“Because she asked me for one thing she could still have,” I said. “And because I think she’ll spend the rest of her life wondering what might have happened if I say no.”
Rebecca sighed.
“People will talk.”
“People talk when I buy the wrong brand of coffee.”
“You’re impossible.”
“So I’ve been told.”
She was quiet for a moment.
“Make sure this is what you want, Daniel.”
“I will.”
The next morning, I returned to the center.
Eleanor was reading a magazine and wearing the expression of a woman who had already prepared herself for disappointment.
I pulled up a chair.
“I have a few conditions.”
She lowered the magazine.
“Conditions?”
“Yes. I choose the music.”
“Absolutely not.”
“Then no wedding.”
She stared at me.
I stared back.
Finally, she burst out laughing.
“Fine. You choose the music. But if you pick anything depressing, I’ll haunt you.”
“Noted.”
“And I want flowers.”
