Chapter 221
Chapter 221:
Scarlet roses blanketed the hill like a living tide, rolling outward from their feet until the horizon burned red. A cool evening breeze drifted past, laced with heady floral sweetness and the crisp bite of mountain air.
Brinley’s breath hitched, her fingers curling into her palms as a shiver ran down her spine.
She had witnessed grandeur before—crystal chandeliers blazing at charity galas, international stages that commanded the world’s gaze. But nothing had ever moved her like this.
“Austin…” Her voice came out softer than she intended. She turned toward him, moonlight tracing the edges of his face, making him look almost unreal. “This is p>
“A celebration,” he murmured. He drew her close, one arm firm around her waist as his chin brushed her hair. His smile warmed his words. “For the woman I adore—because she’s finally let me into her heart p>
Brinley’s face warmed at once, the memory of that tipsy hospital night rushing back—her tearful confession, the way she’d blurted out that she’d been in love with him for a while.
“Who even uses this many roses just to celebrate?” she muttered, trying to sound unimpressed. “It’s outrageous p>
She slipped from Austin’s arms and crouched to run her fingertips over the velvet petals nearest her.
𝖳he 𝗯𝖾𝘀𝘵 r𝘦𝖺d𝗶ոg еxрe𝗋𝘪eո𝘤е 𝘰𝗻
“It’s exactly right.” Austin caught her hand, gently pulling her upright and turning her to face him. His tone carried an earnest promise. “When we hit our tenth anniversary, I’ll fill the city with a hundred thousand roses just for you p>
Brinley’s chest tightened, her pulse quickening.
Every detail of their days together flooded back—how he seemed to know her tastes, her pet peeves, even the smallest things that made her smile. He used to drive her to the office each morning, wait patiently to pick her up in the evenings, and fuss over her skipped meals or long hours.
Once, she had teased him about it, asking why he cared so much. He had only flashed that quiet, knowing smile and murmured, “I’ll tell you someday p>
After hearing the same reply a few times, she stopped pressing for an answer, though the mystery lingered in her heart.
Now, surrounded by endless roses, she realized the answer no longer mattered. What mattered was the man standing before her, cherishing her so fiercely. She felt herself completely caught in the gentle snare of his love.
“What do you think of it?” Quiet anticipation filled Austin’s eyes, lending a nervous edge to his voice.
Brinley rose on tiptoe and brushed her lips against his. “I love it—more than you know p>
Austin’s eyes lit with delight, and he leaned in to deepen the kiss. She pressed a hand to his chest, stopping him with a soft laugh.
His brow arched. “What is it p>
“You told me this was your way of celebrating that I finally let you into my heart.” Brinley tilted her head, mischief sparking in her gaze. “Isn’t my love for you reward enough p>
Austin’s low chuckle rumbled as his fingertip grazed her lips. “It is—but I’m greedy p>
Her brows lifted playfully. “Then what more could you possibly want p>
“Another kiss,” he murmured, leaning in until their noses brushed. His voice turned teasing. “A real one this time p>