It had been 8 months since Caroline's migraine. They had changed their diets based on what Tim had found and both seemed to be feeling better because of it.

The first year of college was about to come to an end. Caroline's art work had been featured at various galleries throughout the state, thanks to the prompting of many of her professors to submit them. These same professors couldn't understand why she wanted to be an art teacher, they felt she could be so much more as an artist. They felt she was settling, because of Tim.

Tim had been working more on his music, writing and performing locally at the bar where he worked. He teamed up with a few fellow classmates and started a small band. He was becoming known for his wide vocal range and other groups were interested in having him perform with them, but he never felt he was good enough, despite their encouragement. The only person's opinion that mattered was Caroline's. 

After class one afternoon he drove to the Botanical Gardens that they enjoyed together. He needed to think. He had overheard the gossip on campus, that he was holding her back, she had the potential to be great in her field. "Am I holding her back" he said aloud as he walked the grounds. "I don't want her to ever regret not fulfilling her dreams or 'settling' for me like they are saying". He walked to the oak tree that they sat under the evening she brought the picnic basket. He sat down against the tree and let the tears flow.

Caroline had switched a few of her classes around so that a couple times a week, she and Tim could spend some time with each other. When she came out from her class and didn't see his truck parked in the lot she couldn't help but become worried. He'd been acting a bit off lately. She thought for a minute 'I know where he is' she said to herself as she got in her car.

As she pulled into the Gardens she spotted Tim's truck near the entrance. Wondering where he could be she checked a few of the spots they especially enjoyed, then it hit her. She ran to the area of the oak tree. She stopped to catch her breath, there he sat under the tree, his head on his knees covered by his arms. She slowly walked towards the tree, she knelt by him, placing her hand on his. He looked up at her, his eyes red and swollen from crying. "Oh Timothy" she said softly as he leaned into her, wrapping his arms around her, sobbing.

"Shhh,.....its ok....its ok...Please, tell me what's wrong" she whispered as she stroked his hair.

Tim couldn't tell her, he couldn't form the words. He didn't want to hear her confirm what they were saying.

"Baby, please talk to me" she said softly as she gently raised his chin to look into his eyes. She had never seen him this way before, so vulnerable. He was always the strong one, uplifting her.

Tim tried to stop crying, feeling embarrassed by his actions, he took a deep breath and said "can... I ask you...a question"

"Baby, you can ask me anything" she assured him.

"Please tell me the truth, ok" he told her.

"Always" she replied.

"Is it true, what they are saying on campus...that...that...you've given up your dreams as an artist..to..to.." he couldn't finish.

"To settle for you and a life as a school teacher" she finishes question.

He hung his head, he couldn't bear to see the look when she answered.

She raised his chin again. "No, Timothy, it's not true. I won't lie, I once had dreams of being a successful artist in Paris but that was before I met the most handsome, brown eyed boy in seventh grade that I immediately fell in love with. That's when I knew, my life was meant to be shared with you, forever."

"I don't want you to settle for me, to ever regret making a life together with me and not fulfilling your dreams" he told her while trying to hold back more tears.

"You know, as we get older, our priorities change, our dreams change. My dream has changed to having a lifetime of happiness with you and our children when we have them. Being a teacher doesn't take away my dream, it helps me fulfill it through all the young minds who I will have the satisfaction in knowing that I had helped provide a brighter future for" she told him.

"Is this why you've been distant, preoccupied lately" she asked him.

He nodded as he wiped his eyes with the hem of his shirt.

"My dear Timothy, you are the love of my life. I don't want anything else in this world but you" she told him as she kissed him deeply.

He pulled her closer, returning the kiss, intensifying the passion. Finally, she broke away, smiling  and said "let's finish this at home".