An Unexpected Proposal
Over the next few months, Russell became a steady presence in my life.
Our conversations weren’t dramatic or romantic at first. They were simple and comforting. He listened when I spoke. He remembered details. He made me feel important.
Three months later, we sat together in a quiet restaurant.
Russell slid a ring box across the table.
My heart nearly stopped.
He looked at me with complete honesty.
“I’m not asking you to love me immediately,” he said. “I’m asking you to let me take care of you.”
At that point in my life, I felt like someone drowning.
And when you’re drowning, you don’t question the hand reaching toward you.
You grab it.
So I said yes.
Some people called me foolish.
Others called me opportunistic.
I ignored them.
At the time, I told myself I was simply being practical.
I didn’t realize then how much my feelings would eventually change.
