Page 111 of Always Red (Chasing Red 2)

“Yes. Tomorrow. First thing.”

I blew out a breath. I knew she didn’t want to tell me because it was my birthday and she was afraid it would ruin my day. But not knowing what it was, not being able to fix it, was doing just that. If she wanted to forget about it tonight, so be it. Tomorrow would be a different story.

“I’m glad you’re wearing your ring and necklace tonight.”

She smiled up at me. “I promised you I would.”

“The ring is a symbol. It lets everyone know that you’re mine when Ben makes the announcement.”

“Announcement?”

“Of our engagement, love.”

Her eyes widened, her lips parted in surprise.

“I want to spend the rest of my life with you, and I want everyone to know.”

I watched as her eyes warmed with affection, her lips stretching into a tender smile.

“All right.”

A set of stone steps led us to the garden path under arched trellises thick with vines and roses so lush and fragrant that the scent was intoxicating. The shrubs lining the path were green and fresh. A white bench sat conveniently on the side if anyone wanted to relax and enjoy the blooms. At the end of the path was the gazebo, highlighted by soft lighting.

Red’s eyes twinkled with pleasure at the grand display of blooming flowers.

“This is stunning. I can’t believe you grew up here. And the house… It’s incredible—and huge.”

I chuckled. “I used to play hide-and-seek with Ben and my…dad here. They could never find me. I had all the good hiding places. We can hide from everyone now, if you want. They’ll never see us. Wanna?”

“If only.” She sighed softly. “I always knew you were rich. But I was wrong. You are extremely rich. No, scratch that—you’re wealthy.”

I winced. “My mother is. Not me.”

“Same thing. I was very intimidated when the butler ushered me inside your house. It’s ridiculous to call it a house. It’s a castle.”

“I’ll give you one if that’s what you want.”

She let out a soft laugh. “What would I do with a castle? Besides, it’d just give you more floor space to litter with your clothes. I’d be exhausted every day picking them up.”

“I’ll pick them up.”

She rolled her eyes, but I only grinned, bent down to pluck a red flower from the garden, and tucked it behind her ear.

She smiled up at me sweetly. “I don’t want a castle, Caleb. I never did. I just want a home. A simple one. With you.”

My heart somersaulted. How could she still do this to me? I didn’t want it to ever stop.

“Then I’ll give you one,” I said, lacing our fingers together again while we strolled. “I have a couple houses lined up for us to look at. Make time for me this week, love?”

“All right. Let me know when, and I’ll ask Kar for a day off.”

I frowned. “Where is Kar, by the way?”

She was quiet for a moment. “She’s sorry she couldn’t come tonight.”

“Oh. How come?”

She just shook her head and murmured, “Later.”

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