Page 151 of My Husband Problem

My brows arch. “Wait,what? He thought the game last night and us singing together was a sign that we’reunhappy?”

Iris shrugs. “Yes. He said that you were clearly acting out. Trying to get his attention.”

Oh my God. My grandfather has always been dramatic. And a bit of a narcissist, thinking everything has something to do with him.

“Last night had nothing to do with trying to get his attention,” I say for the reporters’ sakes. Iris, Miles, Nora, and Alex know this.

“He also announced that you’re leaving for Cara tomorrow,” Iris continues.

“That’s true,” I say.

“He said you renovated Astrid’s house, a sure sign that she’s staying in Rebel and that you’re fine with it,” Iris continues. “He said instead of trying to talk her into returning to Portland, you’re obviously supportive of her hockey team and her life in Rebel.”

“I am. But—” I look at Astrid. “How is that bad?”

“He doesn’t think there’s any wayyouwould stay in Rebel.”

Instinctively, I slip my arm around Astrid’s waist and pull her against my side as I feel a cold pit land in my stomach.

“What else?” I ask, knowing there’s more.

“He said that he loves you both, and after thinking about it and realizing that it’s been a year and a half and you’re not even living in the same town, he can no longer insist on this marriage continuing.” She takes a breath and looks around the café.

No one is even moving. Not even picking up a cup for a sip of coffee.

“He told everyone about his heart attack, the poker game with Alfred, and the way you two stepped up and got married.”

“Hetold everyone?” I repeat.

“You can watch it online,” Scott says.

“Oh mygod,” Astrid says softly.

Iris takes a deep breath and squares her shoulders and says, “He also confessed that he and Alfred were actually in love. Romantically in love. For obvious reasons—the fact that he was king, mostly—they could not be together. But he knows what it’s like to live a life with someone you’re not truly, fully in love with. So he has set you both free.”

I hear Astrid’s little sound of surprise. And maybe pain.

I look down. She’s staring at Iris as if Iris just slapped her across the face.

I knew about Diarmuid and Alfred being in love. Alfred had shared that with me at one point toward the end of his life. I didn’t know how many other people in the family knew about it. But I didn’t feel it was my secret to tell, and it didn’t really change anything for anyone.

But I’m shocked that my grandfather has come out. To the entire world.

All of that is rolling around in my head, and it takes me a moment for the rest of what Iris said to sink in. “What do you mean he has set us free?”

Iris nods. “Diarmuid has annulled your marriage.”

I…have no idea what to do or say to that.

“He…what?”

“Wait…already?” Astrid says.

“So is it true?” Maggie asks. “That this is just an arrangement between you? Just to make him happy? Is that why you live apart?” She looks at Scott. “God, that makes so much sense.”

“I think you have to understand my grandfather—” I start.

I feel Astrid squeeze me, and I stop and look down at her. She bites her bottom lip then gives me a look that I can’t fully decipher, but she clearly wants to say something.