Page 12 of Ghost Of You

“Willa,” I reply, returning her smile.

“How’s Poppy?” she inquires, her concern evident.

“My mum’s doing well,” I answer. “She’s currently on a tour of Hawaii with Lloyd.”

Lloyd is my soon-to-be stepdad, and their wedding plans are eagerly anticipated.

“Oh, that’s wonderful! I should send her a message on that social media platform. What’s it called again?” Willa taps her chin thoughtfully, her eyes suddenly brightening. “Oh, Facebook! I’m not the best with social media, but I’m trying to get this place noticed. My employees are even setting up a website for me. Isn’t that exciting?” Her enthusiasm is infectious.

“That sounds fantastic, Willa,” I say, genuinely impressed.

Willa makes her way behind the counter, and Laelia and I follow her. As she takes her place, her ever-present smile greets us once more.

“Let me guess, two tickets for the greenhouse?” she asks, her tone playful.

“Please,” I confirm.

Laelia looks at me with curiosity. “What’s in the greenhouse?” she asks.

Willa glances at me, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “You haven’t told her yet?” she asks, and I can’t help but chuckle.

“I haven’t,” I admit, turning my attention to Laelia, who appears intrigued.

“I’m sure she’ll love it,” Willa assures, turning back to her till. She then looks at me with a smile. “That’ll be twelve pounds altogether.” She gestures to the card machine, and I tap my card to complete the transaction.

As we finalise our purchase, I can’t help but feel a sense of contentment, knowing that this charming place holds so much joy and warmth.

Turning my attention back to Laelia, I see the confusion still etched across her delicate features, a blend of curiosityand uncertainty that only makes her more enchanting. With a soft smile, I extend my hand towards her, an invitation and a promise. She hesitates for a heartbeat, her eyes searching mine for reassurance before she finally reaches out, her fingers intertwining with mine. I feel a rush of warmth as I lead her towards the greenhouse, our hands connected, a silent bond that speaks volumes.

With a few quick steps, we arrive at the doorway, a cascade of chains hanging down like shimmering curtains, flanked by two translucent plastic sheets that flutter gently in the breeze. I push the chains aside with a tender gesture, watching her face light up with anticipation as she steps through the first plastic sheet, her spirit uncoiling like the tendrils of the vines around us. I pause, my heart racing, and turn to her, our eyes locking in an intimate moment.

“You ready for some magic?” I ask, teasing the air between us. Her eyebrows furrow slightly, a look of playful scepticism dancing across her features.

“I’m so confused about what’s happening,” she replies, a light laugh escaping her lips, and I can’t help but chuckle at her bewilderment.

Pushing the last plastic sheet out of the way, we step into the greenhouse, and I’m immediately struck by a treasure trove of butterflies that burst into view, fluttering gracefully around us—Monarchs, Mourning Cloaks, Painted Ladies, Black Swallowtail, Spring Azure, a collection of them, each beautiful in different ways.

Watching as her mouth falls agape, and her eyes widen, I grin, letting her take in her surroundings. She takes a few steps forward and turns, taking in her surroundings. Not only are we consumed by colourful flowers, greenery and cobbled flooring that leads to the other end of the greenhouse, we're consumed by something much more heavenly. Colourful hues on velvet wings.

One butterfly, its wings a stunning shade of ocean blue, flutters closer, and I hold my breath as Laelia extends her hand, inviting the delicate creature to perch on her finger. Her gaze locks onto it, her expression a blend of awe and joy as she watches its wings dance in the light. This moment transports me back to our childhood when she surrounded herself with butterfly-themed stationery, bedding, and clothing. As we grew older, she immersed herself in their world—drawing them, studying them, becoming entranced by their fleeting beauty. I remember how, no matter where we were, if a butterfly graced us with its presence, she would become utterly captivated, oblivious to everything else around her.

She adores them, and that’s why I brought her here. I want this date to be perfect, a moment etched in her heart forever.

As her smile widens, the butterflies swirl around her, and for a fleeting second, it feels like time has stopped. Her gaze shifts back to me, and the look she gives me is profound; it speaks volumes of her gratitude and delight, of the love that blooms between us like the flowers surrounding us.

The butterfly takes flight, disappearing into the vibrant tapestry of the greenhouse, but before I can fully process the moment, she rushes towards me, closing the distance between us with an urgency that takes my breath away. She kisses me, and the world around us fades, leaving just the two of us suspended in a bubble of warmth and tenderness.

Slowly, I raise my hand to cup her face, feeling the silkiness of her skin beneath my fingertips as I return the kiss, her soft, velvety lips melding with mine in a way that feels both familiar and exhilaratingly new. In movies, a kiss often portrays a moment of magic, a fantastical escape from reality, but this—this is real. Every gentle caress and every sweet sigh deepens the connection between us, igniting a flame that flickers in the depths of my soul.

As our lips part, a million loving thoughts rush through my mind, each one a vivid snapshot of our journey together. In every single one, she is there— she’s mypast, mypresentand my Goddamn future.

I can’t bear the thought of letting her slip away again; I refuse to allow that to happen. Never in a million years.

When we finally pull apart, the space between us is charged with electricity, our breaths mingling in the air. I open my eyes to find her beautiful brown eyes reflecting the love that swells within me. As my lips curve into a smile, I see hers mirror mine, a silent understanding passing between us as we gaze into each other’s souls.

“I forgot what it was like to kiss you, Laelia, but let me just say—nothing has or ever will compare to you. You’re one in a million, and I’d be a fool to let you go again,” I confess, my voice filled with sincerity, watching as her eyes shimmer with unshed tears.

“Then kiss me again, Killian, and let’s not waste even a moment,” she whispers, and I lean in, closing the distance once more, feeling the broken pieces of my world come together in her embrace.

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