Finally, we came to a clearing. In the center stood an enormous tree stump, easily ten feet in diameter. Even in the dim light, I could see the pain in Patricia’s eyes as she approached it.“This redwood has been cultivated by generations of men in our family,” she explained, running her fingers alo
AvaThe banquet was in full swing, the air filled with the soft melodies of a string quartet and the gentle clinking of champagne glasses. Chris and I swayed gently to the music on the dance floor, his hand warm on my lower back as we moved.“You really do look beautiful tonight,” Chris murmured for
With that, he turned and strode away, leaving me standing alone in the middle of the dance floor. My chest felt tight, and I could feel the sting of tears threatening to fall. The music continued around me, but I felt frozen in place, Bernard’s words echoing in my mind.Charm him… That wasn’t what w
Ava“Rise and shine…”I was awoken by the gentle sensation of light kisses along my neck and collar bone. Soft lips grazed over my skin, eyelashes fluttering against my cheek. Before even opening my eyes, a small smile tugged at my lips.“Five more minutes…?” I murmured, feeling Chris nuzzle into th
“That must have been devastating,” I said softly, glancing over at Clara, who nodded sadly from behind her coffee cup.“It was. Is. I feel like I’ve lost a part of myself,” Patricia said with a sigh. “Those trees were more than just plants to me, you know? They were like old friends. I’m sure you un
ChrisBernard stormed out of the dining room, leaving a deafening silence in his wake. The seed that I had had Leonard send to us with an overnight courier sat in the middle of the table, unappreciated.Slowly, I turned to see Ava, Patricia, and Clara looking at me; Ava had shock and dismay written
Bernard’s expression remained stony, but I pressed on, determined to make him understand.“I am truly sorry for hurting Patricia. That was never my intention. All I ever wanted was to find true love, and I’ve loved Ava since we were young. Yes, she’s ten years older than me and has been mated before
AvaJust moments after Chris left to follow Bernard, Patricia quickly grabbed the seed from the table and excused herself, hurrying after them. I found myself alone with Clara, an awkward silence settling over the breakfast table.Clara cleared her throat and offered me a small smile. “More coffee,