When Hearts Heal

Chapter 38

The first crisp, wintry air greeted me as I stepped outside our apartment building, bundled up in a cozy scarf and a warm coat. Dominic had been hinting at a surprise for days, and my curiosity was piqued. Today was the day he’d finally reveal it, and I couldn’t wait to see what he had planned.

We met up after work, and Dominic greeted me with his usual charm. “Ready for your surprise?” he asked, his eyes twinkling with excitement.

I grinned, feeling a surge of anticipation. “I’ve been looking forward to this all week. Where are we going?”

He just smiled enigmatically. “It’s a secret. But trust me, you’re going to love it.”

As we drove out of the city, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of adventure. The scenery gradually shifted from urban sprawl to rolling hills and snow-dusted fields. After about an hour, Dominic pulled into a picturesque bed-and-breakfast nestled in the heart of a quaint village. The place was charming, with its twinkling holiday lights and cozy, rustic decor.

I looked around, taking in the scene with wide eyes. “This place is amazing! How did you find it?”

Dominic shrugged, looking pleased. “I’ve been planning this for a while. I thought it would be a perfect getaway for us.”

We checked in and settled into our cabin, which was as charming as the main building. It had a warm, inviting atmosphere with a stone fireplace, a comfy couch, and large windows that looked out onto the snowy landscape.

As we unpacked, Dominic turned to me with a playful smile. “So, what do you think so far?”

“It’s perfect,” I said, wrapping my arms around him in a hug. “I love everything about it.”

After we unpacked, we decided to explore the surrounding area. We took a leisurely walk through the village, admiring the rustic decorations and stopping by a charming little shop that sold homemade cookies and hot cocoa. The crisp air and joyous atmosphere made the day feel magical.

Later that evening, Dominic had planned a candlelit dinner in the cabin. He’d set up a small table with a red tablecloth, candles, and a delicious spread of food. We ate, laughed, and reminisced about our favorite moments from the past year.

Dominic raised his glass. “To us—our journey so far and all that’s yet to come.”

I clinked my glass against his, feeling a warmth spread through me. “To us. And to many more moments like this.”

As we finished dinner, Dominic led me outside for a starlit walk. The sky was clear, and the stars seemed to sparkle even brighter in the cold night air. We strolled hand in hand, talking about our hopes and dreams for the future.

“I’ve been thinking a lot about us,” Dominic said, his voice soft. “I know we’ve talked about our future, but I want to make sure we’re both on the same page.”

I looked up at him, feeling a mixture of anticipation and curiosity. “What are you thinking?”

He paused, his gaze searching. “I want us to keep growing together. I see a future with you, and I hope you feel the same way.”

I smiled, feeling a sense of contentment. “I do. I’ve been thinking about it too. I can’t imagine my life without you.”

Dominic squeezed my hand. “That means a lot to me. I want us to be able to talk about our future openly and honestly.”

"Me too." I replied with a smile as we just stood in silence.

When I was with Jared there wasn't enough time that has passed that could've prepared me for the next step. We never moved in together and he forced me into nearly being engaged. The fact of the matter was, that no amount of time would've made me feel comfortable with having a future with Jared, no matter how hard I tried to convince myself.

But with Dominic...it felt like time wasn't even a factor. Sure, we've only been together for a year but with him it felt like I've known him my whole life.

With him, I know.

We spent the rest of the evening cuddled up by the fire, talking and laughing about everything and nothing. The intimate setting and heartfelt conversations made me realize how much I cherished our time together.

As we prepared for bed, Dominic’s mischievous grin returned. “I have one more surprise for you. But you’ll have to wait until tomorrow to find out what it is.”

I laughed, feeling a mix of excitement and curiosity. “You’re really building up the suspense, aren’t you?”

Dominic kissed me softly. “Trust me, it’ll be worth the wait.”

The next morning, I awoke to the smell of fresh coffee and pancakes. Dominic had prepared breakfast for us, and we enjoyed a leisurely meal before setting out for the day. We explored more of the charming village, enjoying each other’s company and soaking in the calming atmosphere.

As we wandered through a local park, Dominic suddenly turned to me with a serious expression. “Before we head back to the city, I want to talk to you about something.”

My heart skipped a beat, and I looked at him with interest. “What’s up?”

He took a deep breath, looking slightly nervous. “I’ve been thinking a lot about our relationship and where it’s going. I want us to be able to discuss our future openly, and I want to make sure we’re both happy with how things are going.”

I nodded, feeling a sense of reassurance. “I appreciate that. I’ve been thinking about it too. I feel like we’re building something really special, and I’m excited about what’s to come.”

Dominic smiled, relieved. “Me too. I think we’re in a great place, and I’m looking forward to seeing where our journey takes us.”

He didn't say anything else after that which left me a bit confused as to the recent increase in his brief statements.

As we headed back to the cabin, I couldn’t help but feel a renewed sense of excitement about our future. The weekend getaway had been a perfect escape and a reminder of how much we meant to each other.

The trip had given us the chance to reflect on our relationship and strengthen our bond. And as we drove back to the city, I felt more certain than ever that Dominic was the person I wanted to spend my life with.