21. Amelia
Chapter twenty-one
Amelia
I woke to the sound of Trevor returning from his morning jog. Sunlight streamed through the sheer curtains, casting a warm glow across the room. I stretched, enjoying the extra minutes in bed before beginning my day.
In the sunroom, I unrolled my yoga mat next to Trevor's new weight bench - a compromise we'd reached to accommodate both our morning routines. Trevor had agreed to go jogging before working out so that he wouldn’t wake me and then lift weights in the sunroom. Some mornings, I would wake up early and do my yoga while he lifted weights. As I moved through a sun salutation, I couldn't help but admire Trevor's toned physique as he started his weightlifting.
"Looking good, soldier," I teased, arching an eyebrow. "Care to join me for some yoga poses?"
Trevor chuckled, setting down his weights. "I don't know. Think you can handle my superior flexibility?"
"Oh, it's on." I grinned, gesturing for him to take the mat beside me. "Let's see what you're made of."
Trevor attempted a tree pose. His brow furrowed in concentration. I had to admit, he wasn't half bad. But just as I was about to compliment his form, Hero bounded into the room, tail wagging excitedly. Before either of us could react, he jumped onto Trevor’s leg.
"Whoa!" Trevor wobbled, arms flailing as he lost his balance. Gravity won out, and he toppled sideways - right into me.
We collapsed in a tangle of limbs and laughter on my mat, Hero happily licking our faces. I playfully swatted at Trevor, my heart full as our mirth filled the sunroom. These silly, unscripted moments were what I cherished most about our life together.
After our workout, we settled at the kitchen table with steaming mugs of coffee and cream cheese bagels to discuss the butterfly release plans. Trevor, ever the pragmatist, had been researching transport options.
"I think if we use these lightweight, ventilated boxes, we can safely move the butterflies to the park," he explained, sketching a diagram on a notepad.
I nodded, only half-listening, distracted by how my engagement ring sparkled in the morning light. I still couldn't believe this incredible man had chosen me, quirks and all.
"Earth to Amelia," Trevor teased, waving a hand in front of my face. "You with me, love?"
"Always," I smiled, leaning in for a quick kiss. "Sorry, I just got caught up admiring my ring again. I can't help it - I'm marrying the most amazing man."
Trevor grinned, stealing another kiss. "Funny, I was thinking the same thing about my fiancée."
We continued brainstorming, Trevor offering practical solutions while I focused on the aesthetic details. Between ideas, he peppered me with feather-light kisses—on my cheek, my nose, and my forehead. Each one felt like a promise, a reminder of the beautiful future we were building together.
As we sat there, surrounded by notes, sketches, and the residue of our planning, I felt a surge of contentment. This was exactly where I was meant to be—by Trevor's side, dreaming up new adventures. With him, even the most mundane tasks felt extraordinary. I couldn't wait to see what the rest of our lives had in store.
I grabbed a fresh sheet of paper, and an idea for our butterfly ball costumes took shape in my mind. "What if we surprise each other with our outfits?" I suggested, already sketching a rough design. "We can coordinate colors but keep the details a secret until the big reveal."
Trevor grabbed a sheet of paper for himself. "I like the way you think, Carter." He started to draw something and then erased it. In a few minutes, he pretended to be stretching, but he leaned closer, trying to sneak a peek at my sketch.
I quickly pulled the paper to my chest, laughing. "Oh no, you don't! It's supposed to be a surprise, remember?"
"Aw, come on, just a little hint?" He made an exaggerated pouty face, and I couldn't help but giggle.
"Nope, not happening, Phillips." I hopped up from my chair, holding the sketch behind my back. "You'll just have to wait and see."
Trevor grinned, rising slowly from his seat. "Is that so?" He took a step towards me, a playful glint in his eye. "Well then, I guess I'll have to resort to more...persuasive measures."
I let out a shriek of laughter as he lunged for me, and I darted around the kitchen table, keeping the sketch just out of reach. We chased each other in circles, our laughter echoing off the walls. Hero watched from his bed, head cocked curiously at our antics.
