Page 107 of Loving Violet
“Only for you,” he murmurs, leaning down to press a lingering kiss to my forehead.
For a moment, we simply stand there, wrapped up in each other as the world stretches endlessly around us. The wind carries the crisp scent of pine and fallen leaves, and the distant rustle of the river below feels like nature’s own melody.
Eventually, it’s time to head back. The trail is bathed in amber light, casting long shadows as we retrace our steps to the car. Adrian and Max beat us to it, Adrian’s face alight with the kind of pure joy that only a carefree child can have.
Chapter 36
Violet
It’sa Saturday in late March, and Austin surprises me with a trip to the river. As soon as he tells me where we’re headed, a surge of excitement bubbles up inside me. The secret waterfall, our secret waterfall, just the thought of returning fills me with anticipation.
The past few months have been a whirlwind. Austin has been swamped with several big projects, and I’ve thrown myself into finishing my degree. It’s exciting to think that by the end of this year, I’ll finally graduate, but the exhaustion of juggling work, Adrian’s homework, and my studies has left little room for anything else.
But today is different. Adrian is spending the day with Josy, and for once, I don’t have to think about schedules or deadlines. It’s just me and Austin, and as we drive, the familiar landscape begins to unravel the knots of stress I’ve been carrying.
The trees along the roadside are budding with fresh, green leaves, and patches of wildflowers peek out from the edges of the path. The warm sunlight streams through the car windows, kissing my skin with a promise of spring. I let my head rest against the seat, watching the world blur by, the memory of our first trip to the waterfall dancing in my mind.
Austin glances over at me, his lips curving into a smile. “You seem happy,” he says, reaching across the console to take my hand.
“I am,” I reply, giving his hand a gentle squeeze. “I’ve missed this place. And I’ve missed you. Just...you, without the noise of everything else.”
He nods, his expression softening, a mix of understanding and affection in his eyes. “I know. It’s been a crazy few months, but today’s just about us. No distractions, I promise.”
The sincerity in his voice warms me more than the sun ever could.
When we reach the trailhead, the scent of fresh earth and pine greets us like an old friend. The weather is perfect—not too warm, with a soft breeze that carries the first hints of blooming flowers. The path crunches beneath our boots as we begin the hike, and the rhythm of our steps match the easy flow of our conversation.
We talk about everything and nothing, our words weaving together like the branches above us. He tells me about the latest project he’s been working on, and I share my excitement about graduation. But there’s also a beautiful silence between us at times, the kind that speaks volumes without a single word.
When we finally reach the waterfall, it’s even more breathtaking than I remember. The water spills over the rocks in a silver cascade, catching the sunlight and turning it into a shimmering dance. The sound is steady and soothing, like nature’s heartbeat.
Austin and I find a flat rock near the edge, setting down our things before slipping off our shoes and stepping into the clear, cool water. The shock of it makes me gasp, and Austin laughs, splashing me playfully.
“Hey!” I protest, laughing as I splash him back.
The next few moments dissolve into pure, unfiltered joy. We laugh until our sides ache, the sound bouncing off the cliffs and mingling with the roar of the falls. The water is chilly but refreshing, its crispness waking up parts of me I didn’t even know were tired.
Austin swims closer, his hands circling my waist. His touch is steady, grounding me in the moment. “I missed this,” he says, his voice barely louder than the water around us.
“Me too,” I whisper, my arms looping around his neck.
For the first time in months, everything feels right, simple, easy, and exactly as it should be.
“Come with me,” Austin says, his voice low and steady as he reaches for my hand. The cool water swirls around us as he leads me closer to the waterfall. The cascade thunders above, creating a misty veil that sparkles like diamonds in the sunlight.
We slip behind the curtain of water, the roar muting the outside world, enclosing us in a private sanctuary. The hidden cave feels alive, the damp rock walls glistening and the air cool and charged with energy.
Austin turns to face me, his eyes serious, yet soft. My breath catches when he reaches into the pocket of his swim trunks and pulls out a small box. The moment seems to stretch, suspended like a drop of water before it falls.
He opens the box to reveal a solitaire diamond ring, the stone catching the dim light and throwing a prism of colors against the damp stone. I gasp, my hand flying to my mouth as tears instantly sting my eyes.
“Violet,” he begins, his voice thick with emotion, “I never thought I was worthy of love. I spent thirty-five years convinced that the kind of love my parents had was out of reach for me. I had high walls, high standards, and a belief that maybe I wasn’t meant for that kind of happiness. But then you came into my life.” His eyes bore into mine, glistening with unshed tears. “You’ve brought so much joy, so much light, that you’ve transformed my world. You’ve shown me beauty in the smallest things, in every detail, every moment we’ve shared. You’ve opened my heart in ways I never thought possible. I can’t imagine a future without you, Violet. Will you marry me?”
The words hang in the air, echoing softly against the cave walls, mingling with the sound of the water.
I nod quickly, tears spilling freely as my voice catches in my throat. “Yes, Austin. Yes!”
His shoulders relax, and a brilliant smile breaks across his face as I throw my arms around him. “Oh my gosh, Austin, you make me so happy. I never thought I would find someone like you, someone who could see me, truly see me, for everything I am.”
