Page 242 of Gathered Sparkle

“Isnobodybothered that he’s now done this twice and will never let us forget it for the rest of our lives?” Nicholas mutters from behind us, his voice laced with exasperation.

“Shh,” Koen hisses while Ace just snickers, clearly enjoying the chaos.

I ignore them and squeeze Sylus’s pinky. “You knew it from the start. You saw me, even when I didn’t see myself, and you never gave up on me. I’m so thankful you didn’t.” My eyes sting, but I don’t bother hiding the tears. “You’re my person. I love you, and I promise to keep loving you forever.”

His grin turns mischievous as he leans in and kisses me, his lips lingering just enough to make me feel like I’m floating. The faintclickof the photo is barely noticeable over the pounding of my heart.

Then Sylus steps aside, making way for Koen, whose gaze is already locked on me. Without a word, he presses his button, his lips twitching into a small, knowing smirk. It’s the kind of look that says,I see you,and it sends a shiver down my spine.

When it’s my turn, I press mine, barely looking at it as I try to summon a way to say all the things I can’t quite put into words. My lips part like I might say something, but I don’t, trusting him to pick up on the storm brewing inside me.

His smirk softens, and he gives me that subtle, approving nod, the kind that saysgood girlwithout needing to say it out loud. It’s the same nod that has always made me feel seen, steady, and most of all—safe.

“You’re the wildcard I didn’t see coming,” he starts, his voice strong and sure. “But I’d never give you back. You’ve changedmy life for the better in ways I didn’t think were possible. I’ve never trusted anyone with my heart, my life, more than I trust you. I love you, Little Thief.”

I know he can see right through me, right to every ounce of love and longing I feel for him right now. I lean into my feelings, letting my shoulders drop, letting my face soften. My lips curve into the smallest of smiles as I stare up at him, forgoing words and simply showing him how much I love him, how much I want him, how much I trust him too.

“You’re my safe haven,” I whisper, finally finding the perfect words to describe how I feel. “I love you, Koen. Always.”

His lips quirk in a way that shows me he always knows. And God, I love him for it. His hand slides up to my cheek, and his kiss is a firm vow against my lips, leaving me feeling safe and cherished. Anotherclickfollows, capturing the moment. He breaks the kiss then but not the contact of our lips as he whispers, “Precious.”

He steps back after one more shared breath, and I smile as Nicholas takes his place, and his gaze locks on mine, a playful glint in it as his hand hovers over the screen. “Would you rather press that button and promise me forever, or—”

“I don’t need to hear the other option.” I cut him off, pressing my button without hesitation. “Because all I want is forever with you.”

“Sweetness.” His smile transforms into a wide grin. “You see me. All of me. You make me feel free in a way I didn’t think was possible. I’d follow you anywhere. I love you.”

My throat tightens, but I smile through it as I respond to him. It’s always been easy to be myself with him, even when I was pretending to be someone else. “And I’d let you. You make me feel like I can be myself unapologetically. And I love you for that.”

He rests his hands on my waist, pulling me to him and kissing me softly.

Another click sounds.

His warmth leaves me then, but is soothed by Ace who moves in close, wrapping his arms around me from behind. He nuzzles into the curve of my neck, his breath a soft caress against my skin. “I dare you to say yes.”

I tilt my head back and let my lips curve into a smirk. “I dare you to say it first.”

He chuckles, and we press our buttons together. “You’re daring.” His lips brush my cheek. “You’re wild, and you’re trouble. You’re perfect for me.”

“You’re perfect for me, too,” I whisper, and God, my eyes burn when our gazes lock.

“I love you, Trouble.”

“I love you, Ace.”

He spins me to face him, and his hand cups the back of my neck as he kisses me deeply, dipping me and owning my body, staking his claim.

Click.

By the time we break apart, my cheeks ache from all the smiling I’ve done today, and my heart feels full to bursting.

Sylus taps his screen, and the machine chimes again. There’s a whirring before it spits out the four glossy photos of each kiss—each vow frozen in time.

“Fucking perfect,” I rasp while my nose burns. “I love them all.”

Koen glances over my shoulder at the pictures. “They’re getting framed. And duplicated.”

The machine chimes again, and we turn as one to face the screen.

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