Chapter 14 - The Ring in the Drawer
Daniel proposed after two years.
Not at a restaurant.
Not in front of strangers.
At home.
Hailey was drawing at the kitchen table.
Daniel knelt beside me.
"I know you've had promises used against you before."
My eyes filled.
"So I'm not promising perfection."
He opened a small box.
"I'm promising honesty, especially when honesty is uncomfortable."
Hailey looked up.
"Why Daniel on floor?"
I laughed through tears.
Daniel looked at her.
"I'm asking Mommy something."
"Snack?"
We both laughed.
Then he looked at me again.
"Emma, will you marry me?"
I didn't answer immediately.
Not because I didn't love him.
Because somewhere inside me, the woman who heard Liam say "Of course I hate her" still existed.
Daniel didn't rush me.
Finally, I whispered, "Yes."
Hailey clapped because we were clapping.
That night, I placed the ring in my drawer instead of wearing it.
Daniel noticed.
He didn't complain.
"You need time?"
I nodded.
"Take it."
That was when I knew I'd made the right decision.
Not because Daniel gave me a ring.
May you like
Because he gave me room.
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