Page 120 of Knot Happening Again

Before I can retort, Ophelia emerges from the dressing room once more. This time, she's wearing a flowing sundress in a soft blue that matches her eyes perfectly. It's a lot like the one she's worn before, which I can tell is one of her favorites, but it's more well-made and looks like it was tailored to fit her every beautiful curve exactly. The fabric swirls around her legs as she moves, and I can't help but imagine hitching it up over her hips and…

"Well?" she asks, her voice hesitant. "Is this one okay?"

"It's beautiful," I say softly, unable to take my eyes off her. "You look... incredible."

Her blush deepens, and she ducks her head, a curtain of raven hair falling forward to hide her face. "Thank you," she murmurs.

"Spin for us, darling," Maddox encourages, twirling his finger.

Ophelia obliges, turning in a slow circle. The dress flares out around her, revealing a tantalizing glimpse of her legs. I swallow hard, my mouth suddenly dry.

I wonder how many occupants those dressing rooms can hold.

"Perfect for a summer day," Maddox declares. "We'll take that one too."

Ophelia's eyes widen. "But?—"

"No buts," I say gently. "And you're going to be getting plenty more before we leave here. Remember, we want to do this for you."

She bites her lip, nodding slowly. "Okay. Thank you."

As she disappears back into the dressing room, the saleswoman returns with an armful of clothes. "I've brought a selection of formal wear and casual options," she says, her voice bright with excitement. "Shall I take them to Ms. Ophelia?"

I nod, and she bustles off toward the dressing rooms. Maddox leans over to me, his voice low.

"You might want to loosen your grip there, Doc. You're going to break the armrest."

I look down, realizing I've been clutching the chair so tightly my knuckles have turned white. I force myself to relax, flexing my fingers.

"Sorry," I mutter. "I just... she's so..."

"Yeah," he says with a nod. "She is."

We spend the next hour appreciating the show as Ophelia comes out in one outfit after the next, somehow looking even more beautiful each time. By the time I get a text from the team I hired that the cabin is fully refreshed and ready for us, I've decided it would be a shame not to buy the whole damn store because she looks perfect in everything.

As Ophelia emerges from the dressing room one last time, I notice the slight droop in her shoulders. She's tired, I realize. We've been at this for a while.

"I think that's enough for today," I say, standing up. "How about we grab some food and head out?"

Ophelia's face lights up at the mention of food, and I can't help but smile. "That sounds great," she says, relief evident in her voice.

As she turns to change back into her original dress, the saleswoman approaches me, leaning in close. "Sir, I have the winter items you requested at the counter," she whispers.

"Wonderful," I reply quietly. "Please have them loaded into the car. The rest can be shipped to the address I providedearlier." I hand her my black card, along with a generous tip. Her eyes widen at the amount, and she hurries off to process the transaction.

When Ophelia returns, Maddox and I help her gather the few bags she's taking with her. As we make our way to the counter, she mumbles, "You really didn't need to buy all this for me."

I place a hand on the small of her back, guiding her gently. "We wanted to," I assure her. "It's our pleasure."

At the car, Maddox opens the door for Ophelia, and I help her inside. As she settles in, her eyes land on a few bags already tucked away in the backseat.

"What are those?" she asks, curiosity coloring her voice.

I exchange a glance with Maddox, a smile tugging at my lips. "Well, that's part of the surprise we mentioned earlier," I say, sliding in next to her.

Ophelia's eyebrows shoot up. "Surprise?"

Maddox chuckles as he starts the car. "We figured it was a good time for a little getaway," he explains. "The others had to work, so it'll just be the three of us."

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