“Rick,” Jenna said gently, “after we’re done here, I’d really like to have a serious conversation. Do you have time?”

Rick glanced up from the dishwasher, hands still wet. “Of course. I always have time for you, babe. Give me two minutes—I’ll finish loading these.”

Jenna smiled and squeezed his shoulder. “Thanks, love.”

She walked to the couch and curled up on one end, drawing her knees to her chest while she waited.

A moment later, Rick joined her, sitting at the opposite end. He stretched his legs toward her, tucking his feet beneath her hip.

“Okay,” he said softly. “I’m all yours. What’s going on?”

Jenna turned toward him and gently squeezed his feet under her, a small signal that he could stay right where he was. She took a breath.

“I know we’ve talked about this before. More than once.” Her voice wavered. “But it’s getting worse, not better. Rick… I’m suffocating.”

A single tear escaped, tracing a slow path down her cheek before dropping into her lap.

“There is so much about you that I love,” she continued. “I love you with all my heart. But I still need… more. I need to feel alive. I need excitement. Adventure. I need intensity. I need to feel wanted.”

Rick’s face fell. “I’m so sorry,” he said quietly. “I know I’m not good at that kind of thing. Every time I try, it feels awkward, and half the time you end up laughing because it comes out wrong. I have strengths, but excitement isn’t one of them. I wish I knew what to do.”

“I know,” Jenna said quickly. “And I love your gentleness. Your care. You have my heart—always.” She swallowed. “But I don’t think you’re suddenly going to become the person who gives me what I’m missing.”

She hesitated, then pushed on. “So… I was wondering if you’d consider opening our marriage.”

Rick froze.

“I don’t want to lose you,” she rushed to add. “If this is crazy, we can forget it. I’ll try to forget it. But there’s someone at work. He’s… honestly kind of an asshole. Cocky. Arrogant. He flirts with me constantly. I’ve shut him down every time, but lately I’ve been wondering what it would be like not to.”

Rick’s breath hitched.

“I think he could give me some of the excitement I’m missing,” she said quietly. “Could we find a way to talk about this openly? Honestly? Without destroying what we have?”

Rick’s eyes filled, tears spilling freely now. “Holy shit, Jenna. I—I didn’t realize it was that bad.” His voice cracked. “So you’re saying you don’t think you can stay faithful like this?”

Jenna crossed the couch in an instant and wrapped herself around him, trying to wipe away his tears. When they didn’t stop, she let them soak into her shoulder.

“I’m so sorry,” she whispered. “I wish I didn’t feel this way. But no—I don’t think I can fight it forever. Either I suffocate quietly, or I eventually break. I didn’t want to do anything behind your back. I love you too much.”

Rick held her tightly, sobbing. “How did I fail you this badly? I’ve tried so hard to be a good husband—and you’re still miserable.”

“Hey—hey, that's not....” Jenna said softly, burying her face against him. Then she pulled back, grimacing. “That's exactly what I said. Damn it.”

Rick pulled away slightly, searching her face. “Is it too late? Are you already falling in love with him?”

Jenna shook her head fiercely. “No. God, no. I will never fall in love with him. But he represents something I’m missing.”

Rick went quiet for a long time. When he finally spoke, his tears had slowed.

“Can you wait a little longer?” he asked. “I feel like something finally clicked. I tried before, but maybe not hard enough. I want to try again. For real this time.”

He kissed her forehead and pulled her close. “What’s his name?”

She tilted her head up, soaking in the affection. “Carter.”

Rick nodded slowly. “Okay. I won’t use that name.”

He leaned back slightly, determination settling into his expression. “Here’s what’s going to happen. I’m not opening our marriage—but I am opening myself.”

Jenna blinked.

“Tomorrow night, ‘Rick’ will be working late,” he said. “And at 7:30, 'Richard' will come over for a date. He knows you’re exploring something new—and he wants to see if there’s chemistry.”

Jenna’s heart raced as she sat up, surprised by her own reaction. “I’ll be ready for… Richard,” she said slowly, smiling. “You really think you can do this?”

“I have to,” Rick said simply. He cupped her cheek. “I can’t lose you. And I won’t let you fade away while I stand by.”