A Short Story by Rob Smith
Chapter One: Almost
“I don’t think you should go.”
Emma stopped in front of the mirror and looked toward the doorway.
Her father stood with his arms folded, wearing the familiar expression that usually meant he had already made up his mind about something.
“Why not?”
“Because I don’t think he’s right for you.”
“You hardly know him.”
“I know enough.”
She sighed and turned back toward the mirror.
Daniel was coming to take her to dinner. She had been looking forward to it for days, although she hadn’t admitted quite how much.
He was handsome, charming, and ambitious. He also had a habit of talking about things he intended to accomplish rather than things he had already accomplished.
That particular quality troubled her father.
“He’s always got some grand idea,” James continued. “Some business he’s going to start. Some place he’s going to travel. Some fortune he’s going to make.”
“Would you prefer someone who never wanted to accomplish anything?”
“I’d prefer someone who knows the difference between having a dream and having a plan.”
Emma couldn’t argue with that. Her father had worked hard to provide for his family, and she respected his opinion.
Sometimes, though, she wished he would allow her to form her own.
“I’m only going to dinner, Papa.”
“That’s how these things begin.”
She smiled.
“Well, I should certainly hope so.”
He didn’t appreciate the humor.
After he left, Emma sat quietly at her dressing table.
Perhaps he was right.
She wasn’t especially comfortable meeting new people. She worried about saying something foolish, wearing the wrong thing, or discovering halfway through an evening that she had nothing in common with the person sitting across from her.
Staying home would certainly be easier.
She could tell Daniel she wasn’t feeling well.
He would understand.
They could arrange another evening.
And if they never did, perhaps that would be for the best.
She reached for the gloves she’d laid beside her mirror, then hesitated.
A moment later, her mother appeared in the doorway.
“You’re not ready?”
“I’m thinking about staying home.”
“Why?”
“Papa doesn’t like Daniel.”
Her mother smiled.
“Your father didn’t particularly like me when we first met, either.”
Emma laughed.
“That’s not true.”
“Oh, but it is. He thought I was too outspoken.”
“And what changed his mind?”
“He discovered I was usually right.”
They both laughed.
Then her mother sat beside her.
“Do you want to go?”
“I think so.”
“Then why wouldn’t you?”
“What if Papa’s right?”
“Then you’ll have learned something.”
“And if he’s wrong?”
Her mother shrugged.
“Then perhaps you’ll have a lovely evening.”
Emma looked toward the mirror.
“I suppose I could always go another time.”
“You could.”
Her mother picked up the gloves and handed them to her.
“But you wanted to go tonight.”
A few minutes later, there was a knock at the door.
Emma took one final look at herself.
She could still change her mind.
Instead, she put on her gloves and went downstairs.
She had no idea how much of her future was waiting on the other side of that door.
⸻
Chapter Two: Just One Bite
Daniel was waiting with flowers.
“They’re beautiful,” Emma said.
“I nearly brought chocolates.”
“Why didn’t you?”
“I was afraid I’d eat them before I got here.”
She laughed.
He smiled, apparently pleased with himself.
They walked together toward the restaurant, talking about their families, their childhoods, and the things they hoped to accomplish.
Daniel had plans.
Lots of them.
He wanted to succeed in business, travel, own a beautiful home, and someday have a family.
Emma listened with amusement.
“You’ve certainly got your future planned.”
“Not all of it.”
“What’s missing?”
He smiled.
“I haven’t decided who I’m going to spend it with.”
She blushed.
“You’re rather forward.”
“I’ve been told that.”
“By my father, no doubt.”
“Among others.”
By the time dinner arrived, Emma had forgotten most of her nervousness.
Daniel was funny, attentive, and surprisingly thoughtful. He asked questions and seemed genuinely interested in her answers.
She found herself laughing more than she had in weeks.
When they finished their meal, the waiter approached with dessert.
Daniel immediately noticed a chocolate pastry.
“That looks wonderful.”
“It does,” Emma agreed.
“Shall we?”
“Oh, I really shouldn’t.”
“Why not?”
“We’ve already eaten so much.”
“Then we’ll share one.”
She hesitated.
“I don’t know.”
“One dessert. Two people. Surely that sounds reasonable.”
She smiled.
“You’re very persuasive.”
“Only when the cause is worthy.”
She looked once more at the pastry.
“Well, perhaps just one.”
When it arrived, Daniel took the first spoonful and offered it to her.
Emma looked around.
“Daniel! People are watching.”
“Then we’d better not disappoint them.”
She laughed just as he brought the spoon toward her mouth.
A little chocolate landed on her napkin.
