Page 96 of Of Vows and Betrayal

I swallow hard, trying to find the right words. “I don’t know, but I want something that shows regret… but also love and hope. Something that says ‘I’m sorry’ and ‘I love you’ all at once.”

Ophelia nods thoughtfully. “I think we can manage that.” She turns to start selecting flowers, her movements graceful and deliberate.

As she works, I take in every detail, savoring this moment. The way her hands move, the way her hair falls over her shoulder, the way her apron fits perfectly around her waist. I’m overwhelmed by how much I’ve missed her, how much I need her.

“You know it will probably take far more than flowers to make things right.”

My heart starts to hammer in my chest again, and I nod, hanging on to every word coming out of her mouth. The insidious hope is making its way back, wrapping its claws around my heart.

“It will most likely require a lot of patience to rebuild a trust that has been broken.”

“As long as I know she still loves me. As long as she gives me hope that there could be a way back, I’ll give her all the time in the world. There’s no future without her.”

She throws me a look, and I see the moisture accumulating in her eyes.

“Because she still loves me, right? If she’s willing to work on things. She must still love me.” I know my voice is begging, but I can’t help it.

She remains silent as she finishes the bouquet and hands it to me.

“Here. A mix of white lilies for purity and commitment, red roses for deep love, and forget-me-nots for true love andmemories.”

I grab my wallet, but she shakes her head.

“It’s on the house.”

“Thank you,” I say, my voice thick with emotion. “It’s perfect.”

As I turn to leave, I feel a gentle touch on my arm. I look back at her, and she’s standing there with her arms wrapped around herself. It’s a sort of protective gesture, and it pains me that she’s doing it with me, even if I understand.

“You seem to be a hard man not to love. I’m sure she still does, even if she doesn’t like it.”

Fuck, slay me now. The joy I feel at that moment is everything, and I don’t mind it when I take a step toward her and she immediately takes one back.

“But she probably needs a little more time. She needs to talk to you—really talk to you.”

“Whatever she needs.”

She nods, a small, hesitant smile forming on her lips. “Okay. Let’s start with that.”

My heart soars at her words. “I would love that. I will cook her dinner tonight.”

She raises an eyebrow. “You cook?”

I shrug. “Cook, order—same difference.”

She lets out a low chuckle.

“Okay?” I ask, tightening my hold on the flowers.

She smiles again, and this time it reaches her eyes. “Okay.”

I leave the shop with the bouquet in hand, my heart lighter than it’s been in a long time. This isn’t just a dream. It’s the beginning of a new chapter, one I hope will allow usto build a future together.

I spot Derek’s car across the street.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” I ask as I sit in the passenger seat. “I thought she just left the store to die with all the flowers inside.”

“It was not my place to say, and you know she would not have done that. And based on the goofy smile on your face, I know I did good.”

---