30. Serena
30
SERENA
S erena finished applying the healing potion to the injured fox's leg. The morning sun streamed through the newly installed skylights, filling the expanded medical wing with golden light. A year had transformed the sanctuary into something even more special than before - with its enhanced facilities and reinforced magical protections woven into every wall.
"There you go, sweet thing," she murmured, scratching behind the fox's ears. The animal nuzzled her hand in response, making her smile.
"Talking to the patients again?" Logan's deep voice carried across the room as he entered, his dark hair tousled from his morning rounds. Her heart still skipped a beat every time she saw him, especially when he gave her that crooked grin.
"They're better conversationalists than some people I know," she teased. "At least they don't steal the last blueberry muffin."
"That was one time!" He crossed the room and wrapped his arms around her waist from behind. "And I made it up to you."
"Mmm, you did." She leaned back against his chest, savoring his warmth. The fox watched them with curious eyes before curling up for a nap.
Through the window, she could see the whole sanctuary before them - the new aviaries gleaming in the sunlight, the expanded enclosures filled with recovering wildlife, and the gardens where she grew her potion ingredients. Each addition made with love and care, funded by their supportive community.
"Remember when you thought this place would bankrupt you?" She turned in his arms. "Now look at it."
"Pretty sure that was your doing." He pressed a kiss to her temple. "Your potions, your healing touch. This place wouldn't be half of what it is without you."
The praise still made her chest warm, but now she could accept it without deflecting. This was where she belonged - helping animals, practicing her craft, and sharing her life with the man who'd helped her rediscover her confidence and joy.
"Speaking of my potions," she said, "I need to check on that batch for the injured eagles. Want to help?"
"Only if you promise not to turn anything into flowers this time."
"That was also one time!" She laughed, taking his hand and leading him toward her workroom. "And admit it - those daisies smelled amazing."
Later that night, Serena finished updating the last of her patient charts, noting the remarkable recovery of the young deer they'd taken in last week. The setting sun painted the medical wing in warm amber hues, casting shadows across her desk. She tucked her hair behind her ear as she reviewed her notes one final time.
Logan's footsteps echoed down the hall - she'd recognize that particular gait anywhere. But something was different about his rhythm today, almost bouncy. When he appeared in the doorway, he was practically vibrating with contained energy.
"Hey there." His voice carried a hint of something she couldn't quite place. "About done?"
"Just finishing up." She narrowed her eyes at him. "Why are you smiling like that?"
"Like what?" He scratched his chin, a telltale sign he was hiding something. "Can't a man smile at his beautiful girlfriend?"
"A man can. You, however, look like you just found a honey stash."
"Just head home when you're done. Take your time." He backed away, still grinning. "No rush."
An hour later, Serena pushed open their cabin door, breathing in the peculiar mix of herbs and wood smoke that meant home. The scent of rosemary and garlic drew her toward their back porch, where she stopped short at the threshold.
Logan had transformed their usual dining space into something magical. Twinkling fairy lights draped the restored wooden beams, casting a soft glow over a table set with their best dishes. Candles flickered in mason jars, and a bottle of her favorite wine sat chilling in an ice bucket.
"You did all this?" She took in the perfectly arranged place settings and the covered dishes that promised something delicious underneath.
"Surprised?" Logan emerged from the kitchen, wearing the blue button-down she loved on him. "Thought we could use a proper date night at home."
"Is that what you were being weird about earlier?" She laughed, moving into his arms. "I thought maybe you'd let another raccoon loose in the house."
"One time!" He kissed her temple. "And in my defense, she was very persuasive."
The sanctuary was peaceful in the gathering dusk. Serena leaned into Logan's embrace, watching the last rays of sunlight paint the sky in brilliant pinks and purples. She couldn't imagine being anywhere else.
Serena soon savored another bite of the perfectly seasoned salmon, watching Logan over the rim of her wine glass. He'd outdone himself with dinner - the fish practically melted in her mouth, and the roasted vegetables had just the right balance of herbs and garlic. His cooking skills had definitely improved since their younger days when his idea of a fancy meal was ordering takeout.
"This is incredible," she said, gesturing with her fork.
