Chapter 229
229:
Collin nodded, his gaze softening. “She loved them. I used to bring flowers often, but it’s alright if we skip it today. We’ll get a big bouquet next time.”
Linsey waved him off, a playful smile tugging at her lips. “Wait here for a second.”
With that, she turned and disappeared into the nearby field. A few moments later, she returned, her arms full of vibrant wildflowers. “Saw these growing nearby, thought they’d be perfect.” Without wasting a beat, she began weaving them into a delicate wreath. “I hope she’ll like this,” Linsey murmured, her voice soft with intent.
Collin watched her in quiet admiration, surprised by her nimbleness. “I didn’t know you could do this.”
Linsey grinned, her eyes sparkling with pride. “Back in the orphanage, when things got slow, Dolores and I would make these. I got pretty good at it after a while.”
Collin, eager to join in, plucked a handful of wildflowers from the ground, his brow furrowed in concentration. “Teach me. I want to try, too.”
Linsey carefully guided Collin’s hands, showing him the steps to weave the wreath, one move at a time.
She figured he would find it a bit tricky—after all, it wasn’t the usual thing men did. But to her surprise, he caught on quickly, his fingers moving with surprising dexterity.
Not only did he master the basic technique, but he also started creating variations of his own, adding personal touches to the wreaths. His creativity took her by surprise.
“Wow, you’re amazing,” Linsey commented, her voice full of admiration, a genuine smile spreading across her face.
He chuckled, his eyes warm. “This? It’s nothing.” His voice had a quiet confidence, like he was just getting started.
Linsey couldn’t help but chuckle, her voice tinged with a playful but wistful tone. “You learn things so quickly. Last night you were giving me design advice, and today you’re making wreaths with more styles than I am. You’ve definitely outdone me, your short-term teacher.” She sighed lightly, a flicker of melancholy in her words. “Life really isn’t fair. How come you’re so smart?”
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Collin’s usually serious expression softened as he looked at her, a spark of amusement in his eyes.
With a smile, he picked up one of the wreaths, delicate flowers woven together, and gently placed it on her head. He adjusted it carefully, a thoughtful look on his face, then nodded in satisfaction.
“It’s such a beautiful flower wreath, and it looks even more beautiful on you,” he said.
Linsey met Collin’s gaze, and for a moment, time seemed to slow. Her heart skipped a beat, and her cheeks flushed with sudden shyness. “Oh, stop it,” she muttered, trying to brush off the compliment. “I’ve been working all day without makeup—I must look a mess.”
But Collin’s focus never wavered. His eyes softened as they traced her face, his Adam’s apple bobbing slightly as he whispered, “You have no idea how beautiful you look right now.”
The vivid wildflowers, now a crown upon her head, seemed to amplify the radiance in her features. Linsey looked stunning, effortlessly so, and Collin felt a magnetic pull toward her. He leaned in, unable to stop himself, wanting to be closer, to drink in the sight of her.
Startled by his movement, Linsey jumped up, eyes wide, and quickly took a step back, glaring at him in exasperation. “Collin, what are you doing? This is a cemetery!”
Collin blinked, as if snapping out of a trance. Realizing how close he had gotten, he quickly took a step back, his face flushing with a hint of embarrassment.
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