The next morning, Allison woke up early, sunlight barely peeking through the hotel curtains. She grabbed a quick breakfast-fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and a croissant dripping with strawberry jam-then got ready for the day. Today, she was heading out to ake in the countryside, a much-needed escape from the city.

    In the parking lot, Joshua nced at Brooklyn, who stood by with his typical poker face. "You can head back. I''ve got things covered," Joshua said, hoping he''d take the hint.

    Brooklyn barely blinked. "I only take orders from the boss."

    Joshua almost groaned. Just his luck—he''d finally nned a trip with Allie, just the two of them, and Brooklyn was determined to y chaperone. Brooklyn was great at his job—loyal, sharp, always on guard—but subtlety wasn''t his strong suit.

    Allison caught Brooklyn''s eye. She knew he spent all his time looking out for her, practically glued to her side, working tirelessly without a break. Honestly, if anyone deserved a little downtime, it was Brooklyn. Besides, being out in the wild, you never knew what could happen. An extra set of hands wouldn''t hurt.

    She knew what Joshua was hoping for: time alone. But she figured she could solve that once they got there.

    "Brooklyn, you shoulde with us," Allison said with a smile.

    Brooklyn nodded. "Okay."

    Transportation was the least of their worries. Joshua made a quick call, and within minutes, a ck SUV rolled up to the curb.

    They drove out of the city, and after about twenty minutes, the car pulled up beside theke. Normally, the ce would be crowded with tourists snapping photos, but today it was almost eerily peaceful. Allison had a sneaking suspicion Joshua had pulled some strings to keep things private.

    The driver stayed in the car while Allison, Joshua, and Brooklyn got out.

    The view was unreal.

    Allison stopped in her tracks,pletely mesmerized. The sky stretched overhead, a deep, endless blue, with clouds drifting by likezy brushstrokes. Theke mirrored the sky, sparkling in the sunlight like someone had scattered diamonds across the surface.

    Surrounding theke was a sea of wildflowers-yellow, purple, white-swaying gently in the breeze. Butterflies fluttered from blossom to blossom, bees buzzed in the air, and everything felt alive and untouched.

    Joshua pulled out his camera, snapping photo after photo, trying to capture the magic of the ce.

    After a fewndscape shots, he turned to Allison. "Allie, stand over there. Let me get a picture of you."

    She was wearing a light blue and white gingham dress with a big white bow at the neckline and tiny daisies embroidered across the skirt. She hadn''t brought anything casual for this trip—just work clothes-so Joshua had insisted on a shopping trip the night before. The dress was perfect: fresh, bright, and just right for the scenery.

    Standing by the water, Allison looked like she belonged in a fairy tale. The wind yed with the hem of her dress, making it swirl around her legs like butterfly wings.

    She posed while Joshua snapped away, patient and focused. Even without makeup, she looked impossibly beautiful-porcin skin, delicate features, eyes that seemed to hold their own light.

    Joshua circled her, taking photos from every angle-close up, far away, profile, candid. Every shot looked straight out of a magazine.

    When he''d filled the memory card with pictures, Joshua called Brooklyn over. "Can you take a photo of us together?"

    It had been ages since they''d taken a picture together. Joshua exined the camera controls, then stepped beside Allison. Thest time they''d posed like this was in Harper''s Grove, back when they were still crazy about each other, arms wrapped tight and smiles that said everything. Things were different now. They still hadn''t worked things out, so Joshua kept his distance, careful not to overstep.

    Even so, when the camera shed, Joshua only had eyes for her.

    Afterwards, Joshua shot Brooklyn a look, and Brooklyn wandered off, finally giving them a little privacy.

    Allison and Joshua strolled together

    along thekeshore. The world felt

    hushed except for the far-off sound of cows, birds cutting across the sky, and the breeze carrying the scent of flowers.

    As they walked, they unconsciously drifted closer, something warm and electric building between them.

    Suddenly, Allison caught her foot on a small stone and stumbled forward.

    Joshua''s reflexes were fast-he reached out and caught her, pulling her against his chest.

    Shended in his arms, surrounded by the clean, woodsy scent that always reminded her of him.

    For a moment, they were impossibly close. Joshua bent down, their noses almost touching, their breaths mingling in the space between them.

    Time seemed to stop.

    Their eyes met.

    Allison''s heart pounded so hard it

    drowned out everything else, then et

    world shrinking down to just the two of them and the wild rhythm of her pulse.

    им

    Joshua''s gaze softened, deepening with emotion.

    He leaned in, slow and deliberate.

    Their breaths mingled, growing quicker, heavier.

    Allison held his gaze as his face drew closer, then she closed her eyes, not pulling away.

    It was all the invitation he needed.

    Joshua''s heart stumbled in his chest. For a split second, he felt nervous, like this

    was their very first kiss.

    He held his breath and brushed his lips gently against hers.

    It was softer than she remembered, like the lightest touch of a cloud.

    Everything about it felt right, inevitable.

    Love Po

    Breaking up had been the hardest thing they''d ever done, and even then, the love between them had never faded. Joshua''s feelings had neverchanged. Neither had е Allison''s. She''d only ever hidden her feelings, forced to bury them beneath reality and responsibility.

    No matter how much time had passed, her love for Joshua had never faded.

    She craved his closeness.

    And when he was this near, she could never bring herself to turn away.