As the DVD loaded, she glanced over at him. With him without a shirt it was hard to concentrate. She hadn’t seen him naked since that morning, and now she was a little unsure of herself.

“I don’t know. I guess I like the romance. I’m not a hopeless romantic, but I like the idea of a happy ending. I can’t be done with movies where it’s a sad ending or someone dies. I don’t like that, but in most cases, it’s love. I don’t think I’ve ever been in love before.”

“You’re not in love with Bishop?”

“I love him, but I don’t know. The power of being in love, I don’t think I’ve ever felt that. Maybe at one time I’d have felt that way with Bishop, but I guess all the other women and just us in general, it’s not really worked out, you know.”

“Do you want to fall in love?”

“I don’t know. I don’t even know if there’s such a thing as being in love, or love at first sight. Look at my parents. They hate each other. I’ve seen what being in love does and it’s not pretty, and one thing I can safely say, it doesn’t last.”

“You’re too young to be this cynical.”

“It’s not cynical. I’m surprised you don’t agree with me. Did you love the woman who gave birth to Bishop?”

“You know the answer to that.”

“Maybe love is only supposed to be enjoyed by a few. You hinted at O’Klaren beating his wife. Do you know for certain?”

“I don’t know anything for certain, just guesses.”

“If he beats his wife, why does she stay with him? Is it fear? Love? That kind of love I want nothing to be with.” She stared down at her lap, seeing the gold band and twirling it around her finger. “Sometimes when I’m with Bishop, I can’t help but feel guilty.”

“Why?”

“Because he married me and I don’t know if I can ever give him what he wants. I know what he needs from me, but I’m not sure if I’m the right person for him. He deserves someone who isn’t so unsure of everything.”

“You don’t need to feel guilty. Bishop loves being married to you.”

“How do you know?”

“I just do. Besides, if we’re talking about the same kid, do you really think he does something he doesn’t want to without a fight? If he really didn’t want to marry you, he’d have made it very plain for me. Stop worrying so much about him. He’s having a good time, and that is all that matters.”

****

Later that night, he put Robin to bed. He’d carried her upstairs as she fell asleep watching another movie.