When I get to the top of the steps, the first thing I do is flick on the light. I breathe a sigh of relief as the hallway fills with light, albeit dim. I hate this house when it’s dark. I feel so much better when the lights are on.

Until I notice that the pullcord for the attic, hanging from the ceiling, is swaying. Like the trapdoor to the attic was recently in motion.

It could be the wind. But it’s not that windy inside the house. And even if there were a slight breeze, it’s still swinging quite a bit.

I can’t think about that right now though. I’ll tell Ethan about the ring, we’ll get it back, and then I’ll have him check out the attic. It’s not negotiable. I’m not moving into his house unless he checks up there.

I knock on the door to the room Ethan is using, my hand feeling oddly naked without my wedding band. I’ve only had it for six months, but it’s become a part of me. I already miss it.

“Come in!” he calls out.

I crack open the door and find Ethan at the desk again, sitting at his computer in the same position I found him earlier. It’s like he hasn’t budged an inch.

“Hungry?” he asks.

“Actually,” I say, “I need your help.”

He arches an eyebrow. “Oh?”

I hold up my left hand. “My wedding band rolled under the sofa. I need you to move it so I can get it back.”

He tilts his head to the side. “Why did you take it off in the first place? Are you pretending to be single?”

I snort. “No. I was just looking at the inscription.”

A smile spreads across his lips. “Ethan and Tricia forever.”

“Right.”

Ethan stretches as he stands up from his chair so that I catch a glimpse of the golden hair on his belly. He slams the cover of his laptop closed but leaves it there. He’s obviously planning to do more work later. He’s thrown his all into this startup company. He had one in the past that didn’t do well, but this one is quite the budding success.

“By the way,” I say, “right before I came in here, were you by any chance in another room? Maybe the bathroom?”

Please say yes. Please.

He frowns. “No, I’ve been sitting here working for at least the last hour.”

Of course. I’m not even the tiniest bit surprised.