“Meant to be then.” Violet smiled.
The room fell into a comfortable silence. But just as the quiet began to settle, Nicholas reached for her hand
“That we are,” he conceded. “Two opposites but made for each other.”
“You seem to be in a very affectionate mood tonight,” she observed.
Nicholas paused, his grip on her hand tightening slightly. “I have to make up for all the lost time I tried to keep fooling myself into thinking I could keep you at arm’s length.”
Her breath caught at his confession, her cheeks flushed. “Nicholas…”
“I thought I was protecting you by keeping my distance, but all I ever did was hurt you—and myself in the process.”
Violet’s throat tightened. “We do not have to speak about this. You know I have already forgiven you.”
Nicholas reached out, his fingers brushing against her cheek. “I know. You’ve been kind enough to open your heart to me even after I pushed you away. I want to be the husband you deserve—the one you’ve always deserved.”
“Oh, Nicholas,” she whispered, her voice breaking. How could it not when he was being this tender? “You’ve always been more than enough for me, even when you were keeping your distance. You’re all I’ve ever wanted.”
“I love you,” he said finally, the words tumbling out in a rush. “You have taught me what it truly means to love.”
Violet let out a soft laugh, “And I love you. So much.”
The distance between them disappeared as they kissed again.It was short one but full of love. When they finally pulled apart, Nicholas rested his forehead against hers, his hands framing her face. “I’ll spend the rest of my life making it up to you,” he vowed. “Whatever it takes.”
Violet smiled through her tears, her hands resting over his. “You already have, Nicholas. Just promise me one thing.”
“Anything,” he said without hesitation.
“Promise me we’ll never let fear come between us again,” she said softly.
“I promise.”
The room felt lighter now, the weight of their confessions lifting the air between them. Nicholas pulled Violet closer, his arms wrapping around her as though he feared letting her go. She nestled against his chest, listening to his heartbeat.
“You’re trembling,” Nicholas murmured after a moment, brushing his lips against her hair. “Are you cold?”
Violet shook her head. “No. I think I’m just… overwhelmed.”
Nicholas tilted her chin up gently, his eyes searching hers. “In a good way, I hope.”
“In the best way.”
In fact, Violet could not think of anythingbetter.
“You know, since we have been on the topic of surprises tonight, I have one of my own. There’s something I need to tell you.”
“What is it?” he asked immediately.
Violet bit her lip, her hands fidgeting nervously. “I wasn’t sure when the right time would be, but… now feels like the right moment.”
Nicholas waited, his eyes never leaving hers. He was giving her space without pushing her, despite his curiosity.
“I found out only this morning… and I wanted to tell you right away. But I was just waiting to do it when… oh, God, I’m rambling, aren’t I?” She paused, shaking her head to dispel the nervous energy that had just consumed her.
“You know you can tell me anything, Violet.”
That she could. Well, then there was no other choice but to come out and say it…
