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A year later, Daniel and I got engaged.

We held the celebration at The Ashford Bistro.

Both families were there, along with staff from the restaurant and the inn.

My mom moved through the room in a wine-red gown, champagne glass in hand, beaming at every face she passed.

Patricia Calloway sat in a corner, half in shadow.

She stood up when she saw me come down from the small stage — too fast, catching her knee on the table edge.

"Vivian." Her eyes skittered sideways, then back. "You look beautiful."

I said politely, "Thank you."

"Jason — he just never deserved someone like you. If he hadn't been so foolish, I'd have a grandchild by now."

I picked up one of the small favor bags from the table and pressed it into her hands.

"Mrs. Calloway. Tonight is my engagement party."

"The past is the past. Let's leave it there."

She opened her mouth, then closed it.

Daniel appeared beside me and settled a cashmere shawl around my shoulders.

"It's breezy in the corridor. Let's sit in the lounge for a bit."

I nodded and headed down the hallway.

In the lounge, on the vanity, sat a small black box.

Sophie was leaning in the doorway, chin tilting toward it.

"Same-day courier. Addressed specifically to you."

I opened the packaging.

A necklace — the center stone easily three carats — lay still against black satin.

My phone lit up at the same moment.

An unknown number.

A long message.

It was Jason.

I skimmed it quickly.

Vivian — today is your engagement party. I'm sorry I can't be there.

I've had my eye on this piece for three years. I always meant to surprise you with it on our wedding day.

You might not believe this, but I've imagined what it would look like on you so many times.

I thought I had all the time in the world. I thought no matter when I turned around, you'd still be there.

I thought we'd grow old together.

But somehow — I lost you without realizing it.

I've taken a position with a cargo airline in Dubai. It might be years before I come back, if ever.

By the time you read this, I should be somewhere over the Atlantic.

There's nothing left I can do for you. All I can do is wish you happiness.

I finished reading.

Then I pressed delete.

Six years — and not a single gift worth remembering.

Now the first real thing he'd ever given me was a parting gift.

I snapped the velvet box shut.

Turned and tossed it to Sophie in the doorway.

"It sparkles. Kids love shiny things. Give it to my goddaughter as a toy."

Sophie caught it with one hand, eyebrows raised.

"A very heavy toy. She thanks you."

Daniel pushed open the door.

Oreo came bolting in, completely unbothered by the occasion.

"Oreo — behave. If you knock over the engagement cake, you're on half rations for a week."

I scratched the top of Oreo's head, laughing, and tucked my arm through Daniel's.

I don't know how cold it is, thirty thousand feet above the Atlantic.

But I'll be exactly where you hoped I'd be.

Beside the person I love. Happy. And at peace.