★★★★★

Zoe rejoices, and so does Aaron. Things emotionally are getting better. With Aaron's dad trying to get sober and getting a job, Aaron is untroubled. Zoe and Aaron are becoming nigh inseparable, getting up early to meet by the lake, a sacred ritual.

Zoe and her parents host a Christmas dinner for Mr. Miller and Aaron. The presents they exchange are gifts after and more a promise of love and acceptance. Zoe keeps it closer to her heart literally- a foreshadowing of their blossoming relationship.

Tragedy strikes again and Abel has to fly away to his brother's, leaving in his wake a grieving wife and his responsible daughter to pick up the pieces. Still, Zoe and Aaron make it work, keeping to their sacred schedule and meeting at the lake regularly.

The context of their friendship changes quickly as Aaron acts strangely, and lo-and-behold: he proposes. It is a dreamy affair, their song, and their movie playing in the background, Aaron singing and dancing around her. A wonderful confession that brings tears of joy to both their eyes.

For Zoe, this is straight out of a dream. It is the perfect proposal from the perfect man. Why then does she not respond? Why does she hold back from the "Yes" he so desires?