“Oh, you’ve made a terrible mess!”
“Then perhaps you’d better demonstrate the proper technique.”
She took the spoon, gathered a small bite, and held it toward him.
He accepted it with exaggerated elegance.
“Perfect.”
“The dessert?”
“That, too.”
They laughed until Emma’s cheeks hurt.
For a few wonderful moments, she forgot every reason she’d almost stayed home.
She wasn’t worried about her father’s opinion, her own shyness, or whether she’d made the right decision.
She was simply enjoying herself.
When they finally left the restaurant, Daniel offered to walk her home.
She accepted.
And when he asked whether he might see her again, she smiled.
“I think that would be lovely.”
Years later, neither of them would remember precisely what they had eaten that evening, how much the dinner cost, or what the other people in the restaurant had been wearing.
But they would remember the dessert.
They would remember the spoon.
And they would remember the laughter.
⸻
Chapter Three: A Change of Heart
James did not immediately warm to Daniel.
He continued questioning the young man’s ambitions, offering advice that hadn’t been requested, and reminding Emma that marriage required considerably more than affection.
Daniel, to his credit, remained patient.
He visited often.
He helped James with repairs around the house, assisted Emma’s mother whenever she needed something, and listened respectfully when James offered his opinions.
Occasionally, Daniel even followed his advice.
That surprised James most of all.
One afternoon, the two men were repairing a loose gate.
“You know,” James said, “I still think you spend too much time talking about what you’re going to do someday.”
Daniel tightened a bolt.
“Probably.”
“Then why don’t you concentrate on what you’re doing now?”
“Because what I’m doing now is helping me get where I want to be.”
James considered that.
“Hmm.”
Daniel smiled.
“Besides, some of my plans are already coming together.”
“Such as?”
“Emma has agreed to marry me.”
James stopped working.
For a moment, he said nothing.
Then he looked down at the gate.
“Well, I suppose that explains why she’s been smiling so much lately.”
Daniel waited.
Finally, James held out his hand.
“Congratulations.”
Daniel shook it.
“Thank you, sir.”
“But don’t mistake this for my approval of every idea that enters your head.”
“I wouldn’t dream of it.”
James almost smiled.
The wedding was beautiful.
James walked Emma down the aisle and placed her hand in Daniel’s.
Later, during the celebration, he raised his glass.
“I’ve spent a good deal of time wondering whether this young man would ever amount to anything.”
A few guests laughed nervously.
James smiled.
“Well, he’s managed to convince the finest young woman I know to marry him. So I suppose he’s accomplished something.”
Everyone laughed.
Daniel grinned.
“And I hope,” James continued, “that the two of you have a long and wonderful life together.”
He paused.
“Just remember to visit your parents occasionally.”
Emma hugged him.
“We will, Papa.”
Over time, James and Daniel became close.
They worked on projects together, discussed business, exchanged advice, and sometimes spent entire afternoons talking.
Daniel discovered that his father-in-law possessed a lifetime of practical knowledge.
James discovered that Daniel’s ambition was supported by intelligence, determination, and a willingness to work.
Neither man ever completely stopped arguing.
But their disagreements gradually became something they both enjoyed.
Then Emma and Daniel welcomed a daughter.
They named her Lily.
And James discovered a kind of happiness he hadn’t known existed.
He was absolutely captivated by his granddaughter.
The man who once complained about Daniel’s frequent visits now found reasons to invite the family over.
He took Lily for walks, told her stories, and watched in amazement as she learned to recognize his voice.
Every time she visited, James would settle into his favorite chair and make a peculiar whistling sound that sounded something like a bird with the hiccups.
Lily found it hilarious.
Her grandmother found it ridiculous.
“James, you’re going to frighten the child.”
“Nonsense. She loves it.”
He whistled again.
Lily squealed with laughter.
“See?”
Before long, Lily was attempting to imitate him.
The sound that came out was nothing like a bird, but James declared it the finest whistling he’d ever heard.
It became their little tradition.
Whenever Lily entered the room, she would purse her lips and make her grandfather’s peculiar sound.
And wherever James happened to be, he would whistle back.
One afternoon, Lily fell asleep in his arms.
James remained perfectly still, reluctant to disturb her.
Emma watched from the doorway.
“You can put her down, Papa.”
“I know.”
“Your arm must be getting tired.”
“It’s fine.”
“She’s been asleep for nearly an hour.”
James looked down at his granddaughter.
“Then I suppose I’ve had nearly an hour of good fortune.”
Emma smiled and left him alone.
A little while later, Daniel arrived to find James still sitting in the same chair.
