When Hearts Heal

Chapter 34

The afternoon sun had begun its descent, painting the vineyard in hues of orange and pink. Dominic and I had spent the day exploring, laughing, and enjoying each other’s company. As evening approached, we decided to have a quiet dinner on the vineyard’s terrace, where the views were as spectacular as the company.

The table was set with candles flickering softly, casting a warm glow over our meal. We enjoyed a delightful dinner of local specialties, each course better than the last. The conversation flowed easily, with Dominic’s charm and wit making the evening even more enjoyable.

As the meal came to an end, the sky darkened and a canopy of stars began to emerge. Dominic stood and offered me his hand, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “Shall we take a stroll? The night air is perfect, and I’d like to show you something.”

Curious and intrigued, I took his hand and followed him down a path lit by soft lanterns. We walked in comfortable silence, the cool evening breeze mixing with the warmth of Dominic’s hand in mine. After a short walk, we arrived at a secluded spot overlooking a small pond, surrounded by twinkling fairy lights strung between the trees.

“This is beautiful,” I whispered, my breath catching as I took in the magical scene before me.

Dominic smiled, pulling me closer. “I thought you might like it. There’s something special about sharing moments like these.”

He reached out, gently brushing a stray lock of hair from my face. The touch was tender, and I felt a shiver run down my spine. Our eyes met, and the world seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of us under the stars.

“I’ve been meaning to ask you,” Dominic said softly, his voice low and earnest, “how did I get so lucky to have you in my life?”

I blushed, feeling my heart race. “Maybe you’ve just got a way of making things feel right.”

He chuckled, leaning in slightly. “I’m glad you think so.”

We stood there, close enough to feel each other’s warmth. Dominic’s gaze dropped to my lips, and he smiled, a hint of mischief in his eyes. “I think it’s time for a proper goodnight kiss, don’t you?”

I felt my cheeks flush as I looked up at him, the playful glint in his eyes making my pulse quicken. “Are you sure you can handle it?”

Dominic’s smile widened, and he took a gentle step closer, his breath mingling with mine. “I think I can manage.”

As he leaned in, our lips met in a kiss that was both sweet and lingering. The world around us seemed to disappear as I lost myself in the moment, savoring the softness and warmth of his kiss. Dominic’s hands rested gently on my back, pulling me closer, while his lips moved with a tenderness that made my heart flutter.

When we finally pulled apart, both of us were breathless, our faces flushed with the intensity of the moment. Dominic’s eyes were filled with affection as he looked at me.

“Definitely a goodnight kiss,” he murmured with a grin.

I laughed softly, resting my forehead against his. “I’d say it was more than that.”

Dominic’s smile grew, and he brushed a kiss against my forehead. “We’ll have plenty more moments like this. For now, let’s just enjoy the evening.”

We walked back to the terrace, hand in hand, our hearts full and our connection deeper than ever. 

As we settled into comfortable chairs by the pond, the serene atmosphere and soft glow of the fairy lights created a perfect backdrop for our conversation. Dominic took my hand, his touch reassuring as we gazed at the gentle ripples on the water.

“This has been such a beautiful evening,” he said, his voice low and thoughtful. “I’ve been meaning to talk to you about something, though.”

I looked at him, curious and attentive. “What’s on your mind?”

Dominic hesitated for a moment, then spoke. “We’ve been spending so much time together, and it feels like things are moving so smoothly. But I want to make sure we’re on the same page about our future. You know, like our goals, our timelines—everything that matters.”

I nodded, appreciating his honesty. “I feel the same way. I think it’s important to know where we both stand and what we want.”

Dominic smiled and squeezed my hand. “Exactly. So, what do you envision for the future? How do you see things unfolding?”

I took a deep breath, reflecting on our plans and dreams. “Well, I definitely see a future with someone who shares my values and goals. I want a strong partnership built on trust and mutual support. As for timelines, I’m thinking about settling into a career, building a stable life, and eventually starting a family. I’m not in a rush, but I do see those things in my future.”

Dominic’s eyes softened as he listened. “That sounds like a wonderful plan. I feel the same way. I want to build a life with someone who understands the importance of a solid foundation before jumping into the bigger commitments.”

He paused, then added, “Which brings me to something I’ve been wondering about. You mentioned that you weren’t ready for marriage with Jared. Can you tell me why? And when do you think you’d be ready?”

I felt a lump in my throat as the question stirred old memories. I took a moment to gather my thoughts before speaking. “With Jared, I felt like there was a lot of pressure to rush into things. He was always pushing for the next step, but I wasn’t ready because it didn’t feel right. I needed more time to really understand what I wanted and make sure it was the right decision for both of us.”

Dominic listened intently, his expression empathetic. “I understand. It’s important to be sure before making such a big commitment.”

I nodded, feeling a sense of relief in sharing my thoughts. “As for when I’ll be ready, I think it will be when I’m completely certain that the person I’m with is the right one for me, and when we both feel ready to take that step together. It’s not just about the timing; it’s about feeling secure and confident in our future together.”

Dominic smiled, his eyes reflecting a mix of understanding and affection. “I appreciate your honesty. I think we’re in a good place, and I believe we’re moving in the right direction. I want us to have those conversations and make sure we’re always on the same page.”

I felt a surge of gratitude and warmth as I looked at him. “I’m really glad we can talk about these things. It makes me feel even more connected to you.”

Dominic leaned in, brushing a gentle kiss against my temple. “Me too. We have a strong foundation, and I’m excited about our future together. We’ll take it one step at a time, making sure we’re both ready for each milestone.”

We sat together, the peaceful sounds of the night and the warmth of our conversation wrapping around us. The clarity we gained from this discussion only strengthened our bond, and I felt a renewed sense of hope and excitement for the journey ahead.