The Proposal That Never Happened
Chapter 08 - The Proposal That Never Happened
Through everything, Daniel stayed beside Claire.
But she eventually realized something.
The day at Harrington Jewelers had been planned for another reason.
"You were going to propose."
Daniel looked embarrassed.
They were sitting on Claire's porch after Sophie went to bed.
"I was."
"With a necklace?"
"The ring was inside the box too."
Claire stared.
"There was a ring?"
"Under the second layer."
Despite everything, she laughed.
It was the first real laugh she'd had in weeks.
Daniel smiled.
"I thought the necklace would be symbolic."
"It definitely was."
"Not the symbolism I planned."
Claire's smile faded.
Daniel became serious.
"I haven't asked because I know this isn't the right time."
Claire looked at him.
"I don't know what the right time is anymore."
"Neither do I."
Daniel had his own confession.
He had not found the necklace randomly.
William had introduced him to the private estate broker.
Claire stood.
"What?"
"Your father said he knew you loved vintage jewelry."
"Why would he lead you to Mom's necklace?"
"I don't think he knew."
Daniel explained that the broker handled items from old private collections.
William simply recommended him.
The necklace had passed through several owners before reaching the broker.
Claire suddenly understood the terrible coincidence.
Her father had unintentionally brought Margaret's necklace back into her life.
Daniel looked guilty.
"I should've told you he helped."
Claire nodded.
"Yes."
"I thought it would ruin the surprise."
"It did."
He looked down.
Claire sat beside him again.
"I'm tired of people deciding what truth I can handle."
Daniel nodded.
"Then no more surprises."
"No secrets."
"Agreed."
He reached into his pocket.
Claire stared.
Daniel froze.
"This is technically not a surprise."
He pulled out the ring.
Claire immediately covered his hand.
"Not yet."
Daniel nodded.
"Not yet."
May you like
She kissed him.
For now, that was enough.
