“Your family’s Albanian, but Leste isn’t Albanian,” she commented.
“That’s random.”
“I’m curious!” She scrunched her nose adoringly. “My family’s from the UK. But that’s obvious…Anderson, right?”
“Hm. Technically, we are the Lleshis. But Dad said immigration got it wrong when Grandpa moved over. Somehow became the Lestes. Not that I could confirm this. Never met Grandpa. Although Dad said Grandpa was wealthy and powerful.” I shook my head. “Urban legend, really.”
“Maybe someday you could find out your family’s history.”
I hummed noncommittally. I was more interested in creating my own history with her.
“Maybe someday I could become a powerful, rich man,” I joked.
“A good man. That’s more important.”
My lips hitched as I tugged her to a stop. “But how would I make your dreams come true without money?”
She grinned. “I could make my own dreams come true. You just come along for the ride. Although…” A frown marred her forehead. “I don’t know what my dreams are. It’s probably good to have one. A goal.”
My dream is you.
The thought barreled in from nowhere, sending my heart into a tailspin.
I swallowed, my fingers twitching, my chest suddenly swelling with feelings that had been building since almost a year ago when I met her.
Dad’s words echoed in my mind.Do what you can to keep her by your side.
An impulse surged through my veins, and I looked around, my eyes widening when an idea took root.
“Come.”
I grabbed her hand and tugged her toward the far end of the park, to the biggest elm tree that had been there forever.
Sturdy. Unwavering.
I fished out my pocketknife and carved a heart and my words onto the tree.
Elise gasped, her roses scenting the air.
“Too much too soon?” I asked, my pulse thundering.
She grabbed the knife from me and added her own word underneath mine.
“There. Etched forever.”
My gaze snapped to hers, heat barreling through my chest.
“Really?” I rasped.
She nodded, a blush blooming on her cheeks.
I traced our carvings, my mind flashing to the suitcases by our front door.
“Elise,” I had whispered, my hand cupping her face. “If anything ever happens, I’ll find my way back to you.”
“Nothing will ever happen,” she whispered, her eyes steadfast.
“I…” My lungs strained in an inhale. “I love you, Elise.”
