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And I wanted to treasure it forever.
“That is so romantic,” the older woman said with a sigh. “Take the romance while you can. Trust me, it doesn’t last forever.”
It was my turn to be speechless. I leaned into Carlo’s body and his arm wrapped around my waist—like he knew I needed the support.
And I did.
I really, really did.
Her words hit me.
Hard.
Even though I knew this wasn’t forever—I knew I’d be gone soon—having her say that made it more real.
“You’d break a hip if we went out riding now,” the older gentleman chuckled and teased his wife.
She frowned at him and shook her head. “No, you’d break a hip.”
Carlo grabbed my hand and excused us as diplomatically as possible. Then he led me straight to the dance floor. A gentle waltz played, and Carlo was a wonderful leader. “That was a good story. I didn’t think past getting the ring. I suppose we should have discussed the actual proposal.”
The soft look on his face was back again. But there was something else there. Something I couldn’t decipher.
Even so, whatever it was—it was good.
“I’m pretty sure they bought the story, honey. Don’t worry.” My hand slipped down from his shoulder onto his chest. I felt the warmth from his skin through his white shirt.
“You came up with it quickly,” he said, pulling my body closer as we danced. “Almost like you’d put some previous thought into it.”
I shrugged and said, “I’ve read too many romance novels. That’s all.”
He laughed and slowed our dance just enough to softly touch his lips to mine. “I was hoping you’d thought about marrying me.” His eyes grew tender—much like his voice. “Have you? Thought of marrying me, that is.”
Gosh.
This man.
Sometimes, he could sneak into my heart and take over. Before I even noticed.
And even though this was all fake.
And even though I wasn’t really Carlo’s fiancé.
All of this felt really, really—real.
The way Carlo guided me around the room, introducing me as his fiancée.
The way he spoke of me.
The way he looked at me.
The way he made sure to include me in every conversation.
And now, the way he moved me around the dance floor so effortlessly.
All of this felt like a dream.
And part of me never wanted to wake up.
