A coy smile curls over her lips, but before she can respond, I hold up the mic.“One more thing before we cut into the most gorgeous cake I’ve ever seen…”
Lena beams from the audience.
“…the unveiling of our newest and most puzzling addition, our escape room!”
Marnie and Dot remove the curtain in one swift pull, revealing the door behind it.The crowd gasps, taking in the intricately designed Venus flytraps circling the door.
“The Botanist’s Study, inspired by my favorite botanist, Dr.Venus Blake, to thank her for yet another perfect summer,” I grin with a glance at Venus.She’s practically aglow with surprise and anticipation, especially when Marnie swings the door open, revealing the room inside.Even at this distance, it reminds me of what Venus might one day have: its plants, scientific tools, a backlit work table, an art easel, bookshelves, and field journals.
Venus gasps beside me.“Henry, it’s… I… I thought it was supposed to center around local lore and history.”
“It’sourlore…ourhistory.”I lean closer to Venus.“Want to try it?”
“Henry, it’s… I… yes,” she manages, looking almost giddy.
Into the mic, I say, “The escape room has yet to be tested.So, guests are welcome to enjoy cake and cookies while Venus attempts to free herself from the room that she inspired.”
Olly races toward DeeDee for cake.I take Venus’s hand and lead her across the museum.
CHAPTER52
Henry
The plan wasfor Venus to test the escape room first—alone.I wanted her to take her time, marveling over the room’s thoughtful design, the plants and artifacts, and the clues and puzzles that I lovingly created with her in mind.The challenge blends our two loves—botany and history.
I made the room all about us.Our favorite movie posters line the walls between botanical prints and some of her drawings.A TV tucked in the corner plays the opening number fromLittle Shop of Horrors.The shelves are filled with books from our childhood—history, art, and science.Lab coats, gardening aprons, and scarves hang from a coatrack.Plants take up every space in planters, jars, and hanging from the ceiling.Paints, scientific tools, journals, and flowers,so many flowers, clutter the backlit counter, as if she’d been working there, engrossed in a thousand things at once.An art book lies open on the desk, displaying Van Gogh’sSunflowers.
Turns out, I wasn’t tapped out on romantic gestures after all.I doubt I’ll ever be when it comes to her.
But ten minutes into her seclusion, and with the crowd distracted by drinks, cake, and Eric’s more family-friendly juggling routine, I can no longer stand it.
Escape room doors aren’t actually locked—that would break all sorts of laws and codes—so when no one’s looking, I slip inside.
Venus sits on the edge of the cluttered desk, her face buried in her hands.Crying.Her sadness turns me inside out, guts me.My best intentions fizzle into hopelessness, seeing her like this.
This isn’t what I wanted for her.Not tonight.Not ever.Yet, I’m the cause of it.She’s leaving, and I’ve made her even more heartbroken over it.
The antique key and the wooden lockbox that ends the game sit beside her.Inside the box, winners find a code that, once entered into the iPad perched by the door, declares their success with lights and music.
Tonight, though, that box holds her passport and a note.
Venus,
You’ve always been my favorite adventure.Now, we’re family—you, me, and Olly.
Wherever you go, I’ll chase.
Whatever you need, I’ll give.
Whenever you’re ready, home will be here, waiting.
Love ALWAYS,
Henry
She holds both in her lap as she sobs—my big romantic gesture has only made our reality harder to accept.I go to her, crossing the room in two long strides, and run my hands up her exposed arms.
“I’m sorry,” I whisper as she reaches out to me.She tugs me close, opening her legs for me to nestle against her thighs.“I didn’t mean to… I thought… I’m sorry, Vee.”
