His face lights up as he takes the pages from my hands, scanning the title page. "Art Therapy Interventions for Children with Communication Disorders - impressive topic choice."
"Wonder where I got the inspiration," I say playfully, thinking of Liam and how much progress he's made this year.
Caine sets the essay aside carefully, his green eyes sparkling with barely contained excitement. "Time for your surprise."
"Finally." I bounce slightly on the mattress. "What is it?"
Instead of answering, he reaches toward his nightstand, fumbling with the drawer pull. His movementsare uncharacteristically clumsy, nervous energy radiating from his usually controlled demeanor.
"Caine, what—"
He pulls out a small velvet box, and my breath catches in my throat. The room goes silent except for the commentator's voice drifting from the television.
"Jenna," he whispers, sliding off the bed and dropping to one knee on the hardwood floor. His hands shake slightly as he opens the box, revealing a stunning vintage ring - a perfect round diamond set in platinum with delicate filigree details.
"Will you make me the luckiest man in the world and marry me?"
The words hang in the air between us. My heart pounds so hard I'm certain he can hear it.
"Yes," I breathe, then louder, "Yes, of course yes!"
He slips the ring onto my finger with trembling hands, then pulls me down into his arms. We're both kneeling now, laughing and crying at the same time. He kisses me softly.
"We need to tell Liam," I say against his lips.
Caine grins, that slow, devastating smile that still makes my knees weak. "I already asked him for his blessing."
"You did?"
"Last week. He said yes, but only if I promise to teach him trick shots."
I throw my arms around his neck, and when he kisses me, it tastes like forever.
Daniel’s apartment smells like garlic and rosemary as we settle around his dining table. The space is undeniably impressive - exposed brick walls, modern furniture that probably costs more than my old car, and a kitchen that looks like it belongs in a magazine.
He's outdone himself with dinner: herb-crusted salmon, roasted vegetables, and some kind of fancy quinoa salad that actually tastes good.
"This is incredible, Daniel,” I tell him, watching as he refills Liza's wine glass with practiced precision. "You should open a restaurant."
"Just a hobby," he waves off the compliment, but I catch the pleased smile. "I enjoy cooking for my girl."
Liza giggles, leaning into his side. At thirty-four, Daniel’s only eight years older than her, but something about the way he guides every conversation, orders her meals when we go out, makes the age gap feel larger.
When Daniel briefly leaves us to fetch the garlic bread he's forgotten to bring to the table, I whisper in Liza's ear. “So… how's sugar daddy been treating you?" I tease.
She playfully swats my shoulder. "Jenna!" she scoffs, but she's laughing.
Caine laughs beside me, cutting Liam's salmon into smaller pieces. My son grins up at him, a sweet "thank you" slipping from his mouth. The sight of them together still makes my heart flutter.
Later, while Daniel shows Liam his extensive vinyl collection, Caine and I step onto the balcony overlooking downtown Cumberland.
"He seems nice enough," Caine says, slipping his arms around me from behind.
"I know, but..." I lean back against his chest. "Sometimes I worry she's losing herself. She used to be so independent, so fierce."
"She still is." His voice rumbles against my ear. "Just like you, Liza's stronger than you think. She'll figure it out."
"I'm stronger because of you," I say, reaching for a warm hug. "And Liza needs a man like you - someone who builds her up."
