tincts sharp, and his confidence unshakable. But with Clara Hayes, he found himself wa

n idea. Ethan wanted Clara to understand that she wasn't just a par

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

t a wooden post. He looked better than she ever remembered him rel

ted across his face when he sp

as she approached, the glint of

ut his hand. "And you'

building inside. "So are you going to tell me

oss his face. "Patience, Ms.

d arranged along the way. There was a cozy wooden bench with a small bouquet

tiny lights that twinkled like fireflies, cast

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

rim of her glass with her fingers

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

You've done the same for me, Ethan. Made me belie

them filling the air. Finally, Ethan stood and raised his han

r hand into his. He led her down a narrow trail that

lights twinkling like stars beneath t

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

d. "Ethan,

how much your art means to you. And I wanted to give

pectations; just y

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

is lips ensnaring hers in a kiss th

only the now seemed pertinent where

ead against his, a soft laugh escaping her. "You real

"I had a pret

alking and stealing kisses under the stars. It was one of those n