Dave’s heart skipped a beat at her words. He gently pushed her back to look into her eyes. “What do you mean?”
Bianca looked up at him and suddenly laughed. “I’m just joking. I guess I’m worried about losing you because of everything with my mom. I’m afraid every moment might be our last.”
But Dave’s gaze fell. He had been feeling restless lately, haunted by the thought of being helpless during the fire. He struggled with how to face Bianca.
“What’s on your mind?” Bianca asked, noticing his serious expression and long silence.
Dave snapped back to reality and looked deeply into Bianca’s eyes. She stared back, waiting.
After a long pause, Dave said seriously, “Bianc, if I told you that maybe I don’t love you as much as I thought, would you still… Would you still consider marrying me?”
Bianca’s heart felt like it was being pierced by a needle, and a heavy, painful feeling took over.
She looked into Dave’s eyes, hiding her sadness with a small smile. “Why are you saying this? Are you tired of me? Do you not like me anymore?” she asked softly.
Dave, seeing her worried eyes, swallowed hard. “No, that’s not it at all. I love you, always. But…”
He paused, thinking about the loss of his parents. This tragedy had left him confused about love, especially the kind that involves so much risk. He wondered if love was supposed to be like this.
Deep down, he feared his love for Bianca might not be as strong as it should be.
Even though Dave did everything he could to make Bianca happy, he wondered if his love was the kind people expected.
He questioned whether Bianca could accept him as he was.
Dave started to speak again but hesitated, carefully choosing his words.
Bianca had noticed Dave seemed distant lately, which made her wonder if he resented her. But then she remembered his loving vows in church.
Dave, who had always been strong and reliable, still had that depth in his eyes where Bianca saw herself reflected.
She wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him close with a smile. “I’ve told you before, I’m not going anywhere unless you stop loving me. I don’t need words to know if you love me; I can feel it. And if one day I don’t feel your love, I’ll leave without hesitation.”
“And what do you feel now?” Dave asked softly, looking down at her. He was usually confident and calm, but now he seemed to be looking for reassurance.
Bianca responded without words, leaning in to kiss him.
After the kiss, she looked up and smiled. “Does that make it clear enough?”
Suddenly, Dave cupped the back of her head and kissed her passionately.
His kiss was full of fiery passion as if he was pouring all his love into it. He didn’t give her a moment to catch her breath, his love feeling urgent and overwhelming.
Bianca felt weak in his embrace as if she might fall without his support.
She managed to push him away, gasping for air. Her face was red, and her soft voice made him feel a thrill. “I can’t breathe. Can you be a little gentler?”
Dave had to fight the urge to pick her up and carry her to the bed. Instead, he took deep breaths to calm himself.
“I’m sorry, Bianc…” His eyes were filled with tears, and he looked like a guilty puppy asking for forgiveness.
He was usually so calm, but his vulnerability now touched Bianca deeply. “What’s wrong? Why are you apologizing? I don’t see what you did wrong,” she asked, worried.
Dave, with dry lips, looked straight into her eyes. “I’ve been blaming myself for what happened during the fire.”
Bianca realized then why Dave had been distant lately. He felt guilty for not being there to help her during the fire.
Bianca couldn’t help but laugh. “I thought you were going to tell me you cheated or something. And it’s just this?”
“It’s not ‘just this,'” Dave replied, looking serious and earnest. “I’m supposed to protect you. When danger hit, even Blake came to help, but I didn’t. Doesn’t that make me unworthy? How can I call myself your man?”
His words hit Bianca deeply, and her expression became serious. “That’s exactly why you’re the right man for me.”
“What do you mean?” Dave asked, confused.
Bianca gave a gentle smile and replied, “A man should stay calm and think things through instead of just reacting without thinking. That’s why waiting for help was a smart choice. I appreciate that Blake wanted to help, but I didn’t agree with how he did it. We were lucky to get out of that situation, but what if we hadn’t? I’m still shaken up by it. My mom would want me to be safe. If I had died in that fire, she would never find peace, even in death. I’ve already been too reckless about this. If you were as careless as me, I’d wonder if we’re right for each other. Sure, we can take risks for love, but what about our family? And if we have kids, should we put our lives on the line together? Someone has to stay behind and be responsible. That’s what being an adult means.”
Dave looked surprised, his eyes wide.
He thought about his own life. If his dad had been more thoughtful and responsible, maybe his grandpa would have treated him better. He wouldn’t have faced mistreatment from his uncles, and his life wouldn’t have been so hard and guarded.
His father’s impulsive actions had changed everything in his life.
Dave looked at Bianca with a deep appreciation.
Her words struck a deep chord in his heart, reaching places he hadn’t expected. He had been worried about disappointing her, but she turned out to be more understanding and caring than he had ever hoped.
Her thoughts even gave him some comfort about his father’s past choices.
He reached out and pulled Bianca into a warm hug, resting his head against her soft hair. In a tender whisper, he said, “Bianc, I love you. You’re the only one for me.”
Bianca hugged him back even tighter and simply replied, “Me too.”
Looking down thoughtfully, Bianca added, “So… please forgive me for being so impulsive, okay?”
Dave held her even closer and comforted her, “It’s not your fault.”
Bianca shook her head, resting it on his shoulder. “Remember, those who have passed would want their loved ones to be happy. Don’t get stuck in sadness-cherish their memory and live a joyful life.”