Chapter 21

Alden poured out a lifetime of romance over the next three days. On the first day, he took Willow to the tallest Ferris wheel in Nythera. "They say couples who kiss at the top stay together forever," he said, standing at the cabin door. His eyes were filled with tentative hope. Willow sneered. "Then we should kiss at the bottom, so we never meet again." The light in Alden's eyes dimmed, but he forced a smile. "That's okay. I just wanted you to see the night view." As the Ferris wheel reached its peak, the city spread out beneath them in a glittering sprawl. Then, without warning, Alden dropped to one knee and pulled a diamond ring from his pocket. "Lo," he said, his voice low and scratchy. "If we could start over—" "There's no 'if.'" She cut him off, turning to the window. … The next day, Alden put together an elaborate feast. "I remember that you like spicy food," he said, sliding a spicy fish sandwich toward Willow. His gaze was gentle. "Want to try it?" She gave it a look.