Written for MLMM Monday Wordle #458.
Our twelve prompt words are shown below.
Here’s where they took me. Thanks, Di!
chapter, clear, cup, drama, felt, fifty, message,
muted, precious, sparkler, watched, and wiped
She watched him approach with champagne and a sparkler fizzing in a tin cup . Fifty felt different than she’d imagined …. more precious, somehow. Muted Patsy Cline in the background, the well-placed birthday decorations, all spoke of love.
“LouAnn, we need to talk.” He wiped his palms on his jeans.
Her heart raced. This was it, the proposal she’d been expecting.
“I got a message today. From Dixie.” He paused. “She’s back in town.”
The sparkler died with a hiss.
“I thought I was ready to start a new chapter with you, but…..” His eyes were clear and sincere. She wasn’t surprised by his next words.
“I’m not over her. I’m sorry.”
The champagne tasted bitter. Three years of hoping dissolved in seconds.
“Thank you,” she heard herself say, “for not proposing when you weren’t sure.”
As he left, she felt something more than sadness; she felt relief. Better this drama now than a lifetime of being second choice.
NAR©2026
#MLMM
#Wordle
This is “She’s Got You” by Patsy Cline
All text and graphics are copyright for Nancy Richy and are not to be used without permission. NAR©2017-present.
The Elephant's Trunk 
I fall in love every time I hear her sing…
LikeLiked by 2 people
Isn’t that a fabulous reaction? Thanks, John.
LikeLike
I am glad she realized what a gift she had been given.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree. When you marry for the wrong reasons, it’s nothing but heartache. Thanks, Jodi
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very well done my dear!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, my dear D!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good piece Nancy. Nothing worse than being second best and she deserves better. At least he was honest though. A lot of men aren’t. Thanks for taking part.
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure, Di. I’m really enjoying these Wordles. Thanks for a spot on comment.
LikeLike
I didn’t want to see this one fold so volunteered to host it. I’ve done over a hundred now and clocked up over 1000 likes!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Three years?! Don’t let the door hit you on the way out, buddy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
He must’ve been doing something right!
LikeLike
Being on the back burner never cooks the pudding properly …
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hahaha! That gave me a great big laugh! Thanks so much for an excellent video and a very funny comment, dear Ivor. 🥰 🎶 😆
LikeLiked by 1 person
A silly little anecdote that I made up 📖 and a song from that “guy” Sivert Hoyem 🎶💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
Perfect song to go with your writing
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Keith. I really try my best to provide a good soundtrack; this was an no-brainer.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You wouldn’t know you had to use the prompt words Nancy – great piece of writing 🙌
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow! That’s a fabulous comment and compliment. Thank you so much, Ange. 💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is very true Nancy 💞
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is very good Nancy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you very much, Sadje. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re always most welcome
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aways better to be a too-sooner than a “I knew it, DAMMIT”
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hahaha! Good one, Ron
LikeLike
She is so right, you have to be number 1. Great song go go with fab words 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
There’s really no other way that works. Thanks, Brian; so pleased you like this one. ☺️
LikeLiked by 1 person