Keeley couldn't use herself as an example to tell her daughter what she needed to hear. She'd already shared too many partially true stories about her unconventional relationship with Aaron. Instead, she'd invent a fake college friend.

Violet only knew Keeley's actual college friends: Valentina, Jennica, and Erica. Fabricating a story about a non-existent friend would be easy enough.

"Your situation sounds a bit like one of my old college roommates'," Keeley said lightly. Seeing Violet's interest piqued, she continued. "She'd known this guy for a long time, and several misunderstandings led her to believe a romantic relationship was impossible.

"But she cared about him as a person and wanted him to be happy, as they'd been through a lot together. When she discovered he was in love with her, she was shocked and rejected him. They remained friends because he refused to leave her life. He loved her too much to go away, even though she didn't love him back."

Violet frowned. "That doesn't sound like my situation."

"I'm getting there!" Keeley reassured her. "Anyway, my roommate ended up spending more time with him and eventually accepted his sincerity, even though she wasn't in love. She cared too much to hurt him. She went through the motions of being his girlfriend for months and felt terribly guilty, even though he knew her feelings and said it was okay. Does this part sound familiar?"

Violet nodded, so Keeley continued. "The more time she spent being loved by this man, the more her feelings changed. Every reason she'd had for not loving him slowly disappeared until, one day, she realized her affection was romantic love."

Keeley simplified her story, omitting details like his family's disapproval and their initial conception due to a pregnancy—Violet was sharp and might notice inconsistencies.

She watched the wheels turning in Violet's head as she considered the story. Finally, Violet looked up and hesitantly asked, "What happened to them?"

"Oh, they're happily married with kids. They've been together for over twenty years now."

Twenty-six, to be exact. Keeley couldn't believe how much time had passed. The days she'd agonized over her conflicted feelings for her former husband seemed a lifetime ago.

She was still amazed by how well everything had turned out. She and Aaron had both suffered greatly to reach this point. In her past life, she never would have imagined being this happy with him.

She'd loved him then, but loved him even more now, since he'd cared enough about her feelings to change and grow. No one from Aaron's past would believe he'd become such a devoted family man.

Keeley used to wonder if things would have been different if Lacy hadn't conspired to kill their child and prevent her from having more. Then she realized they wouldn't have been.

Aaron likely would have treated their children as his father had treated him—he hadn't known any better back then. They would have been raised under the cold, harsh restrictions of high society, and Keeley would still have faced constant rejection.

No, they wouldn't have been happy then. It took losing his wife for Aaron to see the error of his ways, and it took fulfilling her dreams for Keeley to overcome her trauma enough to give him another chance.

"How long were they together before she fell in love with him?" Violet asked nervously.

Keeley had to think. She'd decided to stay with Aaron in September, and that's when they started acting like a couple. But she didn't realize she was in love with him until after Lacy's death the following summer.

"About nine months, if I remember correctly. You can't rush love, Vi. You and Noah have only been a couple for two months. I know it's frustrating, but you need to be patient."

"About that… I actually wanted to do something romantic for him. Any suggestions? I'm drawing a blank," Violet admitted.

Keeley smiled, seeing her daughter's earnestness. Violet truly loved Noah, even if she didn't realize it yet. It was obvious in the way she talked about him. Anything to help things along—that poor boy had waited long enough.

"That's a great idea," she replied. "Give me a minute to brainstorm."

They spent the rest of Keeley's lunch break brainstorming. Violet thanked her profusely and hugged her goodbye. She hesitated at the door.

"Hey Mom… could you tell Dad something for me?"

"Sure, sweetie. What is it?" Keeley asked.

Violet took a deep breath, as if reluctant to speak.

"Gray is engaged. I saw him at the pet store yesterday, picking out a fish tank with a woman I'd never seen before. He was acting weird—his voice was different—and it makes no sense that he's engaged so quickly.

"I saw him on a bad date a few weeks ago, and wished him luck. He said it was fine, that there were plenty of fish in the sea. He seemed pretty casual about dating, making this fiancée even more suspicious. I know Dad doesn't trust him, and neither do I, but I trust this woman even less. They might be up to something. Tell him, okay?"

Keeley was stunned. This didn't sound like the Gray she knew. Aaron wouldn't be happy; he'd suspected Gray since his prison days. Could this woman be involved?

"I'll tell him," she promised. "Have a great day, and good luck with your surprise for Noah."

Violet smiled slightly and closed the door.

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