George set her gently on the bed, then sat beside her and began to undo the straps of her heels.

“I need to take a bath, George…” she murmured, barely above a whisper.

“Let me help you…” he replied, his voice soft, as he slid the heel off her right foot.

“No, I can do it myself.”

Her refusal was tender, not dismissive so he nodded.

He removed the second heel, and she pushed herself upright, leaning forward to kiss him again.

“Muah.”The tiny sound echoed between them, and they both broke into a smile when their lips parted.

“I planned to propose to you at the gala,” he admitted,...