Love, After All: Part 3

The night of their dinner, Daisy Marie stood in front of her mirror, smoothing down the soft fabric of her dress. It had been years since she’d felt the nervous anticipation of a first date. Even though she and Jimmie had spent countless hours talking at Bound & Bejeweled, this felt different. More intimate. More intentional.

Jimmie had suggested a quiet, candle-lit restaurant nestled in a corner of downtown—nothing too fancy, just somewhere they could talk without the hum of a coffee shop in the background. When Daisy arrived, she found him already waiting outside, dressed in a crisp navy button-down and dark slacks.

The moment their eyes met, Jimmie’s breath caught in his throat.

“Wow,” he murmured, his gaze trailing over her effortlessly elegant form. “You look… breathtaking.”

Daisy smiled, tucking a loc behind her ear. “You’re not looking too bad yourself, Mr. Jimmie.”

He chuckled and opened the door for her, leading her into the cozy restaurant. Dim lighting flickered against exposed brick walls, and the soft strumming of a jazz guitarist filled the space.

As they settled into their table, the conversation picked up as naturally as it always did. They spoke about childhood memories, their dreams, and the wounds they were still healing from.

“I really thought my last relationship was it,” Jimmie admitted, swirling his glass of wine. “I had the whole future mapped out. Turns out, love doesn’t work on a schedule.”

Daisy nodded, her fingers tracing the rim of her water glass. “I thought forever had an expiration date,” she said softly. “But maybe it’s just that some loves prepare you for the right one.”

Jimmie studied her, admiration deepening. “And what do you think the right one looks like?”

She met his gaze, her hazelnut eyes warm yet cautious. “I don’t know yet. But I do know that for the first time in a long time, I don’t mind figuring it out.”

Jimmie reached across the table, hesitating for only a second before letting his fingers graze hers. Daisy didn’t pull away. Instead, she let the moment settle, comfortable in the quiet promise lingering between them.

When dinner ended, Jimmie walked her to her car, the crisp night air swirling around them.

“I had a great time tonight,” he said, rubbing the back of his neck.

“Me too.” Daisy hesitated, then took a step closer. “Maybe next time, I’ll take you somewhere.”

Jimmie smiled. “I’d like that.”

He wanted to kiss her, but he didn’t rush it. Instead, he let the night end the way their story had begun—slow, steady, and full of possibility.