Jolene was aware of Cedric’s feelings for her. However, having barely spoken in either her past or present life, she felt awkward in his presence.

Sensing her discomfort, Cedric broke the silence. “Does everyone call you Jo?”

She hadn’t expected him to speak so suddenly. She nodded slightly and replied, “My grandparents call me Starley, so you can call me that too…”

Her voice trailed off. She suddenly recalled the love letter she’d seen. Her cheeks flushed, and she lowered her head.

A thought seemed to flicker across Cedric’s face as his eyes glimmered. A small smile played on his lips. “Starley? Like the stars in the sky. Am I right?”

Jolene detected amusement in his voice. Curiosity overriding her shyness, she turned her head.

Their eyes met. For a moment, she felt drawn to him.

Then, Cedric’s next words surprised her. She never expected such a thing from him.

“Starley is nice, and Jo is great too. But you know what? I think ‘Honey’ is best. After all, I’m the only one who can call you that.”

Her heart pounded. Unable to respond, she hummed, averted her gaze, and lowered her head.

Despite the air conditioning, she felt overheated. Her palm was slick with sweat as their hands remained clasped.

Cedric chuckled, adjusting the temperature. He then handed her a handkerchief.

She dabbed at her sweat. He continued, almost to himself, “I know we’re from different generations, and I’m seven years older than you. But, we’re practically the same age.”

The chauffeur, Kyle Smith, a Norwood employee of over thirty years, interjected, “Mr. Norwood, how did you figure that out? That logic seems a bit stretched!”

Cedric glanced at Kyle in the rearview mirror. The older man was grinning.

“Kyle, don’t embarrass me,” Cedric said, his tone helpless.

“Alright, I’ll be quiet. Carry on!”

Cedric turned back to Jolene. “Although we haven’t talked much, we’re husband and wife now. There’s no need to be nervous. Speak freely, like any other married couple. I’ll listen.”

It was the first time Jolene had heard him speak so much at once, or so casually in public.

Overwhelmed, she still asked, “Are you sure I can say whatever’s on my mind?” Cedric nodded. She mustered her courage. “Why did you agree to marry me?”