She slipped her hand back again and sat upright with her elbows on the table. “You’ve spelled out the financial terms, and the wedding plans. So far, this is just a lucrative long-term nursing job with companion care, but what are your expectations for—” her voice lowered to a whisper, “—the marriage?” Of course, he knew this delicate issue would arise, but it was the most painful part of the equation. “I hope we’ll be great companions, enjoying friendship, respect, humor. But that’s not what you’re asking, is it?” He played with his spoon as he gathered the right words. “You want to know if a dying man would play on your sympathies to lure you into his bedroom?” She didn’t flinch. “The thought crossed my mind.” Try as he might to remain even, he knew his disappointment showed on his face. “Fair enough. No, Mikaela, I am not asking for a full marriage in that way, nor am I looking to fall in love. I want to avoid that, as much to protect me as to protect you.” “I don’t understand.” “I don’t want to grieve for anyone else as I pass, nor do I want to leave someone else grieving for me.” “So just friendship and companionship?” “Yes, but neither is a small thing. I’m embarrassed to admit that I find myself feeling a little anxious. I would be a bit possessive of your time and company.” “Would I need to quit my job?” “Not at first. I intend to work a while longer. When I quit, I’d like you to do the same. That’s when I’ll need you the most.” Mikaela nodded quietly as she stared down at the table. Matt couldn’t read her expression, and his heart clutched. “So what do you think?” She looked up, tilted her head to the side, and studied his face. “I’m up for a second date.” enough.”
Tuesday, April 17, 2018
Love in Bloom - Laurie Lewis
She slipped her hand back again and sat upright with her elbows on the table. “You’ve spelled out the financial terms, and the wedding plans. So far, this is just a lucrative long-term nursing job with companion care, but what are your expectations for—” her voice lowered to a whisper, “—the marriage?” Of course, he knew this delicate issue would arise, but it was the most painful part of the equation. “I hope we’ll be great companions, enjoying friendship, respect, humor. But that’s not what you’re asking, is it?” He played with his spoon as he gathered the right words. “You want to know if a dying man would play on your sympathies to lure you into his bedroom?” She didn’t flinch. “The thought crossed my mind.” Try as he might to remain even, he knew his disappointment showed on his face. “Fair enough. No, Mikaela, I am not asking for a full marriage in that way, nor am I looking to fall in love. I want to avoid that, as much to protect me as to protect you.” “I don’t understand.” “I don’t want to grieve for anyone else as I pass, nor do I want to leave someone else grieving for me.” “So just friendship and companionship?” “Yes, but neither is a small thing. I’m embarrassed to admit that I find myself feeling a little anxious. I would be a bit possessive of your time and company.” “Would I need to quit my job?” “Not at first. I intend to work a while longer. When I quit, I’d like you to do the same. That’s when I’ll need you the most.” Mikaela nodded quietly as she stared down at the table. Matt couldn’t read her expression, and his heart clutched. “So what do you think?” She looked up, tilted her head to the side, and studied his face. “I’m up for a second date.” enough.”
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