a little taken aback by his response but glad he’s reminded me; I almost forgot. I brighten. Of course, another sign he loves me. He’s still determined to have a child with me!
“Is there anything else?” I say, pushing harder.
“I’ll be in my studio most of the day.” He finishes his tea and dashes off. Without kissing me good-bye.
My heart sinks. Maybe, he’s still working on his confession speech and wants to give it to me tonight over a romantic dinner. And there’s also that perfect I-love-you bauble he needs to buy.
Moving to the window, I keep my eyes on the man I married as he gallops off on his beautiful white steed. His loose flaxen hair blows in the wind. How handsome he is! And smart and creative. He’s such a good father too. And what a lover! How lucky I am that he’s mine! And that Aurora is out of the picture!
Dr. Grimm’s waiting room is exactly what you would expect to find inside a storybook cottage. It’s a whimsical hodgepodge of colorful furniture—a cozy couch and a couple of rocking chairs, plus a silly cuckoo clock on one wall and a brightly painted mural of baby lambs jumping over a rainbow, one after another. “ Where Fairy Tales are Born ” is brightly written above the scene in a large, flowery font.
I’m disappointed that Gallant isn’t already here. The truth is, I’m early. I couldn’t wait to get here. All morning, I fantasized snuggling next to him, holding hands, and exchanging our favorite baby names between little kisses. Regret fills me. I should have played it closer to the clock—even have been late—to angst him out a little. To make him think that I wasn’t that into having his baby or that maybe my eyes had wandered. He should pay for his affair with Aurora!
Sighing, I plunk down onto the couch and look for something to read. On the coffee table, there are three choices. One is a copy of my children’s book, Dewitched , which I personally autographed for Dr. Grimm. Next to it is a copy of Grimm’s Fairy Tales: Vol. 2, a recently published sequel to the bestseller Dr. Grimm co-wrote with his brother, Wilhelm, my group therapist at Faraway. And, lastly, a copy of today’s Fairytale Tattler .
I’ve been eager to read the new Grimm book. I open it and gasp. CHAPTER ONE: Sleeping Beauty. My mind races. Did the Brothers Grimm write about Gallant and Aurora’s little childhood romance?
“Jane, close the book,” a little voice inside my head whispers. “Don’t read it!” I ignore it.
Once upon a time, there lived a king and queen who could not bear any children. They tried everything, but nothing seemed to work. Finally, after much time, The Queen became pregnant and gave birth to a beautiful daughter. They named her Aurora.
Aurora! I toss the book back on the table as if it’s poison. Enough! I’ve got to get her name out of my head. Needing a distraction, I pick up the Tattler and leaf through it. My stomach twists with apprehension. What if there’s a story about Gallant and Aurora? I can already see the headline: “Snow White’s Prince Finds a New Sleeping Beauty.” I tear through the pages. Not a word about Aurora and Phillip splitting. And not a word about Aurora and Gallant! HA! Those two gossip queens in the steam room were dead wrong! I take a deep breath and calm myself down. There’s no way that Gallant is having an affair with what’s her name! At least not anymore.
Feeling much better, I make a deal with myself to stop projecting things that aren’t necessarily true. And to stop distrusting Gallant. I can’t wait to see my Prince. I just wish he’d
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