ts sharp, and his confidence unshakable. But when it came to Clara Hayes, he found himself

t fueled an idea. Ethan wanted to show Clara that she wasn't just som

est piece coming to life in bold, sweeping strokes. She had no idea what E

nd bring your sketchpad.

her toes, and while she loved that about him, she was also a little wary. His version of "c

d and pink. She found herself at a sprawling park, a hidden gem just outside the bustling heart of the city. The trees were a

looked more relaxed than she'd ever seen him, dressed in dark jeans and a simple white

eased as she approached, a

his hand. "And you're

r. "So, are you going to tell me what this is a

"Patience, Ms. Hayes.

h with a small bouquet of wildflowers resting on it-a nod to the ones she always sketched at the café. Farther along, an o

ened. "Ethan, wh

g his features. "I wanted to do something different. Something tha

as she took in the s

d personally chosen. Clara laughed as he recounted a disastrous attempt to co

ession softening. "Clara, I've been thinking a lot ab

tracing the rim of her glass. "

ou've shown me there's more to life than deals and deadl

done the same for me, Ethan. You've made me bel

n them filling the air. Finally, Ethan stood, extending his ha

narrow trail that opened into a clearing overlooking the city skyline. The view was breathta

l with a blank canvas set up. Next to it was a table hol

d. "Ethan,

ns to you. And I wanted to give you a space where you could just

he turned to him. "This is incredi

ice soft. "Just paint. Or sketch. Or do wh

it into a vibrant shade of blue. As she worked, Ethan

after a while, "you'

mirk tugging at her lips. "Flattery

rious. Watching you like this-it's like seeing a part

ved closer. He reached up, brushing a strand of hair f

yone the way I love you," he said

her eyes locking

as tender as it was passionate. The world around them seemed to fade away;

head against his, a soft laugh escaping her. "You rea

"I had a pret

d stealing kisses under the stars. It was a night Clara would never forg