Against All Odds

Chapter Thirty-Six

I glance up from my book, halting my spoon in my grapefruit as I find Henry not looking at his paper, but at me, his fingers against his mouth in concentration.

I raise a brow, smirking. "What are you looking at?"

"I want to take you somewhere today."

I smile, excitedly. It's been days since I've left this small palace and a day outdoors sounds amazing. I hope it's in nature. "Where?"

"It's a surprise."

"A surprise?" I hum, setting down my spoon, giving him my undivided attention. "What kind of surprise?"

"A trip, overnight."

"Why are we taking a trip?"

"You ask too many questions," he says, smirking. But, he gives in. "We're taking it because it's the anniversary of the day we met tomorrow."

I gape, in awe. I didn't even remember this. "How do you remember that?"

"It was only a year ago, if you can believe it."

I shake my head. "I can't. So much has happened."

He smirks. "Do you think you're up for it?"

"Hell yes, I am!" I exclaim, standing. "I'm going to go pack!"

...

I buckle my seatbelt in the jet, excitedly as Henry takes a seat across from me.

"Can you tell me where we're going now?"

He smirks. "A... very large park just south of Scotland," he confesses, slowly. I immediately grin, blushing. I have fond memories there. Our first night together, road trips, strangers skinny dipping in the lake... I don't even remember who that girl is anymore. So much has happened since then.

"Good choice?" he asks. I nod, unbuckling my belt.

"Miss, please, we're about to take off," the attendant says from her seat in the back. I ignore her, only focused on Henry. I take a seat beside him, clasping his face and our lips meet. After the second reprimand by the attendant, I nod, pulling back.

"The best choice."

Henry looks pleased as he reaches for my seatbelt.

...

The flight isn't long at all, just a few hours. When we reach the park, I smile at the immediate deja-vu feeling when I see Ivan standing outside our vehicle, as two more massive Escalades pull up too. Henry reaches into the car, pulling out a blanket and... a chilled bottle of non-alcoholic sparkling wine.

I can't help but laugh at his expression. He shrugs, taking my hand.

"Had to improvise," he states, leading me towards the path. Ivan smiles softly when we pass him, which startles me. As we begin to walk down the path, I feel my heart start to pump harder... ten times harder.

There are small, white lights draped throughout the trees, dangling down like vines, leading down the pathway. On the ground on either side of us, there are so many roses I can barely believe it. Red roses. My eyes are wide as saucers.

"I... Henry... My god, I-"

I can't form a coherent thought.

I stop when the tree coverage clears and my feet hit the familiar soft grass. The lake is reflecting the sunset, full of color. There's a feeling in the air. It's so strange, unique. I'm emotional, knowing immediately why we're here.