Gisela's question lingered in the air far longer than either of them expected.
For a brief moment, Juliette only stared at Brendan, searching his face for certainty for something that would tell her this wasn't just another fleeting promise wrapped in emotion. But what she found instead was steadiness. A quiet conviction that didn't waver under her gaze.
She shifted slightly, turning her body toward Gisela, her fingers unconsciously tightening around Brendan's hand.
"I am ready," Juliette said, her voice softer than usual, but firm enough to carry meaning. "I want to marry him."
The words settled into the room.
Gisela's eyes lit up, the warmth in them deepening as a smile slowly spread across her face. "Ach… that is what I wanted to hear," she said, clasping her hands together with a soft laugh. "You don't know how long I have waited for this boy to bring someone home."
Brendan scoffed lightly, shaking his head. "You make it sound like I've been hiding."
