Bright colors exploded across the night sky, painting it with vibrant hues of red, blue, and gold. Wren’s eyes widened in awe as the fireworks burst into life, each one more beautiful than the last. She watched, mesmerized, as the colors reflected in her eyes, creating a sparkle that Connor couldn’t help but notice.

“Is this the other surprise?” Wren asked, her voice filled with excitement and wonder.

Connor nodded, his heart swelling with joy at her reaction. “Yes, just for you.”

“I love it so much!” Without a second thought, Wren threw her arms around him, hugging him tightly. The warmth of her embrace was more than he had hoped for, and he savored the feeling of holding her close.

Wren buried her face in his chest, her voice muffled as she spoke. “You make me realize I was so foolish before.”

Connor gently pulled back, looking down at her with concern. “What do you mean?”

She hesitated, her thoughts tangled as she tried to find the right words. “I thought I knew what love was…,” she began, her voice trailing off as she stared up at the sky. The memory of her past was like a shadow that lingered in the corners of her mind.

Connor waited patiently, sensing the weight of what she was about to say.

“It wasn’t love,” Wren continued, her voice soft and tinged with sadness. “It was a nightmare. But you… you’ve shown me what true love is. Thank you.”

Connor’s heart ached for her, and he reached out to gently stroke her hair. “You’re welcome,” he said softly, his voice filled with tenderness.

Wren looked up at him, her eyes shining with gratitude. “I hope that I can give you just as much love back someday. Are you sure you’re okay with waiting for me?”

Connor smiled, his expression full of warmth. “I’m so happy with just this much already. Anything more than this is just an added bonus.”

Wren couldn’t believe how lucky she was. In Connor, she had found someone who was patient, understanding, and loving beyond measure. She truly felt blessed in ways she could never have imagined.

“Look up for your surprise,” Connor whispered, his voice filled with excitement.

Wren tilted her head back just as another firework shot into the sky. This one was different—it exploded into the shape of a heart, and within its glowing outline, the words “I Love You” were written in brilliant white sparks.

Tears welled up in Wren’s eyes, spilling over and tracing wet paths down her cheeks. She couldn’t hold back the emotion that surged within her.

Connor noticed the tears and immediately grew nervous. “I’m sorry. Did I do the wrong thing? You don’t like it?”

Wren shook her head, her voice trembling as she reassured him. “No, it’s the opposite. These are happy tears. I love it, and I love you so very much.”

Relief washed over Connor, and he pulled her into his arms, holding her as tightly as he could. He wanted her to feel every ounce of his love, every bit of happiness and sincerity he poured into that embrace. “I love you too, Sunshine,” he whispered into her hair.

They stayed like that, wrapped in each other’s arms, as the fireworks continued to light up the night. The explosions in the sky were a perfect mirror of the emotions they both felt inside—bright, intense, and full of life. They talked about the future, sharing their hopes and dreams for the life they wanted to build together.

As the final firework fizzled out and the sky returned to its peaceful darkness, Wren began to feel the weight of the day settling in. She stifled a yawn, her eyelids growing heavy.

Connor noticed and smiled softly. “You look tired. Let’s head back to our room.”

Wren nodded, but when she tried to stand, her legs felt weak and unsteady. Without a word, Connor scooped her up into his arms, cradling her against his chest as he carried her back to their room. She didn’t protest, too exhausted to do anything but rest her head on his shoulder.

When they finally reached their room, Connor gently placed her on the bed. Wren’s eyes fluttered open, a sleepy smile playing on her lips. “Are we back?” she murmured.

“Yes,” Connor replied, kneeling beside her. “Just lay down, and I’ll take your shoes off.”

Wren sighed contentedly, closing her eyes again as Connor carefully slipped off her shoes. But then she remembered something and opened her eyes, her brow furrowing slightly. “I have to change into pajamas,” she said, her voice thick with sleep.

Connor paused, looking up at her with a mischievous grin. “Do you want my help?”

Wren’s cheeks flushed pink at the suggestion. “I don’t think that’s a good idea,” she said shyly.

“I promise I’ll just change your clothes, nothing else,” Connor said, his tone playful but sincere. “You’re so tired. Just lay there, and I’ll do all the work.”

Wren bit her lip, uncertainty flickering in her eyes. “I’m not sure… I might freak out.”

Connor’s expression softened, and he looked at her with such hope and affection that it made her heart ache. “If you feel uncomfortable, I’ll instantly stop,” he promised.

She could see the sincerity in his eyes, the way he wanted to take this step with her, to be there for her in every way. He had been so patient and caring, never pushing her to do more than she was ready for. And now, as she looked at him, she realized that she wanted to take this step too. She wanted to spend her life with this man, and this was just one of many steps she’d have to conquer to be with him.

“Alright… we can try,” she said softly, her voice filled with determination.

Connor’s eyes widened in surprise. “Really?” He quickly recovered, not wanting to lose the moment. “Let me grab your clothes, and I’ll be back.”

As he moved to the dresser, Wren watched him, feeling a mix of nervousness and excitement. This was new territory for her, but with Connor by her side, she felt ready to explore it. She closed her eyes, letting the sound of the ocean outside lull her into a sense of calm as she waited for him to return.