I married my school sweethea.rt, but on our first wedding anniversary, I overheard him say, “I’ve been fooling her since school. Tonight I’ll finally do what I planned.”

There were no candles or big speeches. Just him, looking up at me with wet eyes.

« I’m sorry it took so long, » he whispered. « Marry me. »

I sobbed into his shoulder until my ribs hurt. I thought I’d hit the jackpot and that every excuse, delay, and « not yet » had been the price of something real.

« I’m sorry it took so long. »