Page 196 of Before Dawn

Me:YOU KNEW?

Aurora:Go have fun, Abigail.

I scowled at the screen.So everyone was in on this except me?

Before I could even attempt to figure it out, Mikkel stepped out of the car and opened my door, hand extended.

“Is it on my bucket list?” I pressed, my mind racing.

His lips twitched. “See for yourself.”

I turned, and my breath caught.

The world before me was alive.

A vast garden bloomed endlessly—roses, tulips, orchids entwined like a painting. The air brimmed with flowers and earth, birdsong threading the stillness.

My heart slammed against my ribs.

“Number ten from your list,” Mikkel said softly.

Longwood Gardens.

A stunned laugh escaped me. I had dreamed of this place, scrolled through hundreds of photos online, and imagined what it would be like to stand here. But I never thought I’d actually come.

And yet, here I was.

“Oh my gosh! Mikkel!”

His response was effortless, steady. “Let’s start exploring, Red.”

I barely heard him. My feet carried me forward, drawn to a cluster of pink roses. Their petals curled like delicate whispers of magic, and without thinking, I reached out, brushing my fingers against the softness.

Mikkel didn’t say a word. But when I turned, he was already watching me.

His gaze was heavy, reverent—like he’d been waiting for this moment.

“This is so beautiful.” My voice came out breathless.

He stepped closer, his hand sliding around my waist, pulling me into him like it was instinct.

Then, his voice low and certain, he said, “Not even close to how beautiful you are.”

Hand in hand, we wandered through the garden, every step deepening the magic. Vibrant flowers painted the landscape, birdsong wove through the air, and a peaceful silence wrapped around us. I forgot everything else—completely lost in this serene haven, with the man I love.

We passed a breathtaking bed of pink and white orchids, and I paused, taking it all in. Mikkel, always attuned to me, plucked one and gently tucked it behind my ear.

“Mikkel, I don’t think you can do that,” I said, smiling.

He chuckled softly. “I can do whatever I want.” His gaze roamed my face before settling on my eyes. “Besides, it looks beautiful in your hair.”

His quiet, sure tenderness tightened something in my chest. A tear slipped free.

Mikkel brushed it away with his thumb. Then, with that soft, knowing smile, he whispered, “Smile for me.”

I smiled as he pulled out his phone, capturing the moment with a few clicks, each shot making my heart flutter.

“You’re a work of art,mi reina,” he murmured, still focused on the camera.

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