𝐓𝐰𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝟏𝟖 +

𝐅 𝐈 𝐅 𝐓 𝐘 - 𝐓 𝐖 𝐎

Eden

The evening air was warm, the kind of perfect night that made everything feel more romantic, more alive. Lenore had told me to dress up for dinner, something fancy she said, though she wouldn't give me any more details than that. So, I found myself standing in front of the mirror, smoothing down the sleek black suit I'd chosen, excitement bubbling in my chest.

I slipped the small velvet box into my pants pocket my fingers lingering on it for just a moment. Tonight was the night. I had no idea how Lenore would react, but I knew this was right.

When I finally emerged from the bathroom, Lenore was waiting for me by the door. She looked stunning, as always, in a form-fitting white dress that hugged her curves and showed off just the right amount of skin. Her dark hair was pinned up, with a few loose curls framing her face, and her makeup was flawless, highlighting her already striking features.

My breath caught when I saw her. "You look... incredible," I managed to say, my voice a little breathless.

She smiled, a soft, knowing smile that made my heart flip. "Thank you, sweetheart. You clean up pretty well yourself."

I grinned, feeling a little less nervous now. "Well, I had to look good if I'm going out with the most beautiful woman in the room."

She chuckled, stepping closer to me. Her hand brushed against my arm, sending a spark of electricity through me. "You always know what to say."

The restaurant Lenore had picked out was breathtaking. Soft lighting, candles on every table, and a view of the ocean that was nothing short of magical. The sound of the waves crashing against the shore was a constant hum in the background, blending perfectly with the soft jazz playing in the background.

We were seated at a secluded table near the back, giving us privacy. I noticed the way Lenore glanced around the room, her eyes always seeming to catch the best details, always in control of her surroundings. She reached across the table, taking my hand in hers.

"So," she began, her eyes twinkling in the candlelight. "What's going on in that beautiful head of yours? You've been... different today."

I swallowed hard, trying to calm my nerves. "I'm just... thinking about how lucky I am. To be here, with you."

Her thumb brushed over my knuckles, her touch gentle and reassuring. "I think I'm the lucky one."

I smiled, feeling my heart swell. God, how did I get so lucky? But the nerves crept back in, my thoughts going to the small box in my pants pocket. I'd been planning this moment for weeks, thinking of how to give her the ring. And now that the moment was here, my stomach was doing somersaults.

The waiter came by to take our order, and we chose our meals and a bottle of wine to share. As soon as he walked away, I felt the box burning a hole in my pants. I couldn't wait any longer.

"Lenore," I began, clearing my throat. "There's something I've been wanting to give you. Something... that I've been thinking about for a while."

She raised an eyebrow, her expression curious but soft. "Oh? What is it?"

My hands trembled slightly as I reached into my pocket, pulling out the small velvet box. Lenore's eyes widened as she looked at it, and for a moment, her expression was unreadable.

I took a deep breath, flipping open the box to reveal the silver promise ring inside. It was simple, elegant, just like her, exactly what I thought she'd love.

"I know it's only been a few months," I said, my voice a little shaky. "And I know... things have moved fast between us. But... you've changed my life, Lenore. In ways I never thought possible."

Her eyes softened, and I could see them beginning to glisten with unshed tears.

"I don't know what I did to deserve you," I continued, feeling my heart race in my chest. "But I'm so incredibly grateful that you're in my life. This isn't... it's not a proposal, not yet. I know that's not where we are right now. But this is a promise. A promise that I'm going to do everything I can to make you happy, to love you the way you deserve to be loved."

Tears slipped down her cheeks now, but her smile was radiant, her eyes filled with so much love it almost took my breath away.

"I love you, Lenore," I whispered, barely able to contain the emotions welling up inside me. "And I want you to have this, to show that I'm serious about us. About our future."

For a moment, she didn't say anything. She just stared at the ring, her fingers hovering over it like she wasn't sure it was real. Then, slowly, she reached out and took the box from my hands, her fingers trembling slightly.

She slipped the ring onto her finger, her eyes never leaving mine. "Eden," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "I... I don't even know what to say. This is... perfect. You're perfect."

I let out a breath I didn't know I'd been holding, relief flooding through me. "You don't have to say anything. Just... promise me you'll wear it."

She nodded, tears still streaming down her cheeks. "Of course, I'll wear it. I'll never take it off."

I smiled, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders. "Good."

Lenore stood up then, coming around the table and pulling me to my feet. She wrapped her arms around me, holding me tightly as if she never wanted to let go.

"I love you, Eden," she whispered into my ear, her breath warm against my skin. "More than you could ever know."

I held her close, burying my face in her neck. "I love you too."

The rest of the evening was perfect. We laughed, we talked, and we shared the most delicious meal I'd ever had. But the real highlight came afterward when Lenore suggested we take a walk on the beach.

The moon was high in the sky, casting a silvery glow over the ocean. The sound of the waves was soothing, and the sand was cool beneath our feet as we walked hand in hand along the shoreline.

Lenore stopped suddenly, pulling me into her arms. She looked up at me, her eyes reflecting the moonlight, and I could see the love in her gaze.

"I'm so glad you're in my life, Eden," she said softly, her voice full of emotion. "I don't know what I'd do without you."

I smiled, leaning into her touch. "I feel the same way."

She pressed her forehead against mine, her arms tightening around me. "This... this is everything I've ever wanted."

I closed my eyes, feeling the warmth of her body, the sound of the ocean, the calmness of the moment. "It's everything I've ever wanted too."

We stood like that for a while, wrapped up in each other, the world fading away around us. And in that moment, I knew, without a doubt, that this was where I was meant to be, by her side, in her arms, forever.

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~ R