Page 72 of Always Red (Chasing Red 2)

There was something magical about the place. Fog covered the ground, and the stone steps that led up to the tree house barely peeked through the fog. In-ground lighting—in the shape of moons and stars—provided a whimsical cast to the path. Strings of ice-blue lights were looped in the trees, on the roofs, and across the wooden bridges. Fairy lights. It clicked. I chuckled.

In the background, Pachelbel’s Canon in D was softly playing.

I wondered what Red would think of it. What she would feel. She had no idea I was waiting for her. She thought she was covering for Kara’s work shift tonight at a party. I gave Kara my credit card so she could buy Red a dress and asked her to tell Red it was the uniform she was supposed to wear.

I knew Red hadn’t been sleeping well this week, staying up all night to study and still going to work at the garage. Her willingness to pick up a shift upset me a little—although it made me admire her more since it was to help a friend. She obviously needed to relax. Tonight, I was hoping I could give her that.

It was nearing dusk, and she’d be here soon. Anticipation was making me nervous. What if this was too much? The place looked beautiful, but what did I know? It was just a place. It didn’t mean anything until she was here.

I walked back and forth across the bridge, holding an armful of red roses. Was wearing this tux too much? I ran my hand through my hair. Would she feel uncomfortable here like she had on our first date when I took her to that fancy restaurant?

I loosened my tie, jiggled the keys in my pocket.

Blowing out a breath, I leaned my elbows against the railing of the wooden bridge and lowered my head. I had sent a limo to pick her up and told Kara to say it was complimentary from the employer.

Where is she?

I was about to phone the limo company when suddenly, my skin prickled. She didn’t make a sound, but I knew it was her.

Slowly, I turned. And the sight of her knocked the breath out of me as she stood on the other side of the bridge.

Something tickled my memory.

My love.

And then she stepped forward.

As I watched her approach, I saw our lives flash by. Growing old together, laughing, crying, ma

king love, our kids surrounding us. This was the woman I wanted to be with for the rest of my life. I needed her with a sweet, desperate longing I’d never felt before.

She glided toward me—a dream in red lace with dark hair, red lips. She stopped just an arm’s length away, looking at me through the dark cat eyes I’d come to remember even in sleep.

I just looked at her, taking my fill.

I was afraid to touch her for fear she might disappear. “I’m wondering if you could tell me,” I whispered, my voice hoarse, “what I’ve done in this life to deserve you.”

She blinked up at me, a small smile softly curving her lips.

I touched her cheek. “Tell me you’re not a dream, Red.”

“If I am,” she whispered back, leaning into my touch, “then so are you. Let’s not wake up anytime soon.”

“That sounds good to me.” I lifted the roses. “For you.”

Her eyes lit up as she took the flowers and inhaled their scent. “I love them. Thank you.”

I placed my hands on her lower back, pulling her closer to me. I’d been waiting a long time for the shape of her, the feel of her in my arms. “You’re so beautiful. How can you be real?”

Her blush was endearing. “You and Kar planned this.” She frowned at me, but her eyes glowed with pleasure.

I smiled at her sheepishly. “I wanted it to be a surprise. Do you like it?” I asked eagerly.

“How can I not? It’s beautiful here.” Her dark eyes filled with wonder as she looked around. The glow from the lights reflected in her eyes, and I could see myself in them. I wondered if she could see herself reflected in mine.

I laced her fingers with mine and led her inside the hut to the pretty round table set in the middle of it. The silverware sparkled, the light soft; the smell of roses and fragrant candles mixed in the air. But all I wanted to see, wanted to steep myself in, was her.

I pulled out her chair, making sure she was comfortable, and couldn’t resist kissing the top of her head before I took the seat across from her. The waiter appeared, greeting us, filling our glasses with champagne, and whisked away her roses for safekeeping.

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