"Well, he was happy for a while," Jimmy said softly, his gaze distant as he reflected on those days. "At least he had one reason to smile, something to distract him from his family problems. That was great to see, honestly."
He sighed, shaking his head lightly "Then, when he was around fifteen or sixteen, he started saying it was time. Time to propose to you."
Jimmy leaned back in his chair, rubbing the back of his neck with a faint, tired smile"I told him to just do it already, you know? But he'd always hesitate, coming up with excuses. He was terrified, Avey. Afraid of what he'd do if you rejected him."
Jimmy's voice grew a little sharper, frustration bleeding into his words"It wasn't about what other people would think he didn't care about that. He wasn't worried about being embarrassed in front of anyone else. It was you. He thought maybe you wouldn't be ready, or that he'd catch you off guard. He'd make up a thousand reasons in his head, overthinking every little thing."
