“Sort of. I apologized and I meant it. We’re overdue for a relationship talk, but here’s the thing, I can’t be candid with you right now. I’m not permitted to be. And I know that’s annoying and frustrating and mysterious, so here’s what I’m asking. Give me three weeks. If everything goes well, I’ll be able to level with you then.”

“Wow, this is the weirdest ‘it’s not you, it’s me’ speech I’ve ever heard,” Trev said.

Leanne poked him. “That’s not what I’m doing. Can you give me some time?”

“It’s not a hard ask, Butterfly. I’m confused, but I’ll try to be patient. Let’s just enjoy the holidays and feast on delicious food.”

“Speaking of which, am I correct in supposing that you aren’t visiting your family?”

Trev flinched ever so slightly, and she leaned over to hug him. He rested his head on her shoulder for a long moment before responding, “I haven’t heard from any of them in months,” he admitted. “So that’s a safe bet.”

“I’m sorry, sweetheart. Do you want to—”

“No. I really don’t,” he cut in.

Leanne was the last person to lecture someone else about forgiving family members no matter what. If Trev chose to cut them off, she supported his decision.

“I’m in favor of whatever makes you happy,” she said softly.

***

That’s you.

But Trev didn’t say that because of her weird request for a three-week relationship extension. Just when he thought he had this woman figured out, she threw him a curveball. And he’d had her pegged as fastballs all the way. Next thing he knew, she’d be lobbing sliders.

“Should we invite Junie over? I can cook on Christmas.”

She contemplated briefly then nodded. “If you want. I wonder if Blair has plans.”

“You want to invite her roommate?”

Leanne shrugged. “I’m curious about the person who gets along with Junie so well.”

“Fair enough. Should I text your mom about it, or will you?”

“I’m on it,” Leanne said. She tapped out the message then glanced at him, seeming strangely tentative. “Now I know why you were avoiding me and sleeping in the guest room half the time. Will you come to bed like before?”

His heart got all soft and melty, full-on cardiac fondue. “Definitely will. Sorry I didn’t just tell you that I was upset. But…I wasn’t sure I had any right to be. Despite our Vegas wedding, things are still kind of…undefined. Between us.”

“They won’t always be,” she promised. “I just need time.”

“I can wait. Just don’t make me do it forever.”

“Three weeks.”

“What exactly is happening…?” He trailed off because she was already shaking her head. “Right, you can’t tell me. As in, you’re not allowed by the secret society.”