19

19

Becca leaned into the pillows, leaving the unopened mailer on her lap. What was it? Some apology, no doubt. Tangible evidence asserting his heartfelt love for her. A talisman intended to vanquish all prior misdeeds and which Becca was required to accept without argument. Her forgiveness a given.

How many times had he appeared, almost boy-like, offering a “special” gift meant to erase the horrible words and bruises and broken bones and chipped teeth? His choices were almost comical in that the items were always creations of gold and diamonds, in which Becca had no interest. Money had not meant much to her, though she had been raised to believe a hefty bank account and the trappings that accompanied wealth defined success.

Her parents had been so delighted at her engagement to such a well……