“She’s got you trained rather well,” Daniel whispered.
James looked up.
“I’ve been dealing with you for years. This little girl is no trouble at all.”
Daniel laughed softly.
And James smiled down at the sleeping child.
⸻
Chapter Four: The Ordinary Days
Emma and Daniel built a comfortable life together.
Not every day was exciting.
There were bills to pay, work to finish, household responsibilities, and nights when they were too tired to do much more than sit quietly together.
Daniel’s career required long hours.
Emma devoted much of her time to Lily and their home.
They saved carefully, hoping someday to provide their daughter with opportunities they hadn’t enjoyed themselves.
But they also made time for little pleasures.
Sometimes Daniel surprised Emma with flowers.
Sometimes Emma prepared his favorite meal for no particular reason.
And occasionally, when they were out together, Daniel would order a chocolate dessert and offer her the first bite.
“For old times’ sake,” he’d say.
She would pretend to be embarrassed.
And he would pretend he’d forgotten how to hold a spoon.
One afternoon, Daniel arrived home earlier than expected.
“Get your coat.”
Emma looked up from her sewing.
“Why?”
“We’re going out.”
“Where?”
“Does it matter?”
“Usually.”
He smiled.
“It’s a beautiful afternoon.”
“I have things to finish.”
“They’ll still be here tomorrow.”
“That’s what you always say.”
“And I’m usually right.”
She glanced at the work spread across the table.
She’d planned to finish it before evening. There were things to put away, letters to answer, and other responsibilities waiting.
She could easily tell him no.
Instead, she set down her needle.
“Very well. But if I fall behind, I’m blaming you.”
“I’ll accept full responsibility.”
They took Lily to a park and spent hours walking beneath the trees, watching her chase birds and laugh at the smallest things.
At one point, Lily became fascinated with a particularly determined duck that seemed convinced Daniel had something to eat.
The bird followed him along the path.
Daniel walked faster.
So did the duck.
Emma laughed.
“I believe you’ve made a friend.”
“I don’t think friendship is what he has in mind.”
The duck gave an indignant quack.
Lily began laughing so hard that Daniel finally stopped and bowed politely to his pursuer.
“My apologies, sir. I’ve nothing to offer.”
The duck quacked again.
“Well, there’s no pleasing some people.”
For years afterward, whenever Daniel complained about an unusually demanding customer at work, Emma would ask whether he’d been dealing with that duck again.
It never failed to make him laugh.
But there were other invitations they declined.
Sometimes Daniel was exhausted after work.
Sometimes Emma preferred to stay home rather than spend money.
Sometimes they postponed visits because the weather was unpleasant or because the following morning promised to be busy.
And sometimes those were the right decisions.
There were evenings when a good night’s sleep was precisely what they needed.
There were purchases they were glad they’d resisted, and expenses they were grateful they’d avoided.
Yet occasionally, an opportunity they passed up left them with regrets.
Once, Daniel declined an invitation to spend an evening with an old friend because he wanted to finish some work.
The friend moved away soon afterward.
“I wish I’d gone,” Daniel admitted.
“You couldn’t have known he was leaving.”
“I know.”
“You had important things to do.”
“I know that, too.”
He was quiet for a moment.
“The funny thing is, I can’t even remember what I was working on that evening.”
Emma reached for his hand.
Another time, Emma nearly declined an invitation to sing with a group of friends because she was embarrassed to perform in front of others.
Daniel encouraged her.
“You have a beautiful voice.”
“You’re supposed to say that.”
“Then it’s fortunate I mean it.”
She eventually agreed.
She was nervous.
She missed a note.
And she enjoyed herself tremendously.
Afterward, she couldn’t wait to tell Daniel about it.
That evening, he asked whether she would sing something for him.
She shook her head.
“Oh, absolutely not.”
Daniel laughed.
“So you’ll sing in front of a room full of people, but not your own husband?”
“Precisely.”
“Should I be offended?”
“Terribly.”
Then, when he least expected it, she began to sing.
Daniel listened without interrupting.
When she finished, he applauded enthusiastically.
Emma bowed.
“Thank you. I shall be appearing here again tomorrow.”
“I’ll reserve a seat.”
And she laughed.
⸻
Chapter Five: The Offer
The letter arrived on an otherwise ordinary morning.
Daniel read it twice.
Then a third time.
Emma noticed his expression.
“Good news?”
He looked up.
“I think it might be.”
The letter contained an offer from a successful company overseas.
It was the sort of position Daniel had dreamed about for years.
The salary was generous. The prospects for advancement were excellent. And the experience could eventually allow him to establish a business of his own.
