Page 129 of Can't Help Falling

Third, I know you’re not asking for a friend. ;)

Doing something because someone else would like it is never insincere, especially if your goal is to prove to her that you want to put her feelings first.

I must say, I’m glad to see you trying something new!

Funny twist, you’re not the only one. I guess you got me thinking, and I’m going to give “practical” a shot just to see if you’ve got a point worth taking.

Who knows? Maybe we’ll turn you into “The Practical Romantic!”

Signed,

Hopeful

She’s going to give practical a shot? Why does my stomach sink at that? I have zero proof this woman is Emmy, and yet, I latch onto those words and for some reason, they make me far more upset than they should.

I reread the email.

Practical romantic. Two completely opposite things.

Like Emmy and me.

I crack my knuckles and write back.

Dear Hopeful,

Caught. It’s me. Figured I’d give it a shot.

And you, going practical? Never thought I’d see the day.

I’m assuming this is going to end up in some future podcast.

—Practical

This time, it only takes ten minutes for an email to pop back into my inbox.

She must be a night owl. I absently wonder if I should head over to the Smart house and see if the upstairs lights are on.

Dear Practical,

Oh, it is. A bit of research, a bit of experimentation, just keeping that romance door open a sliver in case he gets a few ideas.

What romantic gesture are you starting with, if you don’t mind my asking?

—Hopeful

Dear Hopeful,

Going with the flowers for no reason. I figured that’s the most practical of the romantic gestures :)

—Practical

Dear Practical,

Ha. Flowers are always a good choice. And if I can be so bold, I’d find out her favorite flowers OR pick a flower that reminds you of her. And tell her why. It just adds that little personal touch.

Oh! And don’t get flowers from the grocery store. Make it the farmer’s market or a florist. And if you DO get them from the supermarket, take them out of the plastic and wrap them in something else. Brown paper is always a nice touch.

Good luck!

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