The Perfect Bouquet

Chapter 7

One sunny afternoon, Liam arrived at the shop with a mischievous twinkle in his eye. Aster looked up from arranging a display of sunflowers, her heart skipping a beat at the sight of him.

Liam glanced around the shop, his gaze lingering on the shelves filled with colorful flowers. "I thought we could take a break from bouquets today," he suggested. "How about we go for a walk in the park? It's such a beautiful day."

Aster hesitated for a moment, surprised by his suggestion but intrigued. "That sounds lovely," she agreed, her curiosity piqued. "Let me just close up the shop."

They strolled through the park, the sun casting dappled shadows through the trees. Liam shared stories from his childhood, his eyes lighting up with nostalgia as he talked about his love for art and his dreams.

"I've always been drawn to colors and shapes," Liam confessed, picking a wildflower and handing it to Aster. "But it wasn't until I met you that I truly understood the beauty of nature."

Aster smiled, twirling the wildflower between her fingers. "I'm glad I could share that with you," she replied softly. Liam listened intently as Aster spoke, her voice filled with love and reverence. He admired the way she spoke about her family, realizing how much Aster's family meant to her.

"I never knew my grandparents," Liam admitted, his tone wistful. "But hearing about your grandmother makes me feel like I've known her through you."

Aster squeezed his hand gently, touched by his words. "She would have loved you," she said sincerely, her heart swelling with affection.

As they walked back to the shop, the sky turned a soft shade of pink, casting a romantic glow over their surroundings. Liam stopped suddenly, turning to face Aster with a serious expression.

"Aster, there's something I've been meaning to ask you," Liam began, his voice tinged with nervousness.

Aster's heart skipped a beat, sensing the gravity of his words. "Yes, Liam?"

Liam took a deep breath, his gaze unwavering as he spoke from the heart. "Will you come to dinner with me tomorrow night? I want to take you somewhere special."

Aster's eyes widened in surprise, a smile spreading across her face. "I would love to," she replied without hesitation, her heart fluttering with excitement.

Liam grinned, relieved and thrilled by her answer. "Great. I'll pick you up at seven."

As they reached the flower shop, Liam looked at Aster, his eyes full of affection. "Until tomorrow, Aster."

Aster watched him walk away, her heart soaring with happiness. She couldn't wait for their dinner date, eager to spend more time with Liam.