She could feel herself softening, daring to think about the possibility. Looking at him, still more uncertain than not, she almost believed him and then— there it was. She linked her fingers with his, even if her heart sank a little bit. She knew it, she just knew it. He would be fine if it were to happen by accident, which meant he could see himself as a father. While Winnie was a spinster with no plans to have children, he still had hope. He was young enough to find a wife of child bearing years who could give him what he wanted, even if it was subconsciously.

Was she selfish enough to hang around long enough before he figured it out? Maybe she could. Maybe she could learn to share his space and soak up the time they had until he realized this really wasn't what he wanted. Winnie knew the fears would eat at her the whole time, but maybe she could stifle them as long as he was happy. Then when he woke up one day and wanted a different life, she could let him go.

Wouldn't that be easier now though?

Winnie closed her eyes briefly, as if it would give her some sort of guidance here. "Will you promise me someday, when you change your mind, that you'll tell me?" She wouldn't be mad or disappointed, she would have known it was coming eventually and maybe by then, she could be at peace with it.