Box Of Matches | ✓

25

A crisp winter morning greeted Ariel as she opened The Book Nook, the air filled with the scent of pine and the distant hum of festive music from nearby shops. She had barely settled behind the counter with her favorite pen and notebook when the bell above the door jingled, announcing Bradley's arrival. His presence instantly brightened the room, his beachy glow and easy smile contrasting with the chilly weather outside.

"Hey, Ariel," Bradley greeted her, his eyes twinkling with excitement.

"Hey, Bradley," Ariel replied, her curiosity piqued by his enthusiastic demeanor. "What's got you so happy this morning?"

Bradley leaned against the counter, a mischievous grin on his face. "I have a surprise for you. I want to show you something."

Ariel raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "A surprise? What is it?"

"You'll see," Bradley said, his grin widening. "Come on, let's go. Trust me, you're going to love it."

After ensuring the store was secure and leaving a sign on the door indicating she'd be back soon, Ariel followed Bradley outside. They climbed into his car, and he drove along the coast, the scenic route offering breathtaking views of the ocean. The drive was peaceful, the rhythmic sound of the waves crashing against the shore providing a calming backdrop to their journey.

After about twenty minutes, they arrived at a different area of town. Before them stood an old beach house, perched almost at the water's edge. The house, though weathered and in need of repair, held a certain charm that captured Ariel's imagination.

"Wow," Ariel breathed, taking in the sight. "This place is incredible."

Bradley parked the car and turned to her, his eyes filled with excitement. "I've been eyeing this house for a while now. I know it needs a lot of work, but I see so much potential in it. I wanted to show it to you because... well, because I want to buy it one day and fix it up. For us."

Ariel's heart skipped a beat at his words. "For us?"

Bradley nodded, taking her hands in his. "Yeah. I can see us here, Ariel. Living by the water, making this place our own. I want to fix it up however you want. I wanted you to see it and imagine our future here."

Overwhelmed by the thoughtfulness of Bradley's gesture, Ariel squeezed his hands. "That's... that's amazing, Bradley. I can't believe you've been planning this."

"I've been thinking about it for a while," he admitted. "Come on, let me show you inside."

He led her up the weathered wooden steps and through the creaking front door. Inside, the house had a rustic charm, with wooden beams and large windows offering stunning views of the ocean. The space was filled with possibilities, and Ariel could already envision how they could transform it into a cozy, beautiful home.

Bradley guided her up a flight of stairs, their footsteps echoing in the empty house. When they reached the top, Ariel was greeted by a heartwarming sight. Bradley had laid out a small picnic on the floor, complete with a checkered blanket, cushions, and an assortment of their favorite snacks.

"I wanted to make today special," Bradley said, his eyes locked onto hers. "I know this place needs work, but I believe it can become something amazing. Just like us."

Ariel felt a rush of emotions, tears pricking at the corners of her eyes. She had never imagined something so thoughtful and romantic. "Bradley, this is perfect. Thank you."

They sat down on the blanket, and Bradley opened a bottle of sparkling cider, pouring them each a glass. They toasted to their future and shared a quiet, intimate moment, the sound of the waves crashing against the shore adding to the magic of the day.

As they enjoyed their picnic, Bradley spoke about his dreams for the house. "We could have a garden out front, with flowers and maybe even a small vegetable patch. Inside, we could create a reading nook by the window, where you can write and read to your heart's content."

Ariel smiled, her mind filled with images of their future together in this beautiful, old house. "I love that idea. And maybe we could have a cozy fireplace in the living room, where we can spend winter nights together."

"Absolutely," Bradley agreed, his enthusiasm contagious. "This house has so much potential, just like us."

They spent the afternoon exploring the house, dreaming aloud about how they would transform it. Bradley's excitement was infectious, and Ariel found herself getting swept up in the vision of their future together.

As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the house, they returned to the top floor where their picnic was laid out. Bradley took Ariel's hand, looking deeply into her eyes. "I know this is a big dream, but I believe in it. I believe in us. I want to build this future with you, Ariel."

Ariel's heart swelled with emotion. "I believe in us too, Bradley. This house, this dream... it feels right. Thank you for sharing it with me."

They shared a tender kiss, sealing their commitment to each other and their shared dream. As they packed up the picnic and prepared to leave, Ariel felt a renewed sense of hope and excitement for the future.

Driving back to The Book Nook, Ariel couldn't stop thinking about the old beach house and the possibilities it held. Bradley's gesture had shown her how much he cared and how deeply he was invested in their relationship. She felt a sense of clarity and purpose, knowing that she was on the right path.

When they arrived back at the store, Bradley walked her to the door, his hand gently holding hers. "Thank you for coming with me today," he said. "I know it's just a dream right now, but I believe we can make it a reality."

"I do too," Ariel replied, smiling up at him. "I'm excited for our future, Bradley. Whatever it holds, I know we'll face it together."

With a final kiss, Bradley left, and Ariel returned to the warmth of The Book Nook. She sat down behind the counter, her heart full of love and hope. She picked up her pen and notebook, ready to continue her writing, but this time with a renewed sense of purpose.

As the evening wore on and the store grew quiet, Ariel thought about the journey she had been on. From the heartbreak with Colby to the new beginnings with Bradley, she had come a long way. She had faced challenges and uncertainties, but she had also found love and hope in unexpected places.

With a contented sigh, Ariel turned the page in her notebook and began to write, her heart and mind filled with dreams of the future. The old beach house, the love she had found with Bradley, and the endless possibilities that lay ahead