How to Keep a Secret

“You’re good at what you do, Greg. You’ve made a huge difference to many people’s lives.”

“I’m fine at handling other people’s life problems, but not so good at my own it seems. With my wife, who is the most important person in my life, I’ve been inept. The truth is—” he paused “—I’ve discovered that I can be detached with everyone except myself. Every time you have a negative test I drive by the gym and take it out on the punching bag.”

“Seriously?”

“Seriously. It’s my kind of therapy. The gym has had to replace it twice in the last year.”

She’d had no idea. “Why didn’t you say something before now?”

“Because I was trying to be your rock. Steady. I thought if you knew how bad I felt, that would make you feel worse.”

“Oh, Greg—” She’d taken his answers at face value when she should have delved deeper. But because this was Greg, and he was so good at articulating feelings, it hadn’t occurred to her that there were things going on that he wasn’t saying. “Whenever I asked how you felt about it, you said you were okay.”

“I lied. It doesn’t matter now. That’s the past and we should be focusing on the future. On what comes next.” He lifted her hand and pressed a kiss to her palm. “Next time you do a test, I want to know. We’ll do it together.”

“I’m not sure I’ll ever do another test again. The g-force of being on a high and then plunging to the pits of despair might kill me.”

“I love you.” He let go of her hand and wrapped her in his arms, holding her tightly. “You’re my love and my life. I love you so much and I wish I could fix this.”

It was such an unspeakable relief to be held. Such a relief to feel close to him again. It felt right and natural.

“You’re my life, too. We’re lucky to have each other.” She tugged at the buttons on his shirt. “I missed you when I was in hospital. Come to bed.”

He groaned as she kissed her way from his jaw to his mouth. “Jenna, we can’t. You’re tired and in pain.”

“So you’ll have to be extra gentle.”

“No way.” He caught her hands in his. “It’s too soon. When that doctor asks me why your stitches have opened up, I’m not taking the blame.”

She grinned. “You’re no fun, Greg Sullivan.”

“Take a couple more days to recover and then I’ll show you just how much fun I can be.”

Happiness: feeling, showing or expressing joy.

Jenna and Greg.

They were going to be all right. Somehow, in some way, they’d find a way to be all right.

He eased her away from him. “We’ll see a doctor. Talk to someone. I’m sorry I didn’t agree to it before.”

The doorbell rang and Greg raised an eyebrow. “Now are you pleased we’re not both naked?”

“In fact, no. But since we’re both decent, you might as well answer it.”

He stood up reluctantly. “If it’s another delivery of cards and chocolates we’re going to have to move house.”

But it wasn’t chocolate.

She heard voices and laughter and moments later Nancy, Lauren and Mack crowded into her bedroom.

Lauren was wearing her hair loose. She looked younger and more relaxed. She was holding a massive bouquet and Nancy had an envelope in her hand.

“Gorgeous flowers,” Jenna said, “but you shouldn’t be wasting our limited funds on flowers. I still have the last bunch you brought me.”

“These are from Mrs. Hill’s garden.”

Jenna raised her eyebrows. “You didn’t—”