Page 160 of Wild Tangled Hearts

“Sorry, it rained,” he says, a hint of playful remorse.

My heart is filled with nothing but joy. “It made our day even more memorable,” I reply. “I wouldn’t change a thing.” I grin at him, wrapping my arms around his neck. “My mom told me that rain on your wedding day is good luck. It’s nature’s way of reminding us that love can weather any storm and still shine.”

His thumb gently traces the curve of my cheek. “And we will. Whatever happens in our lives, I promise the one constant will always be my love for you.”

I lean in to kiss him, the raindrops mingling with our shared breath. And as we stand together in the warm rain, I know that our love is unbreakable, capable of withstanding any storm that life may bring our way.

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Chapter75

Alex

A YEAR'S JOURNEY OF TRUST

“So, what's this surprise you've been teasing me about?" I ask, seated in the passenger seat of Alex's truck, mountains stretching before us in all their majesty.

"It wouldn't be a surprise if I told you," he says with a mischievous grin.

I playfully roll my eyes. "You know I hate suspense."

Alex chuckles. "We’re almost there."

As our journey up the winding mountain roads continues, the passing scenery triggers a cascade of memories from the past year. It's been a transformative time for me in more ways than one. I've not only grown closer to Alex but also found a place within his family. Even Naomi has gradually opened up.

On the flip side, my parents have welcomed Alex with open arms. Just as I had predicted, he charmed them effortlessly. My dad, in particular, has formed a unique connection with him, and they've established a monthly tradition of going on fishing trips together.

As we've ventured deeper into each other's lives, I've had the privilege of getting to know Alex's incredible circle of friends. The one notable absence is Angie, who, as promised, is no longer part of Alex's life. This assurance has solidified the trust and security in our relationship, erasing the lingering insecurities that once plagued me. And I can't help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the love and connections that have enriched my life in the past year.

As we reach a clearing, Alex pulls the truck to a stop. He turns to me, his eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that steals my breath. "You ready?”

"I don't know," I reply with a playful smile, "because I don't know what to be ready for."

He chuckles softly, his fingers gently tracing the outline of my hand. "Well, that's the fun part, isn't it?"

I step out of the truck, the cool breeze tousling my hair as I take in our surroundings. The scent of pine trees and earth fills the air.

"So we are hiking," I remark, my tone playful but tinged with worry. "I don't have the right shoes."

Alex chuckles, his laughter like a soothing melody. "Don't worry. We're not going far, just a short walk."

With a playful gesture, he gently covers my eyes with his hands, enveloping me in darkness. A surge of excitement, mingled with curiosity, courses through me as we resume walking, his touch firm and guiding. My trust in him is unwavering, and I willingly surrender to the thrill of being led into the unknown.

The ground beneath my feet changes from gravel to soft earth, and the distant sound of a bubbling stream reaches my ears. Each step we take together deepens the sense of adventure and intimacy. I can't help but wonder what surprise awaits me at the end of this path.

Finally, Alex comes to a stop. “We’re here.” He removes his hands from my eyes, and as I blink against the sudden burst of sunlight I gasp.

Before us stands a luxurious yurt, its cream-colored canvas walls adorned with intricate patterns that seem to dance in the sunlight. It's nestled beneath a canopy of tall trees, creating a sense of seclusion and intimacy. Two vibrant red Muskoka chairs are set up around a cozy fire pit, and a large sheet hangs from the branches above, forming an impromptu movie screen. A projector stands ready, casting a soft glow in the late afternoon light. The area around us is adorned with flowers and vines, their colors and fragrances filling the air with a sweet, intoxicating scent. Soft blankets are laid out on the ground, inviting us to sit, relax, and enjoy the beauty of this carefully crafted paradise.

"Wow," I whisper, my voice filled with emotion as I turn to face him. "This is beyond incredible."

He smiles, his eyes never leaving mine. "I wanted to create a special memory, just for us."

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