Chapter 15 - THE PROPOSAL THAT WASN'T A WEDDING
Two years after the garden incident, Daniel found Victoria standing in the old greenhouse.
She was holding a box.
He froze.
“What is that?”
Victoria looked at him.
“A gift.”
“Why are you looking so nervous?”
“Because I don't know how to give it to you.”
Daniel laughed.
“That's new.”
She opened the box.
Inside was a simple silver watch.
Daniel stared.
“It belonged to my grandfather.”
He looked up.
“Why are you giving it to me?”
“Because I don't want to keep anything that reminds me of him.”
Daniel studied the watch.
“Are you sure?”
“Yes.”
He accepted it.
“Thank you.”
Victoria smiled.
Then she took a breath.
“I need to tell you something.”
Daniel's expression changed.
“What?”
“I am leaving.”
He stared.
“Where?”
“Boston.”
“Why?”
“I was accepted into a program for nonprofit leadership.”
Daniel smiled.
“That is wonderful.”
“I leave next month.”
The smile faded slightly.
“Oh.”
Victoria looked at him.
“You knew this day would come.”
“I didn't know I would hate it.”
She laughed softly.
Daniel looked at her.
“Do you love me?”
Victoria was quiet.
“Yes.”
He nodded.
“I love you too.”
Neither moved.
Then Daniel said:
“But we are not the same people.”
“No.”
“Maybe that's why we have a chance.”
Victoria looked at him.
“What are you saying?”
Daniel took a breath.
“I am saying I don't want to marry you.”
Victoria smiled.
“Good.”
He laughed.
“But I want to know you.”
Her smile faded.
“For how long?”
“As long as it takes.”
Victoria stared at him.
Then she nodded.
“Okay.”
No ring.
No grand party.
No audience.
Just two people choosing to begin again.
Slowly.
May you like
Honestly.
Without pretending the past had never happened.
