“Can’t rely on anyone anymore,” Elias grumbles.
I turn.
He’s dressed in his Shadow King attire—dark coat, three-piece gray suit completed with a green handkerchief tucked in the pocket. He rolls his silver lighter across his knuckles.
“Everything okay?” I ask, gathering my things, and wave to Scarlett, who’s helping another customer.
Elias scowls at his cell phone.
“Ren had an emergency. He was supposed to pick you up. New heart. Completely unreliable.”
My mind flickers back to the strange interaction—the pain and heartbreak in his eyes—and shake my head.
Unreliable or finding someone to care for?
I’m thinking too much.
“Shall we?” Elias asks, his eyes soft.
“Yes.”
Fifteen minutes later, we share my red umbrella and walk through the wrought-iron gates to a place I haven’t entered in years. But it’s been waiting for us, waiting for the right time.
Hollow Gardens.
The rain softens into a silver mist, cleansing the world of soot and grime. Sunlight peeks out from the clouds, gilding the greenery and flowers in gold.
Elias peels off his leather gloves and stuffs them into his pocket. He laces his fingers with mine and stops us in front of our elm tree.
Piano notes drift in the air, and I look at him in surprise.
Beethoven’s “Für Elise.”
He smiles, holding up his phone. A lock of dark hair grazes his forehead, making him look younger.
Slowly, he drops to his knees.
A gasp tumbles out of me as I watch him pull out a small navy box.
He flips it open. Nestled in a bed of black velvet is a large emerald and ruby engagement ring.
A rose—just like our music box. But the emeralds? Just like the pendant around my neck.
“I was late in giving you this,” he murmurs and takes my hand. “I thought I’d never have the chance.”
“Elias,” I breathe.
A soft smile ghosts his lips. Those brilliant eyes train on me. “Twenty years ago, I met a girl I knew I’d love for the rest of my life. I made a vow—only to kiss her in this lifetime. And the next.”
My lips tremble as he slides the ring onto my finger above my wedding band.
“Thank you for making that wish come true.” He presses a soft kiss on my fingertips, the heat searing deep into my soul. “You’re the only person I’ll ever kneel for.”
“Elias,” I launch myself at him, “I love you.”
Deep chuckles reach my ears. He pulls us up, brushes the tears off my face and turns us to face the tree.
A cool breezeflutters its stately branches. A lark sings a beautiful melody nearby as orange butterflies cascade from the leaves.