There was only one problem.
Accepting meant moving.
Not to another neighborhood.
Not even to another town.
They would be leaving their country, their families, and nearly everything familiar.
Emma read the letter carefully.
“That’s a long way from home.”
“I know.”
“We wouldn’t be able to see Mama and Papa whenever we wanted.”
“No.”
“And what about Lily?”
Daniel looked toward their daughter playing nearby.
“I think she could have a wonderful life there.”
“She has a wonderful life here.”
“She does.”
Emma set the letter down.
“Then why leave?”
Daniel thought carefully before answering.
“Because I believe we could give her even more.”
For several weeks, they discussed the opportunity.
They calculated expenses, considered the uncertainties, and tried to imagine the kind of life they might build.
Some evenings, they were excited.
Other evenings, they were frightened.
Their home was comfortable.
Their families were close.
Daniel was already succeeding in his work.
They weren’t unhappy.
But the offer was exceptional, and opportunities like it did not come along often.
One evening, Emma asked him a question.
“What if we go and regret it?”
Daniel considered that.
“Then we’ll have to find a way to make things better.”
“And what if we stay?”
He smiled faintly.
“Then perhaps we’ll spend the rest of our lives wondering what might have happened.”
Emma looked toward Lily, who was sleeping peacefully.
“I wish we knew which decision was right.”
“So do I.”
She rested her head against his shoulder.
“Do you remember our first date?”
“Of course.”
“I almost didn’t go.”
“I remember.”
“Papa thought I should stay home.”
“He had his reasons.”
“And if I’d listened?”
Daniel looked at her.
“Then I suppose I’d have spent a great deal of time trying to persuade you to accept another invitation.”
She laughed.
“But perhaps I wouldn’t have.”
“Perhaps not.”
She glanced toward their daughter.
“Then all this…”
She didn’t finish the sentence.
She didn’t need to.
For a long time, they sat quietly.
Then Emma reached for the letter.
“Let’s go.”
Daniel looked at her.
“Are you certain?”
“No.”
She smiled.
“But I don’t think I’ll ever be certain.”
And they made their decision.
⸻
Chapter Six: The Hardest Goodbye
James was devastated when they told him.
“You’re taking my little girl away?”
Emma smiled sadly.
“Papa, I’m not so little anymore.”
“I’m talking about Lily.”
She laughed, but her father wasn’t smiling.
“You’re going to take her so far away that I won’t be able to see her whenever I please.”
“We’ll visit.”
“When?”
“As often as we can.”
“Which won’t be often.”
Emma couldn’t argue.
He was right.
Travel would be expensive, and the distance would make ordinary visits impossible.
Her parents would miss birthdays, holidays, and countless everyday moments.
James would miss Lily learning new words, developing new interests, and growing into the little girl he loved more with every passing day.
And Emma would miss having her parents nearby.
When she needed advice, she couldn’t simply walk over.
When she felt overwhelmed, her mother wouldn’t be there to help with Lily.
All of those were real sacrifices.
“Why can’t you stay?” James asked.
“Because we believe this is a wonderful opportunity.”
“You’ve got a good life here.”
“I know.”
“Then why isn’t it enough?”
Emma considered his question.
“It is enough, Papa. But perhaps there’s something wonderful waiting for us there, too.”
“And perhaps there isn’t.”
“That’s true.”
He looked at her for a long moment.
“I’ve spent my whole life trying to help you make good decisions.”
“And you have.”
“Then why won’t you listen to me?”
“I am listening.”
“You’re just not doing what I want.”
Emma smiled.
“No, Papa.”
He sighed.
Then he looked toward Lily, who was playing on the floor.
“Do you know what the happiest years of my life have been?”
Emma shook her head.
“The years since you married Daniel.”
She looked surprised.
“I thought you didn’t like him.”
“I didn’t.”
“Papa!”
“Well, not at first.”
He smiled.
“I was wrong about him.”
Emma laughed softly.
“Yes, you were.”
James looked toward the little girl on the floor.
Lily noticed him watching and immediately pursed her lips.
A peculiar little whistle escaped.
James answered with his familiar birdlike sound.
Lily giggled.
He smiled, but his eyes were moist.
“I don’t suppose I’ll hear that quite so often anymore.”
Emma reached for his hand.
“I know how much you love her.”
“More than I ever thought possible.”
He was quiet for a moment.
“That’s what makes this so difficult.”
Emma felt tears forming.
“I don’t want to leave you.”
“I know.”
“But I want to give my family a chance at something good.”
James nodded slowly.
He understood.
He didn’t like it.
But he understood.
