CHAPTER THIRTY–NINE – How Far Is Too Far?
He smiled, looking pleased with her reaction. “I thought you might like it. Shall we?”
Their table was nestled in a quiet corner, offering a panoramic view of the city. As they settled in, a waiter appeared with menus and a bottle of
champagne.
“To old friends and new beginnings,” Jacob toasted, raising his glass.
Laura clinked her flute against his, feeling a flutter of… something in her stomach. “To unexpected adventures,” she added.
As they perused the menu, Jacob leaned in conspiratorially. “So, be honest. How many family members have asked you for money since the will reading?
Laura groaned. “Ugh, don’t remind me. I’ve had to change my phone number twice already.”
Jacob winced sympathetically. “That bad, huh?”
“You have no idea,” Laura sighed. “I mean, don’t get me wrong, I’m incredibly grateful for the inheritance. But it’s like suddenly everyone sees me as a walking ATM.”
“That must be tough,” Jacob said, his tone genuinely concerned. “Have you thought about what you’re going to do with it?”
Laura shrugged. “Honestly, I’m still processing it all. Part of me wants to be responsible and invest it or put it towards a house. But another part of me wants to do something crazy, like travel the world for a year.”
Jacob’s eyes lit up. “Why not both? You could invest some, set aside a nest egg, and still have plenty left for adventures.”
As they continued talking, Laura found herself opening up about her hopes and dreams. She told Jacob about her secret desire to write a novel, something she’d never admitted to anyone before.
“You should do it,” Jacob said earnestly. “I always knew you had a way with words. Remember that story you wrote in eighth grade? The one about the time–traveling cat?”
Laura burst out laughing. “Oh god, I can’t believe you remember that! It was terrible.”
Jacob shook his head. “It was creative and funny. You’ve always had talent, Laura. You just need to believe in yourself.”
As the evening progressed, Laura found herself genuinely enjoying Jacob’s company. His charm, intelligence, and shared history made for engaging conversation. They talked about everything from their careers to their favorite books, laughing over shared memories and debating current events.
As they finished their dessert – a decadent chocolate lava cake – Laura realized she was already thinking about the possibility of a second date. Maybe the next time she visited Phoenix…
“Penny for your thoughts?” Jacob asked, noticing her distraction.
Laura smiled, feeling a bit shy suddenly. “I was just thinking… this has been really nice. I’m glad you reached out.”
Jacob’s answering smile was warm. “Me too. More than you know.”
As they drove back to her parents‘ house, Laura felt a mix of contentment and anticipation. It had been a perfect day, the kind she hadn’t experienced in a long time.
Jacob pulled up to the curb, and Laura saw her parents peering curiously through the front window. She chuckled, shaking her head at their not–so-
subtle observation.
“Well, this is me,” she said, turning to thank Jacob for a wonderful day.
To her utter shock, Jacob suddenly got out of the car and walked around to her side. Before Laura could process what was happening, Jacob was down on one knee, producing a velvet box from his pocket.
“Laura,” he began, his voice trembling slightly, “I know this might seem crazy, but I’ve been in love with you since we were kids. Reconnecting with you today has shown me that those feelings never went away. I don’t want to let you go again.”
Laura stood frozen, her mind reeling from this unexpected turn of events. She was vaguely aware of her parents emerging from the house, their expressions a mix of surprise and excitement.
Jacob opened the ring box, revealing a dazzling diamond. “Laura McKenna, will you marry me?”
Unable to form words, Laura simply stared at Jacob, then at the ring, then at her beaming parents. The silence stretched uncomfortably as Jacob’s smile began to falter.
Finally, without saying a word, Laura turned and walked into the house, leaving a confused Jacob kneeling on the sidewalk.
The next morning, Laura was throwing the last of her belongings into her suitcase when Jen burst into the room.
“Laura!” she hissed. “Jacob’s here. He’s talking to Mom and Dad downstairs.”
Laura groaned, burying her face in her hands “You’ve got to be kidding me.”
Jen’s eyes were wide. “What happened last night? Mom and Dad are being super weird”
Before Laura could answer, there was a knock at the bedroom door. Their mother’s voice floated through. “Laura, honey? Jacob’s here to see you. He says
CHAPTER THIRTY–NINE – How Far Is Too Far?
it’s important.”
Laura and Jen shared a panicked look. “Stall them,” Laura whispered. “I’ll be right down.”
2/2
Five minutes later, Laura descended the stairs, her heart pounding. Jacob stood in the living room, looking nervous but determined. Her parents hovered nearby, barely containing their excitement.
“Laura,” Jacob began, taking a step towards her. “I know last night was a shock, but-”
“Jake,” Laura cut him off, holding up a hand. “This is crazy. We spent one day together after years apart. You can’t seriously want to get married.” Jacob’s face fell. “But I love you. I always have.”
Laura sighed, feeling a pang of sympathy despite her frustration. “You don’t know me, Jake. Not really. And I don’t know you. What we had yesterday was nice, but it’s not a foundation for marriage.”
“But we could get to know each other,” Jacob pressed. “Give me a chance, Laura. Please.”
Laura shook her head firmly. “I’m sorry, Jake. But my answer is no.”
Without another word, she grabbed her suitcase and headed for the door. Jen followed close behind, shooting an apologetic look at their shell–shocked parents.
As they pulled out of the driveway, Jen let out a low whistle. “Well, that was…‘
“1
“Insane?” Laura supplied, gripping the steering wheel tightly.
Jen nodded. “Totally. I can’t believe he actually proposed. After one day!”
Laura groaned. “I know. It was like being in some bizarre romantic comedy, except not funny at all.”
As they drove away from Phoenix, leaving behind the drama and chaos of the past week, Laura felt a weight lift from her shoulders.
Jen reached over, squeezing her sister’s arm. “You okay?”
Laura nodded, a small smile forming. “Yeah, I think I am. Let’s go home.”
As Laura and Jen hit the highway, leaving Phoenix in their rearview mirror, a sense of relief washed over them. The open road stretched out before them, promising freedom from family drama and unexpected proposals.
“So,” Jen said, breaking the comfortable silence that had settled between them. “On a scale of one to ‘oh my god, what just happened,‘ how weird was that whole Jacob situation?”
Laura groaned, shaking her head. “Off the charts weird. I mean, who proposes after one day?”
“Maybe he thought he was in a Hallmark movie,” Jen suggested, grinning. “You know, where people fall in love and get married within a week, usually around Christmas.”
“Well, someone needs to tell him it’s May and real life doesn’t work like that,” Laura retorted, but she couldn’t help laughing.
As they drove, the sisters fell into an easy rhythm of conversation, punctuated by sing–alongs to cheesy pop songs and debates over the best road trip
snacks.
“Okay, serious question,” Jen said, rummaging through their snack bag. “If you had to eat one road trip food for the rest of your life, what would it be?” Laura pondered for a moment. “Hmm… those little orange cheese crackers with peanut butter. You know, the ones that come in the little package?” Jen made a face. “Ew, really? Those are so gross!”
Enjoy Ad Free Reading>>
