Two weeks later I was again sitting in that same Starbucks drinking my morning coffee and reading Michael Vey. I heard someone behind me say.

 

“Hello, what are you reading?”

 

I was a little perturbed that someone would interrupt my reading so I didn’t look up.

 

“I’m reading a book.” I said, with a touch of annoyance.

 

“What book is it?” the voice from behind me said and this time I noticed that there was hint of familiarity.

 

I looked up and Shelly was standing there. She smiled at me and I jumped to my feet. I could see the tears begin to form in her eyes and felt them burning my own eyes as well. I wasn’t sure how to react but the love I felt for her was overwhelming. I was ready to forgive her for everything. I pulled her into my arms and felt her body heaving with sobs. I just let her cry for a little while and when she got herself under control, I pulled out a chair for her to sit on. I sat across from her and reached across the table and took her hand.

 

“Why did you leave?” I asked.

 

“Does it really matter?” she replied.

 

“No not really. I told you I would love you no matter what and I meant it.”

 

“Thank you, Max. Maybe someday I can tell you of my past and the darkness I lived through but for now I need to keep it to myself. Are you okay with that?”

 

Smiling I just stood from my chair and said, “What do you think?”

 

I then pulled the ring box from my pocket. I had carried it everywhere with me since that night. I kept telling myself that I was going to return it to the store but I couldn’t bring myself to do it. I dropped down to one knee and reached for her hand. I opened the box and held the ring out to her.

 

“Shelly Price, will you become my bride?” I said as I slipped the ring on her finger.

 

I again saw the tears filling her eyes but this time they were tears of joy.

 

“Yes, Maxwell Stewart, I will be your bride.”

 

I pulled her to her feet and kissed her. It was the sweetest kiss I believe I have ever experienced. As we left the coffee shop that day, I knew I had found happiness. I knew that whatever dark secrets she had locked in her past, we could make it through them all.