Finally, Trevor caught me around the waist, pulling me close. "Gotcha," he murmured, his breath warm against my ear.
I melted into his embrace, the sketch all but forgotten. How could I think about costumes when this incredible man held me like I was the most precious thing in the world?
"You know," Trevor said after a moment, "as much as I'm enjoying this, we should probably take a break and start prepping the backyard for the new greenhouse."
I sighed, reluctant to leave the circle of his arms. "I suppose you're right. But this isn't over, Phillips. I will keep my costume a surprise, no matter what tactics you employ."
"We'll see about that." He pressed a kiss to my temple before releasing me. "Now, let's go make some greenhouse magic happen."
Armed with measuring tapes and notebooks, we headed out into the backyard. The sun was high in the sky, warming my skin and lifting my spirits. Trevor looked devastatingly handsome in the golden light, his hair tousled from our earlier chase.
As we measured out the greenhouse's area, I couldn't help but imagine all the beautiful things we'd grow together—not just flowers but our love, our family, and our future. It was a heady thought, one that filled me with a giddy sort of joy.
Lost in my reverie, I didn't notice Hero darting between my legs, hot on the heels of a squirrel. I stumbled, my arms pinwheeling as I tried to regain my balance. But it was too late - I was falling backward, right into my prized rose bush.
"Amelia!" Trevor's shout rang out across the yard as he lunged for me, trying to break my fall. We tumbled into the bush together, a tangle of limbs, thorns, and startled laughter.
"Are you okay?" Trevor asked his face inches from mine. He had managed to twist us mid-fall, taking the brunt of the impact.
"I'm fine," I assured him, plucking a rose petal from his hair. "Thanks to my dashing protector."
He chuckled, then winced. "I think said protector might have a few thorns in his back."
"Oh no, let me see." I helped him sit up and pull his shirt off so I could see his whole back. Sure enough, several thorns were embedded in his skin. "Hold still, I'll get them out."
Trevor grimaced as I carefully extracted the thorns, but he couldn't stop cracking jokes. "Well, this is a prickly situation. Guess you could say I'm feeling the love from these roses."
I rolled my eyes, even as a smile tugged at my lips. "Hush, you. I'm trying to concentrate."
"Right, sorry. I'll sit here quietly and think about how I ended up with the world's most beautiful, talented, and apparently very focused fiancée."
My heart swelled at his words, and I had to blink back sudden tears. How had I gotten so lucky? Every day with Trevor was an adventure filled with laughter, love, and occasional tumble into a rose bush.
As I finished removing the last thorn, I pressed a gentle kiss to his shoulder. "There, all done. My poor, brave soldier."
Trevor turned to face me, his expression soft. "I'd face a thousand rose bushes for you, Amelia Carter."
"Let's hope it doesn't come to that," I teased, helping him to his feet. "I'd much rather face the future with you, minus the thorns."
He pulled me close, mindful of his tender back. "I can't wait to see what that future holds.
As Trevor leaned in to kiss me, someone knocked on the side gate, startling us both. I glanced down at my dirt-smudged yoga pants and back up at Trevor's thorn-prickled back, realizing we were in no state to greet visitors.
"Maybe if we're quiet, they'll go away," I whispered, hoping against hope.
But the universe had other plans. "Amelia? Trevor? It's Frances! I have the calendar draft!"
Trevor and I exchanged panicked looks. We couldn't let Frances see us like this – she'd have the story all over town before we could say "rose bush."
"Just a minute!" I called, frantically brushing at the dirt on my pants. Trevor hastily pulled on his shirt, wincing as the fabric brushed against his tender back.
I took a deep breath and opened the gate, plastering on my most convincing smile. "Frances! What a surprise!"
Frances breezed into the backyard, her brightly patterned dress billowing behind her. "Oh, I just couldn't wait to show you the calendar! It's going to be the talk of the town!"
“I can’t wait to see it. Let’s go sit down in the kitchen.”
As she laid the draft on the kitchen table, I sat down, trying to subtly adjust my disheveled ponytail. Trevor stood slightly behind me.
