I stood in the hotel lobby, beginning my reflection in the glass doors.

Dinner was quieter than usual. By the time dessert arrived, I finally felt like I could breathe again. Then, Thomas reached into his pocket and pulled out a small velvet box. Slowly, I set my fork down.

“Is this… from your mother?”

“No. This is actually from me.”

Inside was a stunning ring.

“My gift for you is back home.”
Thomas leaned in, smirking. “Is it another cake?”

“No. But if you ever go on a business trip on our anniversary again… Then yes. But it won’t have frosting.