“I don’t want to imagine another chapter without you,” he said. “Will you…”
“I’ve been pretending we’re just friends.”
“Yes,” I answered before he’d even finished asking.
He laughed.
“At least let me finish the question next time.”
Five years later, we owned a cosy house only three streets from where we’d grown up.
Every morning started with coffee together.
Every evening ended on the same couch.
“At least let me finish the question next time.”
***
Three weeks before our fifth wedding anniversary, I decided Matthew deserved something special.
He’d mentioned a watch months earlier while we wandered through a jewelry store downtown.
He hadn’t bought it.
I quietly memorized the model.
After weeks of saving, I finally ordered it.
The shop called on a Monday morning.
After weeks of saving, I finally ordered it.
I told Matthew I had an important meeting after lunch.