Finally, he said, “Then I suppose I have another decision to make.”
“What decision?”
“Whether I’m going to spend the time we have left together being angry that you’re leaving, or being grateful that you’re still here.”
Emma smiled through her tears.
“And?”
He opened his arms.
“Come here, sweetheart.”
She embraced him.
For the remaining weeks before their departure, James made the most of every opportunity to be with his family.
He visited often.
He took Lily for walks.
He spent evenings talking with Daniel about the new position and offering whatever advice he could.
Sometimes he still expressed doubts.
But he no longer allowed those doubts to overshadow the time they had together.
On their last evening, the family gathered for dinner.
Rose prepared everyone’s favorite dishes.
They ate, laughed, remembered old stories, and talked about the future.
When it grew late, Emma suggested they should go.
“One more cup of tea,” James said.
“Papa, Lily is getting tired.”
“Just a little longer.”
Daniel looked at Emma.
She smiled.
“All right. One more.”
They stayed.
James brought out an old box of photographs, and before long, everyone was laughing at pictures of Emma as a little girl.
She protested when Daniel found one of her wearing an enormous hat.
“Oh, that’s dreadful!”
Daniel studied it.
“I think it’s rather charming.”
“You would.”
James laughed.
“She insisted on wearing that hat everywhere for nearly a month.”
“Papa!”
“Even to bed once.”
Daniel laughed so hard that Emma threatened to take the photograph away.
James carefully returned it to the box.
And for another precious hour, he enjoyed having everyone he loved gathered around the same table.
The following morning, it was time to say goodbye.
There were tears, embraces, promises to write, and assurances that they would see one another again.
James held Lily until the very last moment.
Then he kissed her cheek and handed her to Emma.
“Take care of each other.”
“We will, Papa.”
He shook Daniel’s hand.
Then, unexpectedly, he pulled him into an embrace.
“I’m proud of you, son.”
Daniel’s voice caught.
“Thank you.”
James stepped back.
He wanted to ask them to stay.
Instead, he smiled.
“Go make yourselves a wonderful life.”
As the family departed, Lily turned in her mother’s arms and waved.
Then she pursed her lips.
A tiny, imperfect whistle floated back toward her grandfather.
James smiled.
And he whistled back.
⸻
Chapter Seven: A New Beginning
The journey began with excitement.
Their accommodations were more luxurious than Emma had expected, and the enormous vessel offered comforts she’d scarcely imagined possible at sea.
Daniel had insisted on making the trip special.
“We’ve worked hard to reach this point,” he told her. “I think we ought to enjoy it.”
Emma had initially questioned the expense.
There would be plenty of bills to pay when they arrived.
A new home to find.
Furniture to purchase.
Countless things they’d need.
But Daniel had planned carefully, and they could afford the extra comfort without risking their savings.
Eventually, she agreed.
Now, as they explored the beautiful surroundings, she was grateful for his insistence.
They walked along the deck, listened to music, and spent hours talking about the life ahead of them.
Lily was fascinated by nearly everything.
She loved watching the water, greeting other passengers, and exploring the unfamiliar surroundings with her parents.
One afternoon, Daniel suggested they spend some time outside even though the air was chilly.
Emma hesitated.
“It’s rather cold.”
“We’ll wrap up warmly.”
“Lily might be uncomfortable.”
“Then we’ll come back inside.”
Emma smiled.
“You’re determined to enjoy every minute of this journey, aren’t you?”
“Why shouldn’t we?”
She looked around.
“Well, when you put it that way…”
They bundled Lily into her warmest clothes and went out.
The little girl laughed as the wind tugged at her father’s coat.
Daniel held her securely while Emma stood beside them.
For a while, they watched the ocean.
There was something extraordinary about being so far from everything familiar, surrounded by water, moving steadily toward a future none of them could see.
Emma slipped her hand into Daniel’s.
“Are you frightened?”
“A little.”
“Me too.”
He smiled.
“There’s still time to change our minds.”
“And do what? Swim home?”
They laughed.
Then Emma looked out toward the horizon.
“I miss Mama and Papa already.”
“So do I.”
“But I’m glad we’re doing this.”
Daniel squeezed her hand.
“So am I.”
They returned inside when Lily grew tired.
It had been a simple afternoon.
Nothing particularly exciting had happened.
But they had shared it together.
And that was enough.
⸻
Chapter Eight: For Old Times’ Sake
The dining room was beautiful.
Soft lighting reflected from polished surfaces and fine glassware. Waiters moved gracefully between tables while passengers enjoyed carefully prepared meals and quiet conversation.
