The Dauntless by Jillian Dodd

Author:Jillian Dodd [Dodd, Jillian]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Jillian Dodd Inc.

Daniel and I are standing on the second-floor balcony of the Executive Residence of the White House, known as the Truman Balcony, which overlooks the South Lawn and has views of the National Mall. There are others here as well, but since it’s Daniel’s birthday, they gave us the prime viewing spot in the center, next to the railing.

A military band is playing patriotic music. Fireworks explode and then fall from the sky in a brilliant display of red, white, and blue. While the day was warm, a soft breeze has made the evening air cool.

“Peter was right,” I say. “Once you experience a White House Fourth of July, everything will pale in comparison. From the patriotic barbecue for military families, featuring a concert with star-studded performances, to the presidential speech in honor of the USO to your poolside birthday party and now the big finale fireworks show, the whole day has been amazing. Thank you for letting me share it with you. Happy birthday, Daniel. You probably should make a wish on the fireworks.”

“I already made a wish.” Daniel turns to face me, takes my hands in his, and gives me a cocky grin. “That means I’m about to do something crazy, so remember, yes is always the right answer.”

“What are you going to—” I start to say, but then he drops to one knee, obviously having orchestrated our key position on the balcony, so it could be viewed by reporters.

“I know this isn’t what you want,” he says softly, the cocky expression gone.

I put my hand to my mouth, and tears stream down my face as I remember the bliss I felt when seeing Lorenzo down on one knee, proposing, just nine days ago—the words of love he spoke permanently etched into the space in my brain that holds the happiest moments of my entire life, just like they are etched on the necklace I wear.

“You know this isn’t what I want,” Daniel continues. “But we have to do this if we want our happy lives back. We have to force Lizzie’s hand by putting a ring on yours.”

I can’t even believe I’m considering this. I don’t want to hurt Lorenzo any more than I already have. And I know, by walking away, by not going to confront his mother, that I broke his heart along with my own. I could easily blame him, say that he betrayed me. But, from the depths of my heart, I know that everything he confessed was true. That his love is true. I ran away with the hope that I could save his country.

And maybe, if I did that, I could somehow save myself.

“Smile,” Daniel says, standing up and looking into my eyes. “Say you will be engaged to me. Say you will pretend to be in love with me. It’s my birthday, and this was part of my wish. Throw your arms around me, make it look real, and say yes.”

I stay still, our gazes locked. I see the pain in the depths of his baby blues, and I heard the desperation in his voice.

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