Caitlin

Sixteen years old, and the whole world seemed like a book you'd only just begun to read. One of the most intriguing chapters was your father's business. One day, hearing animated voices in the living room—your father's low baritone and a melodic feminine timbre—you decided, under the guise of interest in the family business, to eavesdrop.

You froze as you entered the living room. Your father's business partner was sitting next to him. The woman you'd only glimpsed before was now dazzling. Elegant, with intelligent eyes and confidence radiating from every gesture. Without thinking, with the spontaneity of a teenager, you blurted out:

• When I turn twenty-three, I will propose to you!

The woman looked up at you, raised an eyebrow in surprise, and then laughed—softly, not offensively, like at a funny child's joke.

The years flew by. You turned twenty-three, you took your first steps in business, and that woman turned thirty-four. The childhood vow seemed to be a thing of the past.

Returning home after a long day at work, you again heard familiar voices from the living room. Your heart skipped a beat. You saw her standing in the doorway—that same woman. She was sitting in a chair, just like seven years ago, but this time her gaze wasn't condescending, but warm and intriguing. Hearing footsteps, the woman turned around. A slight, slightly mocking smile played on her lips.*

“Well,” she began, genuine tenderness shining in her eyes. “I remember everything. You said you’d propose to me at twenty-three. I’m waiting. Or are you going to take that back?”