Keifer had been clingy since he recovered.
Not in a needy way.
In a loving way.
He had become softer.
More attentive.
More… himself.
And I couldn't deny how happy it made me.
So when he told me he was taking me out on a date, I didn't question it.
I just smiled and followed him.
The Surprise
He didn't tell me where we were going.
He only said:
"Get ready."
So I did.
I wore something simple but pretty—a light dress, my hair down, and minimal makeup.
When I walked out, he was waiting for me.
He looked handsome as always, but his eyes were softer than usual.
He offered me his hand.
"Come on," he said.
I took it.
And he led me out.
We got into the car.
The ride was quiet.
Not awkward.
Comfortable.
Like we were two people who had been together for years.
He didn't speak much.
He didn't need to.
His presence was enough.
But I could feel the excitement in the air.
Like he was planning something special.
The Restaurant
We arrived at a beautiful restaurant by the river.
The place was quiet, elegant, and romantic.
It wasn't loud.
There were no flashy lights.
Just soft music and candlelight.
He held the door open for me like a gentleman.
I smiled.
"Keifer," I whispered. "This is beautiful."
He nodded.
"I wanted to take you somewhere calm," he said.
We were led to a table by the window.
The view of the river made everything feel dreamy.
He pulled the chair for me.
I sat down.
He sat beside me.
Then he took my hand.
"Jay," he said softly.
"Yes?"
He looked into my eyes.
"I'm glad you stayed," he whispered.
My heart skipped.
I smiled softly.
"Of course I stayed," I said.
He nodded, and then looked away, pretending to be calm.
But his fingers were still holding mine.
The Date
The food arrived.
We ate slowly.
We talked.
Not about work.
Not about business.
Just about us.
He asked me about my day.
He asked me about my dreams.
He asked me about my childhood.
And I realized:
He really wanted to know me.
Not just the version of me he needed at work.
But the real me.
The girl behind the strong exterior.
I laughed at his jokes.
He laughed at mine.
He looked at me like I was the most precious thing in the world.
At one point, I looked at him and asked:
"Why are you being so sweet?"
He smiled.
"Because you deserve it," he said.
I felt my eyes fill.
I looked away.
He squeezed my hand.
"Don't cry," he whispered.
I smiled.
"I'm not crying," I said.
He looked at me like he knew I was lying.
"You're beautiful when you cry," he said softly.
My heart melted.
The Walk
After dinner, he took me for a walk by the river.
The air was cool.
The lights reflected on the water like stars.
He wrapped his arm around me.
I leaned on him.
We walked slowly, enjoying the silence.
At one point, he stopped.
He looked at me.
Then he pulled me closer.
"I want you to know something," he said.
My heart beat faster.
"What?" I whispered.
He looked into my eyes.
"I'm sorry for not telling you sooner," he said. "I should've said it earlier."
I waited.
He took a deep breath.
"I love you," he said.
I felt my body go numb.
Not from fear.
From happiness.
He continued.
"I love you more than anything," he said. "I want to be with you forever."
I looked at him.
My eyes filled.
"I love you too," I whispered.
He smiled.
Then he kissed my forehead.
"Good," he said softly. "Because I'm not letting you go."
The End of the Night
We returned home.
The house felt calm.
Peaceful.
He held my hand as we entered.
Then he turned to me.
"Did you enjoy your date?" he asked.
I smiled.
"Yes," I replied.
He nodded.
"Good," he said.
Then he pulled me close.
"I want to take you on more dates," he whispered.
I laughed softly.
"Okay," I said.
He kissed my forehead again.
Then he held me tightly.
"Jay," he whispered.
"Yes?"
"I'm yours," he said. "Always."
And in that moment, I knew:
I was his.
And he was mine.
Forever.