“Because relationships are hard. Not always, but sometimes they are. I’d like to believe that it’s always you and me against the world, but it’s not. And then this exotic woman who seems to have it all together comes along, and it messes with your head a bit. Maybe it’s just a reminder that we are two separate people, not one entity as a couple.” Jane heaved a sigh. “Especially for us. We breathe the same air almost all of the time. Our lives are so merged, and while there’s comfort in that, I guess sometimes that comfort can become a bit suffocating.”

“Is that what happened when you fell in love with Beth?” Annie had to ask. Jane had never said anything like this seven years ago.

“Something like it. Although, um, I did fall in love with Beth. And by doing that I hurt the one I loved the most also. I don’t think you ever truly fell for Kristin. You were just a bit mesmerized by her. And I panicked when I found out. And it was also the way I found out that threw me.”

“Ninety-five percent of the time, being with you is not hard at all, babe,” Annie said.

“Well, let’s not get into a battle of percentages.” A wry smile appeared on Jane’s face.

“No, I mean it. I know you have it in your head that you’re this weird creature that not a lot of people can love, but that is completely untrue. You are an amazing woman and I’m proud to call you my wife. So incredibly proud.”

“You would say that.” The wryness on Jane’s face was giving way to something else. “You married me.”

“You can’t discredit my taste in women.” Annie grinned.

“If we were to have a swingers party, I would also like Kristin in my bed.” She paused. “Although Sheryl does have a certain… quality about her as well.”

“She’s very intense.” Relief washed over Annie. They had reached the lighter part of the conversation. But she did have to say one more serious thing. “I’m sorry for hurting you. I can hardly sit here and claim it will never happen again, because what are the odds of two people in a relationship never hurting each other again? But I have learned from this. And I am truly, truly sorry.”

“I trust you, babe. Despite flying off the handle when you talked to Kristin behind my back. I trust you with my life. I wasn’t exactly in the best of spirits when everything kicked off. I’m in a better place now.”

“I can tell.” Annie drank from her wine. “You’re much more relaxed.”

“Can I ask you something?” Jane’s glance skittered away.

“Anything.”

“Do you think I’ve changed over the years?”