Jeremiah exhaled slowly.
“I did get you something,” he said quietly, looking at Michelle. “If… if you want it.”
She hesitated, then nodded once. “Okay.”
Jeremiah turned and walked down the hallway, his steps heavy but resolute. Daisy bounced excitedly behind him until he stopped her gently.
“Stay here, bug.”
She grinned. “Okay!”
Michelle watched him go, her heart performing a slow, sickening roll in her chest.
In his bedroom, Jeremiah opened the drawer and retrieved the velvet box. He stared at it for a long moment, heart pounding.
Then he closed his eyes, straightened, and walked back out.
Michelle stood by the tree when he returned. Daisy hovered nearby, vibrating with anticipation.
Jeremiah held out the box.
“This was never meant to be pressure,” he said softly. “Or expectat
