"Maggie, don't Leave me," Sanford pleaded, his voice tender.

Maggie hesitated before saying, "But Rosalynn is upset.”

Sanford comforted her in a gentle tone, "No, she could never be angry with you. When I recover, we can apologize to her together, alright?"

Maggie remained uncertain, weighing her options. After a moment, she suggested, "I'LL explain things to her when I get back Later."

Sanford's eyes sparkled.

"Are you still considering leaving?"

Caught off guard, Maggie blinked and responded, "I need to go back."

“Don't go. Stay with me tonight," Sanford implored.

Stay with him tonight?

Maggie's eyes widened in surprise. After a brief moment of silence, she said, "I don't think that's a good idea."

Sanford clutched her hand firmly and asked, “Maggie, don’t you want to be with me?"

Maggie nervously nibbled on her lip as her long lashes trembled slightly.

"Rosalynn is right. We're completely different. We..."

“Don't you love me, Maggie?" Sanford interjected, cutting her off.

Maggie opened her mouth, unsure of how to respond, as she gazed into his intense eyes.

Sanford reached out to caress her hair and said softly, “Maggie, you have no idea how happy I felt when you told me you love me. If you really do, then stay with me for the rest of our lives."

Stay with him for the rest of their lives!

Maggie really wanted to!

But...

A tinge of sadness flickered in Maggie's eyes.

“Your mother won't approve.”

Sanford gently grasped her chin, making her meet his gaze.