His hand found hers across the table for what felt like the hundredth time that evening. Not that she minded - she loved how attentive he was, but combined with the way he kept fidgeting and checking his pocket, something was definitely up.
"You're being weird again," she said, tilting her head. "What are you plotting?"
"Can't a man just enjoy dinner with his gorgeous girlfriend?" His gold-flecked eyes sparkled with barely contained excitement.
"A man can. You look like you're about to burst."
He topped off her wine glass, his fingers trailing along her arm as he pulled back. "Just happy you're here."
"Uh-huh." She narrowed her eyes playfully. "This wouldn't have anything to do with that mysterious phone call you took earlier, would it?"
"What phone call?" He stuffed a large bite of food in his mouth, avoiding her gaze.
"The one where you practically whispered the whole time and kept looking over your shoulder to make sure I wasn't nearby?"
"You're imagining things." He reached across to steal a bite from her plate, something he knew would distract her. "How's your salmon?"
"Perfect, and don't change the subject." She laughed, batting his fork away. "You're terrible at keeping secrets, you know that right?"
"I have no idea what you're talking about." But his wide grin said otherwise as he captured her hand again, pressing a kiss to her knuckles.
The evening air was perfect - just cool enough to make snuggling close feel cozy, with the sound of crickets providing a gentle backdrop to their meal. Whatever Logan was planning, Serena decided to let him have his moment. After all, his surprises usually turned out to be worth the wait.
After dinner, Serena followed Logan down the porch steps, her curiosity piqued as he led her away from their usual evening spots. The sanctuary stretched out before them, bathed in the soft glow of twilight. A string of twinkling lights caught her attention, creating a path that wound between the enclosures.
"Logan, what are you up to now?" She squeezed his hand. "If this is another surprise animal rescue..."
"Just trust me." He gently tugged her forward, his eyes dancing with his barely contained excitement.
The lights guided them deeper into the sanctuary, and Serena's breath caught in her chest as recognition dawned. There, standing proud against the darkening sky, was the old oak tree - their oak tree. The wooden swing still hung from its sturdy branch, now adorned with fairy lights that cast a magical glow over the entire scene.
"You remembered," she whispered, memories flooding back of countless afternoons spent here, stealing kisses and sharing dreams.
"How could I ever forget?" Logan's voice was soft. "This is where you first told me you loved me."
Her heart thundered in her chest as he drew her closer to the tree. The evening breeze carried the scent of wildflowers and pine, mingling with the familiar woodsy scent that was uniquely Logan.
"Remember how you used to push me so high I thought I could touch the stars?" She reached out to touch the swing, running her fingers along the smooth wood.
"And you'd squeal every time, even though you were the one who kept asking for 'higher'." He chuckled, then suddenly grew serious. His hand slipped into his pocket.
Serena's breath hitched as Logan dropped to one knee, the fairy lights casting a warm glow across his features. He pulled out a small velvet box, and her world narrowed to just this moment, just them.
"Serena Bloom, loving you then was the easiest thing I'd ever done. Losing you was the hardest. Finding you again? That was fate giving us another chance." His voice cracked slightly. "Will you marry me?"
Tears blurred her vision as he opened the box, revealing a delicate ring that caught the light of their makeshift stars. Her hands trembled as she reached for him.
"Yes," she managed through happy tears. "Of course yes, you wonderful, sneaky bear."
Logan slipped the ring onto her finger, then pulled her into his arms, spinning her around as she laughed. When he set her down, she grabbed his shirt collar and tugged him close.
"So this is why you were being so weird at dinner?"
"I was not being weird," he protested, pressing his forehead to hers. "I was being...strategic."
Logan’s eyes reflected the twinkling lights above them as he met her gaze. Serena's heart raced as his fingers traced along her jaw. When his lips met hers, the kiss was soft, unhurried - a promise wrapped in warmth and certainty.
Her hands found their way to his chest, feeling his heartbeat match her own rapid rhythm. The ring on her finger caught the fairy lights, sending tiny sparkles dancing across their faces.
"I love you," she whispered against his lips.
"I love you too," he breathed back.
Their kiss deepened, and Serena melted into him. Here, beneath their oak tree where everything began, she knew now this was where she was always meant to be.