Creeping out of bed so as not to wake Ethan, she made instant coffee and curled up on the armchair beside the big window, opening the drapes just a sliver. How she wished to be able to enjoy their first morning waking together. Who knew how many more they’d have? He’d been asleep when she’d returned from the kitchen last night. She’d snuggled up close, taking comfort from his inert warmth. Pretending he’d be there forever. Trying to erase Tom’s contempt and the horror of her financial situation. What was she worth? What was her value? Not in monetary terms, but in purpose. Tom had been stupid, but she had to accept some responsibility. How different things might have been if she had given instead of always taking. As if taking were her right and there was no effort required on her part to sustain this land of hers. She sat there in a fearful misery for an hour before Ethan woke. Tousled, naked, a sleepy smile on his wicked lips, he brought a little burst of hope to her heart.
