I Married a Terminally Ill Man Because It Was His Final Wish – After His Funeral, His Lawyer Knocked on My Door and Said, 'He Made Me Wait Until Today to Tell You Who He Really Was'

"Did I tell you what happened at work yesterday?"

He shook his head.

I launched into a ridiculous story about a volunteer locking herself inside the supply closet. I added details until Carl's shoulders loosened.

By the time I finished, he was smiling.

"Did I tell you what happened at work yesterday?"

"You did that on purpose," he said softly.

"Did what?"

He looked down at the board, a calculating stillness settling into his gaze.

I did not understand why.

"You did that on purpose."

***

A week later, I found him wearing a pressed blue shirt. A small velvet box sat beside his tea.

"Marry me, Selena," he said.

I nearly dropped the grocery bag.

He gave a tired smile.

"I know how that sounds."

"Marry me, Selena."

"We have known each other four months."

"Four very competitive months," he corrected.

I did not laugh.

Carl folded his hands, and the humor left his face.