The morning had been hectic, and he hated to leave the kids, but they loved Daisy. At least it was a beautiful day so they’d be out on their new swing set, picnicking in the backyard, and having a ball. As he drove past the house on his way to town, he caught sight of them chasing each other in the yard, Daisy in hot pursuit. Another thing to work out, he thought, watching the redhead. On more than one occasion, including this morning, Daisy had made it very clear to him that she was interested in seeing him. Daisy could not be described as subtle. I’ll have a talk with her this afternoon, he resolved, heading up the drive toward the main road.
Lynn had spent a restless night trying to decide what to do about lunch with Gus. Finally, she resolved to go and was sitting in a back booth when he walked in. The look of surprise on his face made her smile. There was something ingenuous and endearing about Gus Casey, even if he had broken her heart.
“You came. I assumed you wouldn’t, so I was just gearing up to eat alone.”
Lynn smiled. “I can always leave. There’s still time.”
He put up his hands, “No, please.” He slid into the booth, a grin on his face. “It’s so good to see you.”
“It’s only been a day,” she replied, thinking to herself, Keep up the light banter, and I might make it through without breaking down.
“You know what I mean,” he said, eyes serious. “You look really pretty today. I mean, you always look pretty, but especially now.”
“Thanks.” You look gorgeous too. You always do.
“Hey, folks, good to see you.” Gracie the owner interrupted them, pad in hand, apron stained with a mysterious pink liquid. “You know what you want?”
“I’ll take a Gila burger and fries,” Lynn said. “And an iced tea.”
“Sounds good to me,” Gus said. “Make it two.”
“You got it. Maria’ll be over directly with your teas.”
When Gracie disappeared, Lynn said, “I’m going to try really hard not to get emotional. I’ve been doing that a lot lately.”
Gus smiled. “So, I have an idea. Why don’t we talk about day-to-day stuff now, then we can go across to the park after? Does that sound okay?”
She nodded. “You’ve got this all planned out, don’t you?”
“Sort of,” he said, smiling. “So tell me what’s new. How are you doing? The Cottage? Whatever?”
“Well, one thing I know is that Daisy has a huge crush on you.”
He laughed. “I’m going to nip that in the bud when I get home today.”
The mention of Daisy and her crush lightened the mood, and they spent an enjoyable meal catching up. Lynn had missed him and the easy way they had of finishing each other’s sentences and understanding without words the issues the other described. Her body ached for his arms around her, and she thought back to the hospital when he held her so tenderly. And now, here he is. The man I’m crazy in love with, and I can’t touch him, kiss him. Sheer torture!
Finally, Gus paid the check, and they strolled across to the park. There were a few families playing on the grass and swings, so he suggested they head for a bench at the far end near the wooded area that led to hiking trails. “This okay?” he asked, gesturing to the bench.
Lynn sat, and he sat beside her. He cleared his throat. “I’ve been all over the place, literally and figuratively, since June, and I’d like to share some of it with you, but not now. This moment is for me to say something I’d rather have said over a romantic dinner at the Red Mesa or some secluded locale.”
Lynn gazed at him, wary but curious. “You made it pretty clear in August that that kind of relationship is impossible for us.”
“That’s what I want to say. I was wrong. Completely wrong. What we had is precious and rare. I let it slip through my fingers because of a promise I made in the past. A promise to someone I loved very much, but who is no longer here. I gave that promise so that Lissie would be calm when she went into surgery. I didn’t want her last moments before anesthesia to be agitated. However, with help from a few wise people and a lot of soul-searching, I’ve made peace with the recognition that the Lissie I knew would never expect nor want me to keep that promise. Maybe for a few years to mourn her passing, but Lissie would want me and the kids to move on. I know she would.
“It’s difficult when there’s only been one significant other in one’s life. It’s hard to imagine how you can live without that person. I was still wondering this year until I met you. Lynn, there are many things I don’t know, but what I do know is I love you, and I cannot imagine living without you.”
Gus slipped from the bench onto one knee. He pulled a small blue velvet box from his jacket pocket. “I don’t expect an answer now, and I know it’ll take a long time before you can find it in your heart to forgive me, if you can? But I wanted to ask now, so you can think about it. Lynn Manguilli, will you marry me?”
Lynn had been listening quietly, not sure what to expect until he slid down to his knee. Now she was too shocked to speak. “Gus… I…I can’t… I don’t know what to say.”
He hopped up, sitting back down beside her. Taking her hand, he opened it and placed the velvet box on her palm, folding her fingers around it. “I figured you’d be surprised. Please don’t feel you have to say anything now. If you consent to keep this and think about my proposal, that’s enough for me.”
Lynn felt numb and wasn’t sure whether she should laugh or cry. “But what about your promise?”
“I can explain later, but for now, let’s focus on us. I can see by those tears in your beautiful dark eyes that I’ve upset you, the last thing I want to do.”
“Not upset, just surprised. I’ve spent the past two months trying very hard to let go of what we had and to reach some kind of peace. I’m not sure I can go back.” As she spoke, she fingered the tiny box, and the clasp sprang open to reveal a dark emerald surrounded by tiny diamonds in an antique setting. “Oh, it’s so beautiful. My birthstone.”
“I know, I asked Polly.”
“She knows about this?”
“No, I just asked if your birthday was coming up and she told me it was the fourth of May.”
Softly she closed the box. “I can’t promise anything, but I will think about what you’ve asked. I want you to hang on to this until I decide.” She handed him the box.
Gus forced a smile. “Okay, then.”
Lynn watched as he tucked the box in his pocket. She knew him well enough to know that he was deeply disappointed yet trying not to show it. “I’m sorry, Gus.”
“Nothing for you to be sorry about. Can I walk you to your car? Would you like an ice cream? Lemonade?”
“No, thanks. I’m kind of tired. I’ve been taking naps on the weekends. Don’t seem to have as much energy.” Lynn stood.
“Glad to hear that you’re taking care of yourself.”
“Oh, Gus,” she said, opening her arms.
Neither wanted to let go, and Lynn knew that she needed to make the first move. “I should go,” she said softly.
“Of course.” He stepped back and took her hand.