CATHERINE SMITH
When we reached Luke and Samuel, their reactions were almost comical. Both men stood there, visibly stunned, their eyes sweeping over us with a mixture of awe and disbelief. I was caught off guard by their speechless admiration.
“We’ve arrived!” Merlin announced cheerfully, trying to ease the tension that had settled between us.
Luke shook himself out of his daze, his gaze settling back into something more normal. “Mer...” He cleared his throat, struggling to find his words. “You look beautiful!” His compliment was genuine, and Merlin’s beaming smile was a testament to how pleased she was.
“Thank you!” she replied, her happiness clear in her voice.
I turned my attention back to Samuel, who was still unusually quiet. His intense gaze made me feel uneasy, a mix of sadnes
