At one point in his life, the silver band symbolized his commitment. Till death do us part, they both recited. Death had parted them.

Moving on, healing, started in the smallest ways. He found happiness in the moments he once overlooked. He developed a love for life. Things with Olivia were shifting. Shifting, growing, transforming into what he never imagined reality to be.

They'd shared more stories about the past decade, relearning who they now were and who they are now. Together, two halves became a whole.

It was as if they'd become a new family - and everyone was okay with it. His children encouraged him. She was the only one that held the antidote for his pain. The one who knew him, even the parts of himself he wished he could forget.

—

Today's the day...

His fingertips dragged along the wooden box, a solemn smile present. For the first time in nearly half of his life, his ring finger would be bare. While taking a deep breath, he slowly wiggled it off until it was between his thumb and index finger. He examined it for a moment - it was scratched, worn. Like him. He held it in his hand while voicing a prayer under his breath. "...amen."

It was placed in a small, wooden box to store as a keepsake for his children. Maybe one day they'd appreciate what it once meant to him. Their marriage wasn't all bad, it simply wasn't the life meant for him.

—

Olivia had a relatively easy day filled with a mixture of paperwork and phone calls. By 6 PM she opened the door to her apartment. A quick shower and a change of clothes later, she was prepared for the evening with Elliot. Things were... different. They've always walked a dangerous line, but right now the line was defined. He was a grieving widow, she was his friend.

Getting to his apartment would've been faster, had there not been traffic. This gave her time to ponder on life since his return.

Evenings together weren't usual. They often talked about work, family, and the healing process. Their children got along, they returned to comfortability, and the sense of ease that brought them together. After 10 long years, she was grateful to be in her partner's life - even if she desired more.

She parked in her usual spot and made her way through the lobby. She wondered what tonight would hold - how he'd impress her next. Last weekend he opened up to her about his desire to explore new hobbies, such as art. They'd agreed to attend a cliché wine and paint event, under the agreement that no one else found out.

Smiling to herself, she straightened her jacket before giving the door a swift knock. "One minute!" He called out, followed by his distinct footsteps coming to the door.

"Liv. Hey."

She always took his breath away; tonight was no exception. It felt different. He was withholding information, something that would change them. The feeling was mutual; after all these years, something about him made her heart race. She felt youthful - alive - he awakened a part of her that no one else could.

"So..." He rubbed the nape of his neck, a smile that had hints of shyness formed on his lips. "I picked up a bottle of wine on my way home." He nodded to the counter, and retrieved their glasses. "I felt like..." He stalled, feeling as if his mouth was made of cotton. "Uh..."

Concern briefly came across her visage, though it was quickly dismissed. She thanked her training for a decent poker face. To give him time to collect his thoughts, she took a small sip. Her hand rested upon his forearm. "Talk to me." Her tone was gentle; easy to talk to.

He nodded. In contrast to her sip of wine, he took a gulp. A gesture toward the couch was all it took for him to find his footing again. "Look, Liv... I've been thinking a lot. About you. How much you've helped me, how you've been my... rock." His eyes focused on the ground; the flooring seemed to be the most interesting thing at the moment.

"I've enjoyed it, really." She took a sip of wine for herself. "The free drinks aren't too bad either." She cracked a small smile, her hands clasped on her lap.

"I took my ring off - it's in a box now. I—I'm keeping it for the kids."

All she could do was nod - she had no clue where any of this was headed.

"I just want you to know..." His piercing blue eyes met her brown orbs. "I'm ready."

—

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