I’ve never seen what I would consider gourmet sandwiches before, and they’re pretty incredible. Every piece is laid out for us to assemble, in a lavish arrangement of various sauces, cuts, and accoutrements that accentuate and complement each other.

I’m almost overwhelmed by the vast display, but at the same time, I feel like no combination can go wrong.

“One month!” Jaxon says to me, smiling warmly. “One month at your own practice, and you’ve already done so much good. I’ve spoken with your patients personally, and everyone has nothing but good and respectful things to say about you. I’m so incredibly proud of you, Ali.”

I’m radiating with pride at his words. “Well, none of it could’ve been possible without you, Jaxon,” I say.

“Oh, please. You deserve it all, and you know I’m here to give you the world. I love you, Alison.”

“I love you, too, Mr. Jaxon Covington.” I grasp his hands tightly in mine.

I mean it too. I miss the man he was, the one I first laid eyes on, but I’m so happy he’s well now.

That man was sick…extremely tantalizing, but sick.

It was my job, my imperative as a doctor and as someone who cared very deeply for him to make sure he was well.

But now, look where it’s gotten us both.

A perfectly clear record for him, and a loving life for the both of us. I couldn’t be happier, I think.

“Ali, there’s something I’ve wanted to say for a while now,” Jaxon begins. “You’ve truly turned me around. I had everything—and yet, I was always missing something. I’m so happy to have found that one thing was you. Both my life and mind are so much more complete.” He tries to reach into his jacket to pull something out. “I want to make that a little more perma—”

A sudden cough from the waiter beside him interrupts his train of thought. I can see he’s visibly annoyed.

“Ahem, sir. Are you two doing well?” the waiter asks.

Jaxon grits his teeth, struggling to not lash out.

“Yes, we’re fine. If you please…”

“Would you like to take a look at our wine menu?”

“I’m fairly certain I know more about the wines you have than you do, but thank you. Now…”

“Will the two of you be interested in any dessert?”

Jaxon slams his fist on the table, speaking harshly through his teeth. “We’ve barely even touched our lunch and are trying to have a rather important conversation. Now. If. You. Please.”

The waiter raises his nose and leaves in a huff.

“Basic fucking decency…” Jaxon says, shaking his head. “You’d think at a place this nice, they’d have some fucking training!”

I grip his hand firmly, trying to calm him some. He takes a deep breath as our heat mixes, calming slightly.

“This is still a special day, and I want to make it count,” he says with a deep breath. He pulls a small black box from inside his jacket.

I cover my mouth, barely stifling a gasp. My heart flutters as he drops to one knee in front of me and opens the box to reveal a beautiful rose gold ring studded with glorious shining stones and topped with the biggest, most luminous diamond I’ve ever seen in my entire life.

“Alison…my loving Doctor Hughes…will you marry me and become Mrs. Covington?”

“Oh my gosh, Jaxon…oh my god, yes, yes, yes!” I squeal, causing a few heads to turn.

Jaxon stands up, and slides the beautiful ring onto my finger. “Look at that—a perfect fit!”

I jump up and wrap my arms around him hard, pressing our lips together fiercely. My heart has never felt so full.

However, seeing his smile even in this moment is still bittersweet. I’ve changed him.

Sure, it was part of his treatment, but did I have the right? He didn’t want to be fixed. He may say he’s happy now, but still…

“Sir, your check?” the waiter returns, jarring me from my thoughts.

“We’re not even finished—fine, whatever. Here’s my card.” Jaxon waves him away.

The waiter makes a strange, annoyed noise and stomps off in a huff again.

I can see the annoyance building in his face. I pull him closer to me, trying to help him hold back. This is an important day, and we can’t let a little annoyance taint it.

“Jaxon…” I start, trying to stare into his eyes. The moment they meet, I see a visible calm spread across him. “Let’s finish our lunch, okay? Then we’ll go somewhere else to finish our celebration.”

He nods quietly and returns to his seat across from me. I throw him occasional smiles and nudge him with my foot, all trying to ease him out of his little funk, but to no avail. I know his mind is in turmoil.

Fixed or not, there are still latent issues with disrespect that he’s obviously struggling with.

We manage to finish our meal in peace, though a little depressingly quiet. The best I’ve been able to do is keep the air somewhat stable; he’s still refusing to make eye contact or pick up any conversation.

I know it will be better after we leave, but still…

Finally, the waiter returns with the final check, and sets it down next to Jaxon.

“Jaxon, is there anything else you’d like?” I ask. He remains silent.

“Ahem…” coughs the waiter. “Mr. Jack?”

A shudder runs across Jaxon’s whole form. He lays his hands flat in front of him, one hand resting on his silverware, his fingertips slowly playing with the silver knife.

I lay my hands on top of his, and his eyes lift to meet mine. I see so much struggle behind them. He wants so badly to adhere to the treatment, to show me he’s the person I’ve molded him into.

I shouldn’t have done that.

I shouldn’t have tampered with his mind.

He’s a beautiful man with a fantastic self, and I…miss that.

I miss the real him.

I close my hand around his, letting his fingers wrap around the knife. Our eyes are locked together, and I smile widely, giving an almost imperceptible smile.

A cold, mirthless smile crosses his face.