We sat in the quiet of the greenhouse, soaking in the bliss of the day. Outside, the world was swallowing the last of the light, but inside, the atmosphere was beginning to glow. The fairy lights twinkled against the glass, creating an illusion of peace and tranquility that felt almost too good to be true.
“It’s time to open presents,” I said, finally setting the empty dessert dishes aside.
Eric chuckled, leaning back in his chair. “I don’t think that would be necessary, Autumn. This—all of this—is enough.”
“Well, it’s normal to open presents during one's birthday,” I insisted, trying to persuade him with a playful nudge. “Besides, you have a mountain of them to get through.”
He stared back at me, his gaze softening into something so tender and loving that I felt my cheeks heat up. I s
