“And I know we’re not young anymore. But would you consider marrying me?”
I was shaken. “Charles, I…”
“You don’t have to answer now,” he said quickly. “I just wanted you to know that I care about you. That being with you makes me feel like life still has purpose.”
Two days later, I said yes.
Our children and grandchildren were thrilled. The kids called him “Grandpa Charles”—they’d known him their whole lives.
Our wedding was quiet, just family. I wore a cream-colored dress, Charles a suit. We smiled like we were 20 again. But during our first dance, I noticed his smile didn’t reach his eyes. It was practiced.
“Are you okay?” I whispered.
