Backup Choice

Elias heaved out a long sigh. He could relate. Less than half a year ago, he was exactly where Harriet was right now. But things had changed. ‘Harriet, do you genuinely like me?’ ‘Yeah.’ ‘Really? Do you even know what genuine affection feels like? Not a brotherly love, but a romantic love.’ Harriet frowned. ‘Hey, don’t treat me like I’m a wide-eyed maiden. For your information, I’ve had boyfriends before. I’ve slept with my share of—’ Elias raised a hand to stop her. ‘Okay, okay! I don’t need to hear the details.’ ‘You would know if you spent more time at home,’ Harriet muttered. Elias sighed. ‘Then why couldn’t you pick one of your many boyfriends to marry?’ ‘Nah.’ Harriet shook her head. ‘They are just a temporary distraction. Fun for a while, but I usually get bored after the second or third date. Besides, you know Uncle Hershel would never approve of any of them.’ ‘So I’m like a backup choice for you?’ ‘Not a backup. You are a safe choice.’ She added with a smirk, ‘An approved choi