Page 37 of Red Rose Cupcake

Knox grins against my lips, his hands cradling my face as he kisses me back, slow and sweet. “I love you, Rosie.”

“I love you too,” I murmur, my heart full. “Thank you… for this. For everything.”

He smiles, standing and holding out his hand to me. “Come on, babe. Let’s get out of here.”

As I take his hand and let him lead me toward the door, my heart swells with gratitude, love, and the overwhelming sense that everything is going to be okay.

* * *

ROSIE

The moment we pull up to the retreat, I can feel the tension draining from my body. The air smells like fresh pine and saltyocean breeze, the sound of waves crashing gently in the distance. I hadn’t realized just how much I needed this—needed Knox.

I glance over at him, my heart fluttering as I take in the look of calm determination on his face. He parks the car and looks over at me with a soft smile. “How are you feeling?” he asks.

I take a deep breath, letting the peaceful surroundings sink in. “Honestly? Better already.”

Knox reaches over, takes my hand, and gently rubs his thumb over my knuckles. “Good. Because this weekend, babe… it’s all about us.”

His words hit me harder than I expected. I feel the tightness in my chest loosen as I lean back in my seat, closing my eyes for a moment. I’ve been so wound up, so caught in the whirlwind of daily life that I didn’t even realize how far apart we had drifted. But Knox did. He always knows.

“Come on,” he says, squeezing my hand again before stepping out of the car. “Let’s get settled.”

We grab our bags and head inside the luxurious cabin, the warmth of the place immediately wrapping around me like a soft blanket. It’s perfect—high ceilings, rustic wood beams, a crackling fireplace. A place made for reconnecting.

* * *

KNOX

I watch Rosie walk through the cabin, her eyes taking in every little detail. She looks calmer already, more at peace. That’s exactly what I was hoping for. This weekend isn’t just aboutgetting away—it’s about bringing us back together, the way we were before life got in the way.

But I’ve got one more surprise up my sleeve.

“Rosie,” I call out, and she turns to face me, her eyebrows raised. “I’ve got something planned for us tonight. Something… special.”

She cocks her head, curiosity lighting her eyes. “Oh? What did you do, O’Malley?”

I grin and step closer, slipping my hands around her waist, pulling her against me. “You’ll see. Just trust me.”

I can see the questions forming in her mind, but I don’t give her a chance to ask them. I lean down and press a soft kiss to her lips before stepping back and motioning toward the cozy armchair by the fireplace. “Take a seat. I’ll be right back.”

She’s still watching me, eyes full of suspicion and intrigue, but she does as I ask, sinking into the chair. I disappear into the bedroom, pulling out the bag I’d packed with a few… essentials.

* * *

ROSIE

The anticipation is making me fidget. I watch Knox disappear into the other room, my curiosity piqued. He’s been planning something. And whatever it is, I can tell by that wicked gleam in his eyes that it’s going to be… something special.

A minute later, he’s back, and I can’t help the gasp that escapes my lips when I see what he’s holding.

He places a blindfold on the side table, and next to it—a feather, some silk ropes, and a bottle of oil.

I raise an eyebrow, my heart picking up speed. “What’s all this?”

Knox doesn’t say anything at first, just walks over to me with that quiet, confident smile I love so much. He crouches down in front of me, taking my hands in his. “This weekend is about reconnecting. Physically, emotionally, in every way. So, I planned a little session for us.”

His words send a shiver down my spine, but it’s not just the anticipation—it’s the thoughtfulness. He’s put real effort into this. Into us.

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