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“Hi,” he managed to say.
“Hi.”
I walked forward and met him the rest of the way, and he stepped to the side, allowing me to enter. I took a second to look around, noticing how different the interior looked compared to Macon’s house.
It was bright and welcoming with fresh paint, new appliances, and updated furnishings—such a stark contrast to the mismatched furniture that littered Macon’s living room.
It was like he’d given up in his own home after she left.
Or he hadn’t even tried.
“It was nice of your friend to offer his place for me,” Curtis said, pulling my attention back toward him. “You’ll have to thank him for me.”
“Um…” I flinched, remembering the conversation I’d had with Elena. “I will.”
He eyed me, taking another sip of his coffee. “Do you want a cup?”
“Oh, no,” I said. “I’ve already had several. Thank you though.”
Silence filled the space.
Finally, I took a seat on the sofa, and he followed. He continued to watch me with those tired eyes.
He let out a ragged breath. “I think I know why you’re here.”
“Oh?” I tried to will my emotions to behave.
Keep it together.
“Come on, Marin.” He tilted his head to the side and gave a sad smile. “It shouldn’t be this hard to say yes to a marriage proposal.”
My lip quivered and a tear trailed down my cheek. “I’m so sorry, Curtis. You have no idea.”
He set his coffee cup down and slid closer, taking my hand in his. “It’s okay. I knew coming down here would probably not end well for me.”
“You did?”
He nodded, a heavy weight of sadness clouding his features. “Like I said, it shouldn’t be this hard.”
I knew he wasn’t just talking about the proposal.
He meant all of it.
My relationship with Daniel had been far from perfect. There were times when we argued or disagreed, but the easy part? The absolutely effortless part?
My love for him.
That was something I never had to question.
The day he had dropped to one knee, there was no hesitation.
No second-guessing.
I reached into my coat pocket and pulled out the velvet box. The one he’d given me before I left for Ocracoke.
I placed it on the coffee table.
“I wish I could have said yes,” I said softly.
