Chapter 40
Chapter Forty
Levi
The days following our investor meeting feel lighter, as if the storm Damon unleashed is finally beginning to clear. The buzz of rumors has quieted, thanks to Tania’s unwavering support and our united front. But even as the world starts to settle around us, I can’t shake the feeling that I need to do something more—something meaningful to remind her just how much she means to me.
So, I make a plan.
It’s late in the afternoon when I find her curled up on the couch, a book in her lap and a steaming cup of tea on the table beside her. She looks so at peace that for a moment, I almost don’t want to disturb her. But then her eyes lift, meeting mine, and her soft smile tugs at something deep inside me.
“Hey,” she says, setting the book aside. “You’ve been quiet today.”
“I’ve been thinking,” I reply, stepping closer. “And I’ve got an idea.”
She raises an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. “Should I be worried?”
“Not at all,” I say, grinning. “In fact, you’re going to love it. But you’ll have to trust me.”
“Trust you?” she echoes, a playful smile tugging at her lips. “That sounds suspicious.”
“It’ll be worth it,” I promise, holding out my hand.
I drive us out of the city, the car winding through quiet roads flanked by sprawling fields and dense forests. Tania glances at me every so often, her eyes sparkling with curiosity but laced with skepticism.
“Are you going to tell me where we’re going?” she asks.
“Nope,” I reply, keeping my gaze on the road. “You’ll see soon enough.”
When we finally pull up to our destination—a small, picturesque farm with a rustic barn and a sky painted in warm hues of orange and pink—Tania’s jaw drops.
“Levi,” she breathes, stepping out of the car. “This is beautiful.”
“I thought you’d like it,” I say, watching her as she takes it all in. “This place is known for its stargazing events. I rented it out for the evening.”
Her eyes widen, and she turns to me, her expression a mix of surprise and delight. “You did this... for us?”
“Of course,” I reply, taking her hand. “I figured we could use a little magic.”
The barn is transformed into a cozy haven, with fairy lights strung across the beams and soft blankets spread out on the floor. A telescope stands near the open doors, pointed toward the horizon, and a picnic basket sits nearby, packed with her favorite snacks.
“You’ve really outdone yourself,” she says, laughing softly as she takes it all in.
“It’s nothing compared to what you deserve,” I reply, guiding her to the blankets. “Now, come on. Let’s see if we can spot any constellations.”
We spend the next hour laughing and pointing out stars, her enthusiasm contagious as she tries to decipher the patterns in the sky. The night is crisp, the air cool but not cold, and the warmth of her hand in mine feels like the only thing that matters.
As the night deepens, Tania leans back against me, her head resting on my chest as we lie beneath the stars. The quiet hum of nature surrounds us, and I press a kiss to the top of her head, my heart full.
“You know,” she says softly, “I don’t think I’ve ever felt this... at peace.”
“Me neither,” I admit, tightening my hold on her. “Being with you makes everything else fade away.”
She tilts her head to look up at me, her eyes glistening in the starlight. “How do you always know exactly what to do?”
“I don’t,” I reply honestly. “But I know how to love you. And that’s all that matters.”
Her lips curve into a soft smile, and she shifts to press a kiss to my jaw. “You’re pretty good at that, you know.”
“Good,” I murmur, brushing my lips against hers. “Because I don’t plan on stopping.”