Page 49 of Falling Again For My Best Friend's Brother

I melted into his embrace, the sketch all but forgotten. How could I think about costumes when this incredible man held me like I was the most precious thing in the world?

"You know," Trevor said after a moment, "as much as I'm enjoying this, we should probably take a break and start prepping the backyard for the new greenhouse."

I sighed, reluctant to leave the circle of his arms. "I suppose you're right. But this isn't over, Phillips. I will keep my costume a surprise, no matter what tactics you employ."

"We'll see about that." He pressed a kiss to my temple before releasing me. "Now, let's go make some greenhouse magic happen."

Armed with measuring tapes and notebooks, we headed out into the backyard. The sun was high in the sky, warming my skin and lifting my spirits. Trevor looked devastatingly handsome in the golden light, his hair tousled from our earlier chase.

As we measured out the greenhouse's area, I couldn't help but imagine all the beautiful things we'd grow together—not just flowers but our love, our family, and our future. It was a heady thought, one that filled me with a giddy sort of joy.

Lost in my reverie, I didn't notice Hero darting between my legs, hot on the heels of a squirrel. I stumbled, my arms pinwheeling as I tried to regain my balance. But it was too late - I was falling backward, right into my prized rose bush.

"Amelia!" Trevor's shout rang out across the yard as he lunged for me, trying to break my fall. We tumbled into the bush together, a tangle of limbs, thorns, and startled laughter.

"Are you okay?" Trevor asked his face inches from mine. He had managed to twist us mid-fall, taking the brunt of the impact.

"I'm fine," I assured him, plucking a rose petal from his hair. "Thanks to my dashing protector."

He chuckled, then winced. "I think said protector might have a few thorns in his back."

"Oh no, let me see." I helped him sit up and pull his shirt off so I could see his whole back. Sure enough, several thorns were embedded in his skin. "Hold still, I'll get them out."

Trevor grimaced as I carefully extracted the thorns, but he couldn't stop cracking jokes. "Well, this is a prickly situation. Guess you could say I'm feeling the love from these roses."

I rolled my eyes, even as a smile tugged at my lips. "Hush, you. I'm trying to concentrate."

"Right, sorry. I'll sit here quietly and think about how I ended up with the world's most beautiful, talented, and apparently very focused fiancée."

My heart swelled at his words, and I had to blink back sudden tears. How had I gotten so lucky? Every day with Trevor was an adventure filled with laughter, love, and occasional tumble into a rose bush.

As I finished removing the last thorn, I pressed a gentle kiss to his shoulder. "There, all done. My poor, brave soldier."

Trevor turned to face me, his expression soft. "I'd face a thousand rose bushes for you, Amelia Carter."

"Let's hope it doesn't come to that," I teased, helping him to his feet. "I'd much rather face the future with you, minus the thorns."

He pulled me close, mindful of his tender back. "I can't wait to see what that future holds.

As Trevor leaned in to kiss me, someone knocked on the side gate, startling us both. I glanced down at my dirt-smudged yoga pants and back up at Trevor's thorn-prickled back, realizing we were in no state to greet visitors.

"Maybe if we're quiet, they'll go away," I whispered, hoping against hope.

But the universe had other plans. "Amelia? Trevor? It's Frances! I have the calendar draft!"

Trevor and I exchanged panicked looks. We couldn't let Frances see us like this – she'd have the story all over town before we could say "rose bush."

"Just a minute!" I called, frantically brushing at the dirt on my pants. Trevor hastily pulled on his shirt, wincing as the fabric brushed against his tender back.

I took a deep breath and opened the gate, plastering on my most convincing smile. "Frances! What a surprise!"

Frances breezed into the backyard, her brightly patterned dress billowing behind her. "Oh, I just couldn't wait to show you the calendar! It's going to be the talk of the town!"

“I can’t wait to see it. Let’s go sit down in the kitchen.”

As she laid the draft on the kitchen table, I sat down, trying to subtly adjust my disheveled ponytail. Trevor stood slightly behind me.

"This looks amazing, Frances," I said, flipping through the glossy pages. And it did – the photos were stunning, showcasing Rivermint Cove's finest in all their fireman glory.

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