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It didn’t matter how much time had passed, Constance still felt like she was living in an alternate universe. It was strange to invite James to family dinner and even weirder when she would catch her father having a normal conversation with him like the events of last year had never occurred.
A lot had happened since this time last year. She had been accepted into a veterinary school after getting certified as a vet tech. Her sisters had started venturing out and going on dates. Adeline had a baby girl, and Sarah would be getting married within the next week.
At first it was nice to take things slow with James. They were able to ease back into a relationship that was still so new. But now it felt like her relationship had come to a standstill while the world moved on without her.
Constance wandered through the trails around her house, soaking in the fall colors. She pulled her sweater tighter around her as a biting chill whipped through the air. She should be happy. She had everything she wanted, right?
It would be selfish to demand more right now, especially if James wasn’t ready. Yes, they were close. They knew they loved each other, and James had even mentioned that he planned on being with her forever.
And yet…
There was no proposal, no ring, no promise of how that was going to happen.
She was being ridiculous. After what she’d put him through, she knew he might need to become more secure in their relationship.
But how long was that going to take?
She heaved a sigh as she came up to a towering maple tree with scarlet-colored leaves. When the breeze picked up, a few fluttered to the ground, dancing and swaying without a care in the world. That was how she should be feeling. She needed to figure out a way to push through this feeling before it became a bigger problem.
That meant having a good sit-down talk with James about where they were headed. If they were as in love as she thought they were, then there shouldn’t be any question. They both wanted a family.
Constance leaned back against the tree and let out a sigh as she dropped to the ground. Her head rested on the bark, and she closed her eyes.
Footsteps crunched against dry leaves and twigs a moment later. Constance opened her eyes to find Dianna wandering toward her. Dianna smiled but didn’t speak as she approached and took a seat beside Constance.
They sat in silence for a few minutes until Dianna nudged Constance with her shoulder. “I haven’t found you out here in a long time.”
Constance peeked at her sister with one open eye. “I haven’t really had much time to come out here.”
Dianna nodded and stared out at the clearing where they sat. Trees, overgrown wildflowers, and the sound of a stream running over smooth stones made up their little escape.
“Do you remember the first time we found this place?” Constance opened her eyes and glanced at Dianna.
Her sister smiled. “We were trying to avoid our chores and you insisted this was the only way Dad and Adeline wouldn’t find us.”
Nodding, Constance settled deeper against the tree and let out a sigh. “I still don’t think that anyone else comes out this far. I’m sure they’re aware of it, but you’re the only one I’ve ever bumped into.”
“You’re probably right.” Dianna rested her head on Constance’s shoulder. “I feel like we don’t talk much anymore. You’re always so busy.”
Constance leaned her cheek against Dianna’s head. Her heart tightened. Dianna was right. There was so much going on that her relationship with Dianna had suffered. She’d been so caught up with her own problems that she’d failed to see if Dianna needed anything. “I’m going to do better with that.”
Minutes stretched on as neither one of them spoke. That was how it went when they came out here. Their thoughts kept them company, but it was nice to be with each other.
“Do you think you’re going to marry James?” Dianna’s soft voice broke the stillness.
Constance stiffened. “I don’t know.”
“If he doesn’t ask you, would you ask him?”
A smile stole across her face. “I hadn’t really thought about it. But I suppose that’s where I’m headed.”
Dianna sat up and faced Constance, her eyes wide. “Really?”
Constance laughed. “Well, I probably won’t get on one knee and ask him officially. But I do think I need to say something. Otherwise, I feel like I’m doomed to continue living in this weird limbo.”
Her sister’s face scrunched up and she frowned. “If you get married, we’ll spend even less time together.”
“That’s not true. I—”