Emma and Daniel had dressed for the evening.
Lily was resting in their accommodations under the care of the nursemaid who had accompanied them on the journey, giving the couple a little time alone.
It felt almost like a date.
Daniel was in an excellent mood.
He talked enthusiastically about the position awaiting him, the home they might find, and the many places he hoped to take Emma and Lily.
“You’ve planned our entire lives again,” Emma teased.
“Only the interesting parts.”
“And what about all the ordinary days?”
He smiled.
“Those are usually my favorites.”
She reached across the table and touched his hand.
“Mine too.”
Their meal was wonderful.
They lingered over the final course, laughing about something Lily had done earlier that afternoon.
Eventually, the waiter approached with dessert.
Emma’s eyes immediately settled on a chocolate éclair.
“Oh, that looks delicious.”
Daniel smiled.
“Then let’s have one.”
She hesitated.
“I really shouldn’t.”
“Why not?”
“You know why.”
“I assure you, I haven’t the faintest idea.”
“That blue dress.”
Daniel sighed dramatically.
“Not the blue dress again.”
“I still can’t fit into it properly. Not since Lily was born.”
“My dear, I love the woman in the dress considerably more than the dress itself.”
She laughed.
“That’s very sweet of you, but it doesn’t make the buttons fasten.”
“Well, then perhaps I’ll skip dessert as well.”
“Oh, don’t be silly. You should have something.”
Daniel looked down at his waistcoat and gave it a small tug.
“Actually, I believe I’ve been testing the limits of these buttons myself.”
Emma laughed.
“Perhaps we could both stand to be a little more careful.”
“Perhaps.”
The waiter waited politely.
Daniel looked at the dessert again.
Then he leaned toward his wife with a familiar smile.
“Come on, Emma. Just one. We’ll share it.”
She shook her head.
“Daniel…”
“One little dessert between the two of us.”
She smiled.
“You’re impossible.”
“I’ve been told that.”
He leaned closer.
“We can feed each other a bite, just like we did on our first date.”
Emma laughed.
“You mean when you dropped chocolate all over my napkin?”
“I was trying to impress you.”
“You were making a terrible mess.”
“And yet you married me anyway.”
“For reasons I still occasionally question.”
Daniel smiled.
“Do you remember how close you came to staying home that night?”
“Of course.”
“Your father nearly talked you out of it.”
“He certainly tried.”
“And if you’d listened to him?”
She looked at Daniel for a moment.
Then she smiled.
“I might have missed the best thing that ever happened to me.”
He took her hand.
“And I might have missed the best thing that ever happened to me.”
For a few seconds, neither spoke.
They simply looked at each other, remembering the evening when everything had begun.
Then Daniel glanced at the waiter.
“One chocolate éclair, please.”
Emma touched his arm.
“Wait.”
He looked at her.
“What is it?”
She glanced again at the tempting dessert.
“I really have been trying to watch what I eat.”
“I know.”
“And we’ve already had such a wonderful dinner.”
“That we have.”
“Perhaps we should skip it tonight.”
Daniel considered the suggestion.
He looked down at his waistcoat again.
Then he smiled.
“I suppose it wouldn’t hurt either of us to show a little restraint.”
“Exactly.”
He turned toward the waiter.
“On second thought, nothing further. Thank you.”
The waiter nodded politely and moved to the next table.
For a moment, Emma watched the desserts disappear.
Then she turned back to Daniel.
“You don’t mind?”
“Of course not.”
“You’re sure?”
He smiled.
“Darling, we’ve got the rest of our lives to share desserts.”
She laughed.
“And perhaps I’ll fit into that blue dress again someday.”
“And if you don’t?”
“Then I suppose I’ll have to buy another.”
“A splendid idea.”
He raised his glass.
“To our new life.”
She raised hers.
“To all the wonderful things waiting for us.”
Their glasses touched.
They continued talking about their daughter, their families, and the home they hoped to make.
Daniel told her about a gentleman he’d met earlier in the day who had offered some useful business advice.
Emma laughed when he began explaining the details.
“Even at dinner, you can’t stop thinking about work.”
“Only because I’m so excited.”
“I know.”
He smiled.
“Don’t worry. Once we’re settled, I’ll make sure we have plenty of time for ourselves.”
She squeezed his hand.
“I’m going to hold you to that.”
“I hope you do.”
A little while later, they left the dining room together.
The waiter cleared their table, collected their glasses, and prepared it for the next guests.
Their evening had been lovely.
And the dessert was already forgotten.
⸻
Chapter Nine: Tomorrow
Later that night, Emma stood beside Lily’s bed, gently adjusting her blanket.
