Under the veil of night’s embrace, Gabriel and Evelina had found a fleeting escape from the bustling family scene.
With the Viscount taking a momentarily leave of absence and Evelina’s sisters engrossed in conversation with Eliza, the two seized the opportunity for a stolen moment alone.
The duke’s touch on Evelina’s hand was gentle yet possessive, as he urged her to move stealthily out the back door. As theyfinally slipped away from the chatter, the hushed rustle of their footsteps mingled with the soft murmur of the evening breeze.
In the dim light, his eyes met hers as they ventured towards the garden, the fragrant scent of blooming flowers enveloping them, with petals glistening with dew under the moon’s gentle gaze.
The soft rustle of leaves and the distant chirping of crickets mingled with their laughter at the silliness of situation in the night air as they scurried till they reached the now familiar secluded spot, surrounded by towering trees and delicate blossoms.
The moonlight bathed the garden in a silvery glow, casting a spell of enchantment over the scene. Gabriel’s smile, a beacon of warmth in the cool air caused Evelina’s heart to sing as he guided her to a garden chair.
“I have a surprise for you,” he murmured, his voice a gentle caress in the quietude of the garden. As he released her hand, a fleeting pout instinctively graced her lips, instantly longing for his touch again.
“Close your eyes, my love,” his tone carried a promise of mystery and delight. Her heart fluttered with anticipation as she obeyed, her trust in him unwavering despite the pounding in her chest.
In the darkness behind closed lids, she felt his presence draw near behind her suddenly, his touch a whisper against her skin. A gasp escaped her lips as his hands delicately traced the curve of her neck, sending shivers down her spine.
“You can open your eyes now, my love,” Gabriel’s voice, laced with warmth, beckoned her back to reality. As Evelina’s gaze raised to meet his, she found herself lost in the depths of his eyes, a mirror to her own emotions.
With a gentle hand, he passed her a mirror, a glimmer of silver catching the moonlight. Her breath caught in her throat as she beheld the exquisite necklace adorning her neck.
“What do you think of it?” His words were filled with a quiet intensity and anticipation, awaiting her reaction.
Evelina’s eyes widened in awe and gratitude as she took in the beauty of the necklace. Her fingers delicately traced the intricate design, her touch reverent.
“It looks terribly expensive,” she remarked softly, her eyes reflecting the shimmer of the gems. “But it’s beautiful,” she added, her voice filled with admiration and gratitude.
Gabriel’s smile, a reflection of his affection, widened as he moved from behind and crouched before her.
“You’re beautiful,” he whispered.
Evelina’s cheeks bloomed with a deep blush, the compliment stirring emotions within her. As he spoke of the gems symbolizing love and how he’d gotten them even before realizing the full depth of his love for her, Evelina’s smile grew, a playful glint in her eyes.
“You’ve been quite generous with your gifts since our engagement,” she teased lightly, a hint of mischief in her tone. “I fear there’s hardly any space left in my father’s estate to store them all.”
Gabriel chuckled, a sound that warmed the night air, and lifted her hand to his lips, causing her blush to deepen. “There will always be more gifts, my love,” he assured her, his gaze unwavering. “If it were possible, I’d adorn you with treasures from every corner of the heavens and the earth.”
Evelina’s cheeks bloomed even more, her heart dancing with the emotions that words evoked. “Have you always been this good with words?” she inquired with a shy laugh.
His playful scoff cut through the air, in response, his tone teasing. “Forgotten already, my love? All the banter and arguments we had, I did always win them, did I not?” A glint of mischief in his eyes as he grinned.
Evelina’s laughter, a melody of pure joy, rang out into the night as she shook her head. As the echoes of her mirth faded, she found herself ensnared by his gaze once again, one brimming with love and tenderness.
Oh, Gabriel…
“I love you, Gabriel,” she confessed, her voice a whisper filled with unwavering devotion.
I want you to always know this. I will say it a million times.
I will love you always.
Moved by her words, his hand gently caressed her cheek, his touch a tender reassurance of his feelings. Leaning in, he captured her lips in a kiss, a silent testament of his love and commitment to her.
In the hush of the moonlit garden, their kiss deepened, emotions swirling between them heavily. Then suddenly, a familiar bark shattered the moment.
Whiskers bounded towards them, tail wagging in excitement, signaling the end of their stolen moment of intimacy.
Gabriel, his laughter ringing in the night, drew Evelina up from the garden bench, a playful glint in his eyes. “I believe our absence has been noticed,” he remarked, amusement lacing his words as he glanced at the eager dog running circles around their feet.
