A challenge seems appropriate to prove that I’ve given—and expect—trust.
“Now?” she asks, thinking.
“No. You can choose the moment. Remember, I gave you trust, and I think I deserve something in return, don’t you?”
“And what do I get if I win?” she asks.
“A request. You can ask me for anything. But I have one condition.”
“What?”
“Surprise me. Your secret must surprise me, and you will earn a concession from me.”
“Anything I want?”
“As long as it doesn’t violate any family rule—yes, anything you want.”
“And what do you get if you win?”
“I loved the ‘if’,” I scoff. “You.”
“I don’t think that’s an option I have,” she laughs. “Did you forget there’s an agreement and I’m the prize?”
“Exactly. It has to be despite it. You have to be one hundred percent by my side—with or without the