Daniel entered quietly.
“Is she asleep?”
“Finally.”
He smiled.
“She’s had quite an exciting day.”
“We all have.”
He stood beside Emma and looked down at their daughter.
“Do you suppose she’ll remember any of this?”
“Probably not.”
“That’s a shame.”
“She’s still so little.”
“I know. But someday I’d love for her to remember how happy we were.”
Emma rested her head against his shoulder.
“We’ll tell her.”
“And we’ll have plenty of new memories to make.”
“Yes.”
He slipped an arm around her.
“Can you believe we’re actually doing this?”
“Sometimes I can’t.”
“A new home. New friends. A new beginning.”
“And a great deal of work.”
“That too.”
She laughed softly.
For a while, they watched Lily sleep.
Then Emma looked up at him.
“Do you think Papa will be all right?”
“He’ll miss us.”
“I know.”
“But he’s proud of you.”
She smiled.
“He told you that?”
“In his own way.”
“I’m glad he finally accepted you.”
“So am I.”
“He could have spent all those years disapproving of you.”
“And missed the pleasure of telling me everything I do wrong?”
She laughed.
Daniel smiled.
“Your father has become one of my closest friends.”
“He loves you, you know.”
“I know.”
“And Lily…”
Daniel looked down at the sleeping child.
“I think she may love him more than either of us.”
“Sometimes I think so too.”
They laughed quietly.
Then Emma grew thoughtful.
“It’s strange, isn’t it?”
“What is?”
“How different everything might have been.”
Daniel looked at her.
“If I’d stayed home that first evening, we might never have met.”
“That’s true.”
“If Papa had refused to accept you, we might never have had those wonderful years together.”
“Perhaps.”
“And if we’d decided not to leave…”
She looked around their comfortable accommodations.
“We wouldn’t be here.”
Daniel nodded.
“No. We wouldn’t.”
For a moment, neither spoke.
Then Emma smiled.
“I suppose we’ll never know what might have happened if we’d made different choices.”
“No,” Daniel said. “I suppose we won’t.”
He kissed her forehead.
“Come on. Let’s get some sleep.”
Emma glanced toward the little table beside their bed.
“You know, I think I might have enjoyed that dessert after all.”
Daniel laughed.
“I thought you might.”
“Perhaps we should have shared one.”
“Perhaps.”
She smiled.
“Well, there’s always tomorrow.”
“Of course there is.”
He took her hand.
“We’ll find a wonderful little restaurant once we’re settled. Just the two of us.”
“And you’ll feed me dessert?”
“Every bite, if you like.”
“Without dropping it in my lap?”
“I make no promises.”
She laughed and kissed him.
“Good night, Daniel.”
“Good night, my love.”
Soon the room was quiet.
Lily slept peacefully nearby.
Emma lay beside her husband, thinking about the home they would soon establish.
She imagined inviting her parents to visit.
She pictured Lily playing in a garden of her own.
And she imagined the three of them growing older together, filling their home with photographs, laughter, and wonderful stories.
Daniel reached for her hand beneath the covers.
She smiled and closed her eyes.
Outside, the great ship continued steadily through the darkness.
The sea was calm.
The night was clear.
Somewhere along the passageway, a door closed softly.
Then, without warning, a faint vibration passed through the room.
A glass of water beside the bed trembled.
Emma opened her eyes.
“Daniel?”
He stirred.
“What is it?”
“Did you feel that?”
He listened.
For several seconds, neither spoke.
Then came a strange, distant sound, almost like something dragging along the outside of the ship.
Daniel sat up.
“I felt something.”
Emma looked toward Lily.
Their daughter was still asleep.
“Do you think something’s wrong?”
Daniel hesitated.
“I don’t know.”
Somewhere beyond their door, footsteps hurried along the passageway.
He looked at Emma.
She looked back at him.
Then, without another word, they both reached for their daughter.
The End
⸻
An Afterthought From the Author
The family you’ve just met never existed.
At least, not exactly as I’ve written them.
But the voyage was real.
The magnificent ship carrying Emma, Daniel, and Lily was the RMS Titanic.
And the strange vibration they felt that evening was the ship striking an iceberg shortly before midnight on April 14, 1912.
By the following morning, more than 1,500 people had lost their lives.
I deliberately chose not to reveal what happened to our fictional family.
Perhaps they survived.
Perhaps they didn’t.
We know the fate of the Titanic, but we don’t know what might have happened to this particular family had they actually existed.
And that uncertainty is central to why I wanted to tell this story.
I’ve often wondered how many people aboard Titanic declined an invitation, postponed a pleasure, or promised someone they’d do something special another day.
