The amber glow of hanging lanterns reflected gently off the rippling lake outside the window. A small fire crackled in the stone fireplace nearby. The restaurant was warm, intimate, and quiet—exactly what Emily needed.
She sat across from Oliver at a private corner table, her cheeks glowing under the soft light. The faint scent of roasted rosemary chicken and baked bread filled the air, but her mind was on something else.
Or rather—someone else.
Oliver.
He looked good tonight. Relaxed for once, his sleeves rolled up, dark eyes catching the golden light. He was watching her like she might disappear if he blinked.
“You’re staring,” she murmured, smiling as she sipped her apple spritzer.
“You’re glowing,” he replied softly. “I’ve never seen you this beautiful.”
Emily laughed, brushing
