“Daniel has offered me the opportunity of a lifetime. But I feel I can’t be happy unless you are.”
Katherine let out a couple of soft crying sounds. It was breaking Daniel’s heart, but he knew he couldn’t interrupt; it wasn’t his place.
“Katherine, you have gone your entire life trying to please everyone but yourself. You should be in love, happy, enjoying your youth. You have to give yourself permission to be happy. I know this Daniel guy really loves you. I could see it in his eyes when he was in here, and I could see it in his eyes when he was looking for you at the bar.”
“Uncle Andy, we’re just friends. Daniel needs to be with someone who has their act a little more together than I do. All I am is a burden.”
“Do you love him, Katherine?”
“I really like him. He’s not the type of guy I thought he was. He has a really good heart, and he’s very kind to me.”
“Do you love him?”
“The whole time I was gone, I felt torn. I ran from Prairie because of my own fears.”
“Answer my question, Katherine.”
“Yes, I love him. I’ve loved him for a long time. I just didn’t want to let myself care about someone who would leave.” Katherine looked at her uncle with her water-filled eyes. “I just wish he loved me. I think he cares about me, but he isn’t in love.”
“You go be with him, Katherine. That’s what would make me happy.”
“What if he doesn’t want me? I would be devastated if he didn’t feel the way I do.”
“Daniel is a good man. You hold your beautiful chin up and stop fighting life. Don't waste time, Katherine, it's precious. Once it's gone, it doesn't come back. If you love someone you need to tell them. I have to get some rest so I can mend up and go home. Your home is in Daniel. So, Katherine, go home.”
Daniel left the unit and ran out of the hospital as fast as he could. His heart was pounding, and the smile on his face was huge. No woman had ever said they loved him. He didn't give them the opportunity. Daniel didn't stick around long enough.
Katherine went into her room and took her clothes off to soak in the tub. She didn’t even know which room Daniel was in. He could have left for all she knew. She doubted he was even concerned about it. She closed her eyes and let the tears blend in with the water that she wished she’d never have to get out of.
Daniel paced inside of his room. One thing he wasn’t prepared for was Katherine’s love. He felt like that was way beyond his reach. If she only knew how hard it was for him to get the room next door, especially when another couple was demanding the same room. But he had to stay close to her. That ended up being an expensive persuasion. He didn’t care. Daniel was willing to move mountains for this woman.
Katherine climbed out of the tub and put on her yellow robe. It felt so soft and warm. She needed to get some fresh air and hopefully clear her head. If she was going to tell Daniel what was in her heart, she’d have to find the strength to endure the painful words she didn’t want to hear. The sun had set, but there wasn’t much of a breeze when she stepped outside and took a deep breath.
Daniel heard her open the door wall. He saw Katherine with her chin lifted and eyes closed, taking slow, deep breaths. Her curls were loosely pinned up, and upon her face was a small smile. But when she opened her eyes, the smile disappeared. He stepped out on his balcony.
Katherine turned to see who it was that had stepped outside. She became self-conscious about being in just a robe and nothing else.
“Daniel, I didn’t realize you were in the room next door.”
He had no words for her. He just lifted up his hand and made a slight ‘come here’ motion. Then she turned and went back in her room. She took off her robe and put her jeans back on and a beautiful green sweater that Daniel had given to her, and walked over to his room. She softly knocked. I can do this.
Daniel opened the door slowly and stepped back in the room. Katherine cautiously entered.
“Daniel, are you okay? May I come in?”
Daniel turned the light on next to the bed and sat down at the small table. He pulled a chair out for her.
“Daniel, are you sure you’re okay?”
“No, I’m not okay. I want to talk to you.”
“Look, if it’s about coming with you to New York or about the money, I can pay—“
“Katherine, sit down please…”
Katherine sat down, never feeling so nervous in her life. She felt like a bomb was getting ready to be dropped on her life, once again.