Perhaps someone turned down dessert because they were watching their weight.
Perhaps someone went to bed early because they wanted to be rested the following morning.
Perhaps someone postponed a conversation, a photograph, or an evening with someone they loved because they believed there would always be another opportunity.
Those would have seemed like perfectly ordinary decisions.
And most of them were probably sensible.
But we know something those passengers didn’t.
We know what happened next.
Of course, that doesn’t mean every decision they made should be judged by the tragedy that followed.
Emma nearly declined her first date with Daniel. She went, and it led to love, marriage, and a daughter.
James nearly allowed his disapproval of Daniel to interfere with their happiness. Instead, he chose to welcome his son-in-law into the family and gained years of friendship and wonderful memories with his granddaughter.
When James learned they were moving away, he could have spent their remaining weeks arguing and worrying. Instead, he chose to enjoy the time they had left.
Emma and Daniel worked hard, saved their money, and made sacrifices to create a better future for their family.
They also occasionally set aside their responsibilities to enjoy life’s smaller pleasures.
And then there was the dessert.
A simple chocolate éclair.
An opportunity to revisit the memory of their first evening together.
They declined because they were trying to take care of themselves.
There’s nothing inherently wrong with that.
But they also assumed the opportunity would come again.
And that’s what makes me wonder.
How many times have I done the same thing?
How many invitations have I declined because I didn’t want to be tired the next morning?
How many opportunities have I passed up because I was working, saving money, feeling shy, or simply waiting for a more convenient time?
Sometimes those were the right decisions.
Other times, I have regrets.
And I suspect I’m not alone.
We save money for the future. We protect our possessions from wear. We conserve our energy. We make sacrifices for our health. We postpone pleasures because we believe there will be a better opportunity later.
Often, there is.
But sometimes there isn’t.
And sometimes we discover that what we were saving was never quite as valuable as what we gave up to preserve it.
I don’t believe the answer is to say yes to everything.
That would be irresponsible, and sometimes dangerous.
There are risks that aren’t worth taking, expenses we cannot afford, and sacrifices that would do more harm than good.
Sleep matters. Health matters. Financial security matters. The people who depend on us matter.
Living responsibly and maintaining good health can give us a better chance of enjoying many more tomorrows.
But nothing guarantees tomorrow, and no amount of planning can bring back yesterday.
There’s wisdom in preparing for the future.
There’s also wisdom in recognizing when the present deserves our attention.
Because sometimes the most meaningful parts of our lives aren’t the grand accomplishments we’ve spent years pursuing.
They’re the unexpected afternoons.
The conversations that lasted longer than we’d planned.
The laughter we didn’t see coming.
The people we almost never met.
And the little moments we might have missed had we made a different decision.
We cannot always know which opportunities will become treasured memories.
We cannot predict every consequence.
And we certainly cannot see everything that lies ahead of us.
Much like an iceberg, some of life’s greatest uncertainties remain hidden beneath the surface until we’re almost upon them.
Perhaps the best we can do is make thoughtful decisions, take care of ourselves and those we love, and remember to appreciate the life we’re living while we’re busy planning the one we hope to have.
After all, the purpose of preparing for tomorrow should be to help us enjoy the tomorrows we’re fortunate enough to receive.
And sometimes, the memories we make today become the most valuable things we carry into them.
⸻
A Few Questions Before You Go
1. Emma nearly declined her first date with Daniel. Had she stayed home, she might never have experienced the love, marriage, and family that followed. But what if the relationship hadn’t worked out? Would staying home have been the wiser decision?
2. James initially disapproved of Daniel, yet his decision to accept him brought years of friendship and happiness. Have you ever allowed pride, fear, or a first impression to keep you from something that might have enriched your life?
3. When James learned his family was leaving, he chose to enjoy their remaining time together rather than spend it trying to change their minds. If you knew that time with someone you loved was limited, would you spend it differently?
4. Emma and Daniel sacrificed the security of having their families nearby to pursue a better future. Knowing the ship they boarded, do you believe they made a mistake? Would your answer change if they’d reached their destination safely?
5. The couple declined dessert because they wanted to be healthier. Was that a responsible decision, or did they miss an opportunity to create one more special memory? Could both be true?
6. Have you ever passed up an experience because you didn’t want to spend the money, lose sleep, feel embarrassed, put miles on your car, or interrupt your routine? Looking back, are you glad you did?
And finally, one more question.
Before you decide what saying yes to an opportunity might cost you, have you considered what saying no might cost you instead?
What are you leaving on the table?
— Rob Smith