The unused anticipation turns my stomach. Darren shifts backward, preparing to stand, but a nearby voice startles both of us.“May I at least be introduced before you set the wedding date?”Darren, still on one knee, scrambles to his feet, color spreading up his neck toward his ears.“Chiara!” I stand and smooth back my hair. “What—”She flashes a wicked smile. “I did not mean to interrupt. Per favore, carry on what you were doing.”Two girls with sandwiches quickly snatch the table we abandon, so we move closer to the building, away from the cliff side. Thunder rumbles in the darkened sky overhead.I say, “He was just—” at the same time Darren says, “I was just—” and we’re both tongue-tied.“I had something in my eye.”Chiara moves closer to us, making room for the other trail walkers taking shelter from the imminent downpour. A low hum purrs in her throat, hands resting purposefully on her hips.“Darren, this is Chiara, the friend I was telling you about.
