Chapter 60
60
~Elara’s POV
The night was quiet after all the laughter and games. Darlon and I finally left the arcade and returned to the hotel, our feet sore but our hearts full. He held my hand all the way back, and I couldn’t stop staring at him. Somehow, the way the hotel looked, the way the lights hit his face, made my chest tighten in the best way.
“You’re staring again,” he said softly, nudging me.
“I’m not,” I lied, though I didn’t bother pulling my gaze away.
“Uh-huh,” he teased, wrapping his arm around me. “Go on. Admit it p>
I rolled my eyes but laughed. “Fine. I’m staring. Happy p>
“Very.” He smiled and kissed my temple. “Come on, let’s eat something light and then we can rest p>
We ordered in-room dinner and sat on the balcony, watching the moon reflect over the water. It was peaceful. The kind of peace that made you feel safe. I leaned my head against his shoulder and let myself relax completely.
“You’ve been quiet,” he said, brushing a strand of hair from my face.
“I’m just… thinking,” I whispered.
“About what p>
“About how lucky I am… and how stupid I was to doubt myself. To doubt us p>
He smiled, pressing his lips to my forehead. “You’re not stupid. And I’ll make sure nothing or no one ever makes you feel that way again p>
We didn’t talk much after that. We ate, shared a few soft kisses, and then fell asleep with the gentle sound of the ocean outside. I woke a few times to his arm around me, and each time I drifted back to sleep feeling safe, wanted, and loved.
The next morning, sunlight spilled through the curtains. I stretched and opened my eyes to see Darlon already awake, sipping coffee, staring out at the view.
“Good morning,” I mumbled, my voice thick with sleep.
“Good morning, beautiful,” he said, setting the cup down and pulling me close. “Sleep well p>
“Like a baby,” I admitted, nuzzling into him.
“Good. Today’s going to be fun. Are you ready p>
I raised an eyebrow. “For what p>
He grinned. “We’re going to a forest reserve. Horses, trails, fresh air. You’ll love it p>
I blinked. “Horses? I’ve never ridden one before p>
“That’s perfect,” he said, taking my hand. “I’ll teach you. It’ll be fun. Don’t worry, I won’t let you fall p>
When we arrived, I was in awe. The forest reserve was beautiful, lush green, sunlight peeking through tall trees, a soft breeze carrying the scent of flowers. Birds chirped all around us, and for a moment, it felt like we were in another world.
“First things first,” Darlon said, walking toward the horses. “Meet your ride p>
I stepped closer to the chestnut mare assigned to me. She nuzzled my hand, and I instinctively laughed. “She’s… big p>
“She’s gentle. You’ll love her,” Darlon reassured me.
Janae and David were already mounted on their horses, waving at us. “You’ll be fine, Elara,” Janae called. “Just relax p>
“I hope so,” I muttered, mounting my horse carefully with Darlon guiding me. My heart raced as the horse shifted beneath me. “Okay… this is… different p>
Darlon was right beside me. “Relax your legs, keep your back straight, and just breathe. Trust me p>
I nodded, trying to absorb everything at once. Slowly, the horse started walking, then trotting, and soon I was laughing out loud, the wind in my hair, the adrenaline buzzing through me.
“You’re doing great!” Darlon cheered, leaning close so I could hear him. “Look at you, my brave girl p>
I laughed harder, leaning toward him. “You’re enjoying this way too much p>
“I am,” he admitted, smiling, and I could feel the warmth in his words.
We rode for hours, winding through trails, stopping to take photos and admire waterfalls. Sometimes Darlon leaned over to whisper something funny in my ear, and I’d burst out laughing so hard I almost fell off the horse.
At one point, we stopped by a quiet pond. Darlon helped me down, and we stood by the water’s edge, the horses grazing nearby. He took my hand, laced his fingers with mine, and kissed me softly. “This… this is perfect,” he whispered.
I rested my forehead against his. “It really is p>
Janae and David waved from a little distance, smiling. “You two are so extra,” Janae teased.
“You think?” I asked, laughing.
“Completely,” David called back, shaking his head.
But I didn’t care. None of it mattered. All that mattered was the warmth of Darlon’s hand in mine, the soft pressure of his lips against mine, and the sun shining down on this perfect morning.
We spent the rest of the day exploring the reserve, taking turns racing our horses, stopping for small picnics, and just enjoying being together. And every so often, Darlon would lean over, whisper something sweet, kiss my forehead, or tease me just enough to make me giggle until my stomach hurt.
By the time we returned to the hotel in the late afternoon, I was exhausted, happy, and completely in love, all at once. I could feel Darlon’s eyes on me, warm and adoring, and I realized just how much I had fallen for him, fully and without reservation.
We made our way to our room, and I noticed the evening lights glowing softly against the walls. The room felt so warm and cozy. Darlon had already arranged for a private dinner on the balcony overlooking the water. Candles flickered gently, and the table was set perfectly; his attention to detail always amazed me.
“You didn’t have to do this,” I murmured, feeling a flutter in my chest.
“Of course I did,” he said, taking my hand. “I wanted tonight to be just us. No distractions, no one else. And this is to make up for our failed movie night during our honeymoon p>
I smiled, squeezing his hand. “Then I guess we should eat before I start staring at the view too much p>
We sat, and he served the first course with a small flourish that made me laugh. “You know, you could just eat,” I said.
“Where’s the fun in that?” he replied, grinning. “I like to pamper my woman p>
I blushed, looking down at my plate. “You’re too much sometimes p>
“You love it,” he said, leaning across the table to kiss my cheek.
“I do,” I admitted softly, my heart fluttering.
We ate slowly, talking about the day, our favorite parts of the forest reserve, and laughing at all the little mistakes we’d made. Darlon teased me endlessly about nearly falling off my horse, and I returned it with jabs about how scared he pretended to be when the horse bolted a little.
After dinner, he leaned back in his chair and said, “Do you want to do something else tonight? Or are you too tired p>
“I’m not tired. I want to stay out here a little longer,” I said, gazing at the water.
“Good,” he said, standing and holding out his hand. “Dance with me p>
I blinked. “Dance? Out here p>
“Yes, here,” he said, pulling me to my feet. “Right now, with just us and the stars p>
I laughed, feeling my heart skip a beat as he held me close. The night was warm, the breeze soft, and everything felt magical. His arms were firm around me, his chest warm against mine, and I felt a wave of happiness wash over me.
“You feel safe with me, don’t you?” he murmured.
“I do,” I whispered. “So safe p>
“Good,” he said, tilting my chin up and kissing me softly at first, then deeper. My fingers tangled in his hair, and I melted against him. The stars above, the water below, everything disappeared except the feeling of him.
When we finally pulled back for air, he chuckled softly. “You’re an amazing dancer… in your own way p>
I giggled, breathing hard. “You’re impossible p>
“No,” he said, brushing a strand of hair from my face. “I’m yours. And I want to show you just how much every single day p>
I smiled against his chest, feeling more in love than I ever thought possible. “I love you, Darlon,” I murmured.
“And I love you,” he said, pressing a soft kiss to my forehead. “Completely, endlessly p>