Rebecca Pemberton

Ronan had his hand wrapped around Mallory's wrist as he walked her out of the house and stopped in front of his car. He let go of her wrist, inserted his both hands into his side pockets and darted his eyes around, taking a deep breath.

Mallory felt a quickening in her chest. That gesture of his. He was definitely angry.

She stayed quiet and just watched him for a long minute until he was finally able to pull himself together.

"Sorry about all of this." He finally said, his eyes on the ground. "I should've... I should've done this in private, maybe. You wouldn't be exchanging words with your grandma right now."

"Stop blaming yourself, okay?" She spoke soothingly. "My grandma has always been like that, not just because it's you. And I'm sorry I turned down your proposal. I'm just not ready right now..."

"Hey, it's fine." He reached for her hand. "You don't need to explain anything. I should've waited, and I'm ready to keep waiting."

Mallory had a heart-thumping moment right there. Was