Engaged? The word hit like a physical blow. I went perfectly still, not even breathing for a few long beats. At the same time, I became hyperaware of the sounds around me. The chatter of the baristas. The clink of the porcelain mugs. The tip-tap of fingers on computer keyboards.

Diana leaned forward and touched my wrist. “Are you okay?”

“James and Hannah were engaged?”

“Oh, my God. I’m so sorry—I thought you must’ve known that. I wouldn’t have said anything.”

“No. I didn’t know.” I exhaled shakily. “How long were they engaged for?”

“God.” Diana’s hand fluttered to her neck. “Are you really sure you want to know the details? I’m really sorry—I don’t want to upset you any more than I already have.”

“It’s not your fault.” I tried to smile at her, but I could tell from her stricken expression this didn’t reassure her. “James should have told me about this a long time ago. But, yes, I’d like to know.”

“Okay. I’ll tell you, but . . . look. It’s obvious you and James have a good marriage. You wouldn’t be down here, trying to find information that would help him, otherwise. I don’t want to cause any trouble.”

“You’re not causing any trouble, really. I just want to know the truth. No, it’s more than that: I need to know.”

Diana nodded, seeming resigned. “They got engaged that weekend of the camping trip. You know how pretty that drive down through the Keys is, right? We were crossing over one of the bridges. James was driving, and he suddenly pulled over onto the shoulder. We asked what he was doing, because it was a crazy place to stop—lots of traffic, nothing nearby. He didn’t answer. Instead, he got out of the car, walked around to the passenger side, and opened the door for Hannah to step out. We all got out at that point, because we had no idea what was going on. James just gazed at Hannah for a few beats. Then, he took her hand and said, ‘This is the most beautiful view I have ever seen, and I can’t think of anywhere more perfect to propose to the most beautiful person I’ve ever met. Will you marry me?’ She laughed, and threw her arms around him, and said, ‘Yes. A thousand times, yes.’ Honestly, I thought he was crazy at first, but it was the most romantic proposal I’ve ever seen.”

Even though I hadn’t been there, I could picture it perfectly in my mind. The taste of the salt in the air. The reflection of the water and endless sky beyond making the blue of Hannah’s eyes shine. And, worst of all, the tenderness in James’s expression as he looked at the woman he loved.