Page 50 of Falling Again For My Best Friend's Brother

But when I turned to Trevor's month, I couldn't help the blush that crept into my cheeks. There he was, shirtless and glistening, his muscular frame on full display. I swallowed hard, trying to focus on Frances's excited chatter.

"Oh, and you should have seen the behind-the-scenes action!" Frances gushed. "Hero nearly stole the show!"

Trevor chuckled. "That dog has a knack for the spotlight. Remember when he photobombed the shot with Mayor Tom?"

I giggled, recalling how Hero had trotted into the picture, tail wagging. "He's a natural."

As we flipped through the pages, I felt a rush of warmth at the memory of that photoshoot. I had been so nervous, surrounded by all those chiseled firefighters. But Trevor had been right there, his steady presence calming my nerves.

"You were the real star, Amelia," Trevor said softly, looking at the calendar. "I couldn't take my eyes off you; all your floral arrangements were perfect."

I met his gaze, my heart fluttering. At that moment, I forgot all about our disheveled appearance, about Frances and her gossip radar. All I could see was the love shining in Trevor's eyes.

Frances cleared her throat, and I snapped back to reality. "Well, I should be going," she said, a knowing glint in her eye. "I have a feeling you two have some...cleaning up to do."

With a slightly embarrassed nod, I walked Frances to the door. "Thank you again for the calendar, Frances. It turned out beautiful."

As soon as the door shut behind her, I let out a long sigh. “She might not have the best timing, but she is a great photographer. I can’t wait for everyone to see the calendars at the festival.”

"Speaking of the festival, we never finished discussing our plans. We should create posters about the butterfly life cycle for the release event. Educate people about the process."

I clapped my hands, excitement bubbling up. "Trevor, that's a fantastic idea! I have some poster boards and paints in the back. Let's do it!"

We gathered the supplies and spread them out on the workroom table. Hero trotted over and curled up under the table.

As we worked, I couldn't help but steal glances at Trevor. I noticed his brow furrowing in concentration and his eyes lighting up when he talked about his butterfly research. This, I realized, was what happiness looked like. And I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.

When we finished our posters, it was late in the evening. Trevor's was a masterpiece of facts and figures, with detailed diagrams illustrating each butterfly's life cycle stage. Mine was full of glitter, fabric, and watercolor butterflies flitting across the page, each stage of their journey captured in vivid hues.

"Well, would you look at that," Trevor said, stepping back to admire our work. "I think we make a pretty good team."

"The best," I agreed, leaning into his side. "Though I have to say, your poster could use a little more... pizzazz."

Trevor raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth. "Pizzazz? Is that the technical term?"

"Oh. It's a highly respected artistic principle." I couldn't keep the laughter from my voice.

Trevor's arms wrapped around me, pulling me close. "Well, I guess I'm lucky to have you to keep me on track."

We stood there for a moment, just holding each other, basking in the warmth of the little flower shop. Our flower shop.

"Hey," I said, struck by a sudden thought. "Why don't we go sit outside? It's such a beautiful night."

Trevor's eyes softened, and he pressed a kiss to my forehead. "I think that sounds perfect."

We made our way to the backyard, Hero trotting at our heels. The crisp autumn air was invigorating, the stars just beginning to peek out from the darkening sky.

Trevor leaned against the railing and wrapped his arm around me. "What do you think about a spring wedding?"

I turned to him, surprised. "Spring?"

He nodded, a soft smile on his face. "New beginnings, fresh starts. Seems fitting, don't you think?"

I considered it, a slow smile spreading across my face. "Spring... I like that. April, maybe? When the cherry blossoms are in bloom?"

Trevor's smile widened, and he pulled me closer. "April it is, then."

We stayed there for a long while, mapping out our future in the stars, our dreams taking shape in the crisp night air. And for the first time in my life, I knew with absolute certainty that I was exactly where I was meant to be.

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