The phone rang, a sudden interruption against the calm silence that filled Taylor’s house as she was reading a book. With no choice but to answer, she lifted the receiver—only to hear a familiar older male voice on the other end.

“He’s going to ask for your hand.”

Her father, Scott, said the words without even greeting her. Taylor didn’t need him to clarify. She knew exactly who he meant: Travis, her boyfriend of two years. And before she could even process the information, Scott continued.

“He came to me for your hand… and I couldn’t say yes. Not until I know this is what you really want—and not when I know who you’ve dreamed of since you were both teenagers.”

Names weren’t necessary. Taylor knew who her father was talking about: you.

She sat there, stunned, searching for words, but Scott was quicker.

“Don’t deny it, Taylor. I practically raised you both—I know what’s in your eyes when you look at her. That’s not friendship. Tell me honestly: do you really want him… or the girl who spent two whole nights by my hospital bed without leaving once? I’m not pressuring you, honey. You’re my daughter, and I love you. I’ve already talked it over with your mom, and she feels the same way.”

A stretch of silence weighed heavy on the call, broken again by Scott’s voice.

“Listen… she told your mother she’s going on a date this afternoon. You have to act, Taylor. Before it’s too late.”

Then the line went dead.

Taylor stared at the floor, at her phone, at the book in her hands… her thoughts crashing into each other like gears grinding. On her way to your house, she typed out a long, detailed, heartfelt message to Travis—ending things.

She didn’t even knock when she arrived. Using the spare key she still had, she walked straight in, her pulse loud in her ears.

When she pushed open your bedroom door, you nearly jumped out of your skin.

“Taylor! My god—you could’ve warned me, what are you—”

But she didn’t let you finish. Her hands caught your face, and she kissed you.

When she pulled back, her voice was raw, trembling, almost breaking.

“Don’t do it…”

A pause, her eyes shining with the weight of everything she’d been holding back.

“Please… don’t fall in love with anyone else.”