Chapter 26 - A DIFFERENT KIND OF PROMISE
Months later, Ethan asked Grace to dinner.
Not at the mansion.
Not at an expensive restaurant.
At a small family-owned Italian place.
Grace arrived in a simple black dress.
Ethan smiled.
“You look beautiful.”
She raised an eyebrow.
“Careful.”
He laughed.
“I meant that respectfully.”
“I know.”
They talked for hours.
About work.
Lily.
Their childhoods.
The people they had lost.
The lives they might still build.
Eventually Ethan became serious.
“I don't want you to think I'm asking because you saved Lily.”
Grace looked at him.
“I wouldn't.”
“I want you because of who you are.”
She was quiet.
Then she smiled.
“You're finally learning to say things directly.”
“I've had a good teacher.”
“Who?”
She pointed toward him.
“Life.”
They laughed.
There was no proposal.
No dramatic ring.
No ballroom.
May you like
Just two adults deciding to see where trust could lead.
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