They were betrothed in early autumn, and now he brought her flowers on his daily visits. Flowers bought in Nottingham the first day, and hand-picked flowers the second day.
The third day, the mixed bouquet had a single, late-blooming rose in the middle. It had a deep shade of pink with an enticing fragrance.
"I am a late bloomer, just like that rose," she joked while admiring the flowers. "Late to be married."
"I am a late bloomer too," he replied. "Late in realising what really matters to me."
Within her, something started to blossom.
~fin~
