Her eyes doubled in size as he flipped open the velvet box.
Denver feared he’d gone too far. His heart pounded like an overworked jackhammer, refusing to slow in the slightest. He wanted to go to her, scoop her into his arms, and kiss her to prove that everything he said was true. Yet he remained rooted to his spot on the hardwood floor. Calmer, softer, he said, “Marry me, Sophie.”
Sophie shook her head, tears glistened in her eyes. “I can’t.”
Still holding out the ring box toward her, he said, “Look me in the eyes and tell me you don’t love me.”
“I just want things to go back the way they were.”
“Then why did you come over?” Denver pushed, hoping to wear down Sophie’s barriers. In all the scenarios he imagined, never had he pictured the conversation taking this emotionally overwrought direction. What existed between them was real. Their kiss revealed it all. She loved him, but she was afraid. He was willing to fight for it.
“I—I wanted to see how you were coming on your book.” Sophie dropped her gaze to the floor. “I should go.”
“No.”
“Denver, please—” Tears rolled down her cheeks. He hated that their fighting drew those out. But if he agreed to let things go back to the way they were, they’d never get anywhere else.
“It’s an all or nothing offer, Soph.”
“What?”
Despite how desperately Denver wanted an answer, it wasn’t fair to expect one. “I’ll be at the finish line tomorrow, with this ring. I want a wife, a family. But if you don’t want to marry me, I’ll graciously bow out of your life. For good.”
