The Mystery Writer

Starting Forever

Dinner was particularly long with a secret that was at the tip of their tongues. It was hard to be in a persistent state of mourning after being handed a dream come true. However, Leo was sobered by the mention and memories of Ken, Max and his wife, and Lillian; Darcy's mother.

After dinner and the final goodbyes to most of the mournful guests, Darcy surprised those remaining by expressing her wish to make an announcement. Leo felt his smile c***k across his face and his heart pound in delight when Darcy reached out for him. Just by reading her eyes, he could sense that she was having a difficult time of keeping such a secret. He wanted to laugh when he found her engagement ring on her finger, a significant clue to what the announcement would be.

“Mom, Dad, Abby, Antoinette, Bethany, Bri