Landon stood outside the quaint flower shop, his heart racing. He clutched the crumpled bills in his pocket, wondering if he was doing the right thing. Jamie deserved more than just a simple bouquet, but it was all he could afford.
Inside, the air smelled of roses and lilies. The elderly florist smiled at him, her eyes kind and knowing. "For someone special?" she asked.
He nodded. "Yes. Jamie."
"Ah, young love," she said, selecting delicate pink carnations. "These represent admiration and gratitude. Perfect for a walk to remember."
Landon paid, his palms sweaty. As he stepped out, he imagined Jamie's face lighting up when he handed her the flowers. They had shared laughter, secrets, and stolen glances. But this—this was different. This was a declaration.
He found Jamie sitting on the bench by the river, her Bible open on her lap. Her eyes met his, and he felt like he was drowning in their depths. "Landon," she whispered, her voice fragile yet full of warmth.
He held out the bouquet. "For you."
Jamie's fingers brushed the petals. "Carnations," she said softly. "Thank you."
He sat beside her, their shoulders touching. "Jamie, I—" His voice cracked. "I care about you. More than I ever thought possible."
She closed her Bible, her gaze unwavering. "Landon, I've known for a while."
He frowned. "Known what?"
"That you love me." Jamie's smile was bittersweet. "And I love you too."
His heart soared. "But—"
"I have leukemia," she confessed. "I've stopped responding to treatment."
Landon's world shattered. "Why didn't you tell me?"
"Because I wanted our time together to be beautiful," Jamie said. "I wanted you to remember me as someone who brought light into your life."
He took her hand. "Jamie, you're more than that. You're my miracle."
They sat there, the sun setting behind them, casting a golden glow. Landon leaned in, brushing his lips against hers. It was a kiss filled with longing, with promises unspoken.
"Will you walk with me?" Jamie asked, her eyes shimmering.
He nodded. "Always."
And so they walked—the boy with the bouquet and the girl with the fading light. Their steps were slow, deliberate. Each one etched into their souls. The flowers whispered secrets, and the river carried their love downstream.
As they reached the old oak tree, Jamie leaned against its gnarled trunk. "Landon," she said, "promise me something."
"Anything."
"Live a life worth remembering," she said. "For both of us."
He kissed her forehead. "I will."
And in that moment, surrounded by blossoms and memories, Landon knew he'd carry Jamie's love forever. Their walk became a testament—a fragile, beautiful thread connecting two souls across time.
