DIFFERENT DESIRE

Ethan Carter parked his car at the corner of the quiet street, the hum of the city fading behind him. The golden glow of the evening sun spilled across the flower shop’s window, illuminating the vibrant blooms inside. He pushed open the door, and the gentle chime overhead announced his presence. Behind the counter, an old man with silver hair and kind eyes looked up from arranging roses. “Ah, Ethan,” he said with a knowing smile. “Back again? Tell me, why do you buy her flowers so often?” Ethan chuckled, brushing imaginary dust from his hands. “Why? Because I love her,” he said softly, his gaze drifting to the roses. “Every day, I want her to feel it. I want her to know she’s the only one I see, the only one who matters.” The old man raised an eyebrow, amusement twinkling in his eyes. “Love, huh? That’s a dangerous thing. But I see it in your eyes. She’s lucky, Ethan.” Ethan selected a bouquet of white lilies, carefully inspecting each stem. “I don’t just buy flowers because it’s a habit,” he said quietly. “I buy them because every time she smiles at me, it’s like the world stops. All the noise, the stress… it disappears. She’s everything.”He handed the flowers to the old man, who wrapped them in delicate brown paper, tying the bundle with a satin ribbon. Ethan’s heart raced at the thought of Emily’s smile, the soft curve of her lips when she accepted the simplest gestures. By the time he got home, the sun had dipped lower, painting the sky with shades of pink and orange. He stepped into their living room, where Emily was arranging a few books on the coffee table. Her head tilted slightly when she saw him, her eyes lighting up instantly. “For me?” she asked, her voice melodic, eyes bright. “For you,” Ethan replied, handing her the bouquet. “Because I love you more than words can say.” Emily inhaled the scent of the flowers, her smile widening. “You didn’t have to,” she whispered. “I did,” Ethan said softly, pulling her into a gentle embrace. “Every day, I want you to feel loved. To know you’re my everything.” Ethan stepped closer as Emily admired the bouquet, her fingers lightly grazing the petals. The soft scent of lilies filled the room, mingling with the faint warmth of the evening. Without a word, Ethan leaned in and pressed a gentle peck to her forehead. Emily closed her eyes for a moment, savoring the quiet intimacy. When she opened them, she met his warm gaze, and he smiled, that boyish, heart stopping smile that never failed to make her heart flutter. “Do you know what’s even more amazing?” he asked, his voice low and tender. “Even prettier than these flowers?” Emily tilted her head, curiosity sparkling in her eyes. “One day,” Ethan whispered, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear, “we’re going to have a child… a little one that looks just like you, my pretty wife.”Emily’s lips curved into a soft, radiant smile. Her heart swelled, and she felt the warmth of his love surround her like a gentle embrace. Ethan lifted her effortlessly, spinning her once in his arms before setting her down. “I love you, Emily,” he said, his voice full of certainty and devotion. “I love you too, Ethan,” she murmured, reaching up to cup his face, lingering in the moment, unwilling to let it go. After a beat, Emily giggled softly, a playful reminder slipping from her lips. “But… you just got back from work. Go wash up, eat something, and then come back. Don’t let your stomach grumble while I sit here admiring you.”Ethan laughed, the sound rich and full, brushing his lips against hers in a fleeting kiss. “Yes, ma’am,” he said, giving her a mock salute. “But hurry because I want to be back here with you as soon as possible.” Emily watched him walk toward the stairs, her smile lingering, her heart light and full. The house felt alive with love, a bubble of warmth where nothing else could reach them. And for a moment, all that mattered was Ethan, the flowers, and the promise of the life they were building together.