I Choose Us: Book 3 in the Crossing Midian Series - A Christian Romance

Chapter 3

–Lottie–

The sound of birds chirping somewhere outside her bedroom window pulled Lottie from a fitful sleep. If she listened closely, she could probably hear the Morgan's rooster crowing from down the road. And then that was it.

Lottie had grown up in Lincoln Park, in Chicago. She'd lived with her parents in a beautiful brownstone house in the middle of the street, with neighbors close by on either side. Every morning, the sounds of the bustling city woke her up. Cars and trucks driving past, children playing in the streets on their way to school, dogs barking, music playing from Mrs. Murrano's open window across the street.

Here, in this small farm town, there was nothing but birds chirping and roosters crowing — and though Lottie was the furthest thing from a country girl, she had grown to love the quiet, still mornings.

Lottie pulled her arms above her head, stretching as sunlight poured through the curtains, warming her tired body.

She rolled over and finally opened her eyes to see Coop's side of the bed, still made. He hadn't come to bed last night. Not that she had really expected him to. It wasn't unusual for him to sleep on the couch after they'd gotten into an argument. It was a good thing she was already so used to sleeping alone.

The thought brought her up short.

Why hadn't she told him last night? That was the whole point in waiting up for him. But then he'd come home and dropped the bomb about the store—of course it was the store—and she couldn't bring herself to dump more bad news on him.

And then the fight. She replayed their words in her mind as she rolled onto her back to stare at the ceiling. Nothing she'd said had been untrue. He never let her in. It was like he always kept her at arm's length, never truly allowing himself to get close to her. Why couldn't he ever let her be there for him? Because he didn't think she cared?

Well, maybe she would if he ever gave her a chance.

Lottie felt a surge of righteous indignation. Last night only solidified her decision to leave. She let out a huff of air when she replayed Coop's words.

"From where I'm standing, it seems like you've been looking for a way out. Well, here's your chance, honey. Why don't you take it if you're so ready to leave?"

He was practically telling her to go. Lottie wondered if he actually knew she had met with the lawyer. What if he was only waiting for her to bring it up so they could get it over with? He seemed so sure of himself last night. Almost as if he wanted it, too.

So why hadn't she told him then? Why didn't she give him what he apparently wanted? Instead of leaving the conversation unfinished by walking away?

Deep down, Lottie knew it was because to spit those words when she was already angry would only hurt Coop more. She wouldn't do that. Lottie would never intentionally set out to hurt Coop. He deserved better. She would sit down with him and calmly tell him about the divorce, not use it as a weapon against him. Despite everything, she loved him too much for that.

With a sigh, Lottie eventually climbed out of bed and pulled the blankets back up, tucking them beneath the pillows and smoothing down the edges. She paused for a moment as she took in the sight of the freshly made bed. It was a beautiful, queen-size made of sturdy oak. Coop had built it for them before they'd gotten married, surprising her with it when they came back from their honeymoon. He'd carved a lovely pattern of leaves and vines into the headboard and along the frame of the sides. He had painstakingly crafted each one by hand. It had taken him weeks to finish and Lottie was sure she had never loved a piece of furniture more in her life.