"This looks amazing, Frances," I said, flipping through the glossy pages. And it did – the photos were stunning, showcasing Rivermint Cove's finest in all their fireman glory.
But when I turned to Trevor's month, I couldn't help the blush that crept into my cheeks. There he was, shirtless and glistening, his muscular frame on full display. I swallowed hard, trying to focus on Frances's excited chatter.
"Oh, and you should have seen the behind-the-scenes action!" Frances gushed. "Hero nearly stole the show!"
Trevor chuckled. "That dog has a knack for the spotlight. Remember when he photobombed the shot with Mayor Tom?"
I giggled, recalling how Hero had trotted into the picture, tail wagging. "He's a natural."
As we flipped through the pages, I felt a rush of warmth at the memory of that photoshoot. I had been so nervous, surrounded by all those chiseled firefighters. But Trevor had been right there, his steady presence calming my nerves.
"You were the real star, Amelia," Trevor said softly, looking at the calendar. "I couldn't take my eyes off you; all your floral arrangements were perfect."
I met his gaze, my heart fluttering. At that moment, I forgot all about our disheveled appearance, about Frances and her gossip radar. All I could see was the love shining in Trevor's eyes.
Frances cleared her throat, and I snapped back to reality. "Well, I should be going," she said, a knowing glint in her eye. "I have a feeling you two have some...cleaning up to do."
With a slightly embarrassed nod, I walked Frances to the door. "Thank you again for the calendar, Frances. It turned out beautiful."
As soon as the door shut behind her, I let out a long sigh. “She might not have the best timing, but she is a great photographer. I can’t wait for everyone to see the calendars at the festival.”
"Speaking of the festival, we never finished discussing our plans. We should create posters about the butterfly life cycle for the release event. Educate people about the process."
I clapped my hands, excitement bubbling up. "Trevor, that's a fantastic idea! I have some poster boards and paints in the back. Let's do it!"
We gathered the supplies and spread them out on the workroom table. Hero trotted over and curled up under the table.
As we worked, I couldn't help but steal glances at Trevor. I noticed his brow furrowing in concentration and his eyes lighting up when he talked about his butterfly research. This, I realized, was what happiness looked like. And I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.
When we finished our posters, it was late in the evening. Trevor's was a masterpiece of facts and figures, with detailed diagrams illustrating each butterfly's life cycle stage. Mine was full of glitter, fabric, and watercolor butterflies flitting across the page, each stage of their journey captured in vivid hues.
"Well, would you look at that," Trevor said, stepping back to admire our work. "I think we make a pretty good team."
"The best," I agreed, leaning into his side. "Though I have to say, your poster could use a little more... pizzazz."
Trevor raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth. "Pizzazz? Is that the technical term?"
"Oh. It's a highly respected artistic principle." I couldn't keep the laughter from my voice.
Trevor's arms wrapped around me, pulling me close. "Well, I guess I'm lucky to have you to keep me on track."
We stood there for a moment, just holding each other, basking in the warmth of the little flower shop. Our flower shop.
"Hey," I said, struck by a sudden thought. "Why don't we go sit outside? It's such a beautiful night."
Trevor's eyes softened, and he pressed a kiss to my forehead. "I think that sounds perfect."
We made our way to the backyard, Hero trotting at our heels. The crisp autumn air was invigorating, the stars just beginning to peek out from the darkening sky.
Trevor leaned against the railing and wrapped his arm around me. "What do you think about a spring wedding?"
I turned to him, surprised. "Spring?"
He nodded, a soft smile on his face. "New beginnings, fresh starts. Seems fitting, don't you think?"
I considered it, a slow smile spreading across my face. "Spring... I like that. April, maybe? When the cherry blossoms are in bloom?"
Trevor's smile widened, and he pulled me closer. "April it is, then."
We stayed there for a long while, mapping out our future in the stars, our dreams taking shape in the crisp night air. And for the first time in my life, I knew with absolute certainty that I was exactly where I was meant to be.
With my love, my partner, my forever. And I couldn't wait to see what the future held.