Chapter 35

Henry mentions that he's going to take a shower, and Liz takes the opportunity to check on her mother. She goes to her room, knocks, and hears her mother's voice saying she can come in.

When Liz enters, she sees that her mother has already taken a bath and is brushing her hair. She asks, "How are you feeling? Did you manage to get some rest?"

"Yes, dear," her mother replies. "I took a natural calming pill to help me sleep. That was the only way I could relax my body and mind." She then looks around the room and adds, "This room feels so empty now."

"It really does," Liz agrees. "Come on, you haven't had breakfast yet. You need to eat something."

Before leaving the room, her mother holds Liz's hand and asks, "How are things between you and Henry? What are you planning to do? He loves you very much; that's clear to see. And now there's your child. Your father isn't here anymore, but I believe Henry will be a good husband to you and a wonderful father to your child. I know you love him too. I just don't understand why you keep pushing him away."

"Sometimes I don't understand it myself. I know he's never done anything wrong, but sometimes I feel so afraid. And now that I don't have my father anymore, I'm terrified of losing Henry too."

"Then you already know what you need to do," her mother advises.

They embrace, and Liz says, "Thank you. Only you could help me see what's right in front of me."

The two of them go downstairs together, still hugging, and Liz tells her mother she'll keep her company while she has breakfast.

"And where's Henry?" her mother asks.

"He's probably packing his bag. He has to travel tonight for an early meeting tomorrow morning."

"That's too bad. He's been so attentive to us, taking care of everything along with your aunt. I need to thank him."

"You'll have a chance to talk to him later. He promised to come back as soon as he's handled everything."

After breakfast, mother and daughter sit in the garden and chat. Henry joins them, asking, "May I join you?"

"Of course," they both reply.

He sits next to Liz and asks her mother how she's doing.

"I'll be fine," she replies, "and I want to thank you for all the support you've given me and my daughter."

Henry responds, "There's no need to thank me. It's been good to be here with you. And if you ever need anything, don't hesitate to ask."

"I also want to discuss another matter with you," Henry continues. "I'm not sure if this is the right time, but I've already talked to Liz, and once she's made her decision, I'd like to discuss it formally with you. I have to go home now to deal with some work issues, but I'll be back so we can figure out our future, which is now entirely up to Liz."

Liz looks at Henry and says, "I'll think about everything we talked about, and I'll give you an answer when you return. But if you say you're coming and don't show up, my answer will be immediate. Every time you say you'll come, something happens, and we know how that ends."

"Nothing will happen this time, Liz."

"Then why don't you accept my marriage proposal now?" Henry asks. "That way, I can leave already committed."

"You joke about everything, Henry."

"And who says I'm joking?"

"We'll be a beautiful family." Liz finally smiles at him.

"And I hope your mother will give us her blessing," Henry adds, looking at Mrs. Morrison.

She laughs at their conversation and leaves, saying she's going to check if lunch is ready and that she'll call them soon.

Liz suddenly craves a sweet treat she used to buy from a local bakery. Henry asks her what it is so he can go get it for her. She describes the sweet to him, and he heads out in search of it for his beloved.