Chapter 8

“Did you study at the Temple?”

“I did.”

“You would not have to stop studying.”

“You don’t need me to run your household, and you don’t want to infringe on my studies, and you’re obviously not looking for a wife. What would you like from me?”

“A partner. I don’t have anybody to celebrate holidays with, so I can’t perform the proper rituals. I’ve traveled the country, and I’ve seen all sorts of amazing things that I never got the chance to share with anybody else. I have nobody to speak to after dinner, and nobody to share breakfast with. I never knew how exhausting it was to be alone.” Brace smiled self-consciously and looked away. “I guess that might sound pathetic.”

“No, it doesn’t. It sounds honest.” A small pause. “I know what that’s like. I was treated like an only child because my siblings were already gone, and my mother wanted to keep me pure for the priesthood. I’ve spent a great deal of time alone.”

“This is our chance to change that.”