Chapter 222
Chapter 222:
Brinley laughed at his shamelessness, then kissed him without hesitation.
The night wind carried the perfume of roses around them, turning the kiss slow and lingering. Austin only let her go when her breath came uneven, his thumb brushing her flushed lower lip with quiet tenderness.
“There’s something waiting for you over there,” he said softly, nodding into the distance.
He clasped her hand and guided her through the endless blooms, the roses brushing softly against their legs as they passed. At the crest of the hill, a small platform came into view.
A wooden table waited there, dressed in a beige cloth. A lamp cast a warm golden glow, making the night feel cozy and intimate. On the tabletop sat a bottle of red wine, two slender glasses, and a thermal food box that promised something freshly prepared.
“Sit here,” Austin said gently, pulling out a chair for her.
Once she settled in, he opened the box, releasing the fragrant aroma of a carefully prepared midnight snack. He filled her glass halfway, then poured his own—though he didn’t drink. He only watched her with quiet satisfaction as she took a sip.
Brinley suddenly set her glass down and looked at him intently. “There’s something on my mind that I’d like to tell you p>
Surprised by her sudden seriousness, Austin studied her with curiosity. “What is it p>
Her smile was bright. “Thank you for still being willing to marry me, even after I dated a jerk and kept you waiting for two years p>
𝘠о𝘂r 𝗇𝗲𝗑t 𝖿а𝗏𝘰𝗋і𝘵𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗮d 𝗂s 𝗼𝘯
His quiet laugh warmed the air between them as their glasses clinked. “It’s okay. Marrying you was the best decision I’ve ever made p>
She took a generous sip, her cheeks blooming pink. Without hesitation, she refilled her glass and raised it again. “Thank you for caring for me so well p>
“That’s just how it should be.” The sparkle in her eyes caught his attention, and his brow furrowed. “Take it easy. You don’t hold your liquor very well p>
“Don’t worry, I’m just in the mood to indulge today,” she cut him off with a grin. Her gaze turned mischievous. “And I have to be honest—I adore your handsome face and that perfect build of yours p>
She leaned forward, her voice dropping to a playful whisper. “Especially those chest muscles of yours. Quite the masterpiece p>
Austin’s Adam’s apple bobbed as he caught her wrist, steadying the glass before it tipped. “Brinley, any more and you’ll be over the edge p>
The memory of the previous party surfaced—her drinking too much, vomiting, and needing an emergency trip to the hospital.
“I’m fine,” she insisted, though her eyes had that telltale glaze. “Still good to drink p>
She tilted her head and murmured, “I hope we’ll be together forever p>
A warm smile softened Austin’s face, his voice as sweet as honey. “I wish the same p>
They drained their glasses in unison before he quietly slid the wine bottle farther out of reach.
Brinley never noticed. She happily popped a piece of food into her mouth, then suddenly pointed skyward, her tone bright. “Austin, look at those stars—aren’t they stunning p>