Chapter 302: Just You and Me

The sun had already dipped below the horizon by the time Alexander’s first birthday party finally came to an end. The last traces of daylight had faded, leaving the sprawling park bathed in the warm glow of decorative lights.

The emcee took the stage once more, his voice booming through the speakers.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the celebration doesn’t have to end here! Those who wish to continue the evening with fine wine, live music, and good company are welcome to join us in The Nightlife, where a cocktail party awaits. We’ve also invited several famous bands and musicians to make tonight even more memorable!"

A wave of cheerful applause rippled through the crowd.

"But before you head inside, don’t miss our spectacular fireworks display at six o’clock sharp! Make sure you’re outside to witness the grand finale of this wonderful celebration!"

The announcement sent the guests spilling out of the ballroom and into the park. Couples strolled along the paved pathways, while families gathered beneath the open sky, their faces turned toward the darkness above.

Laughter and excited chatter filled the air as everyone waited for the show to begin.

TEN!

The countdown thundered through the speakers scattered throughout the park.

NINE!

EIGHT!

SEVEN!

With each number, the anticipation grew. Children bounced on their feet, guests raised their phones, and the excited murmurs gradually gave way to an expectant silence.

THREE!

TWO!

ONE!

BOOM!

The first firework exploded overhead, scattering brilliant golden sparks across the night sky. A second burst followed, then a third, painting the darkness in vivid shades of crimson, sapphire, emerald, and violet.

Gasps of amazement rose from the crowd.

Then, as though the heavens themselves had become a giant illuminated canvas, glowing words appeared among the fireworks.

HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY, KIT AND KAT!

Cheers erupted from the guests.

Moments later, another message blazed across the sky.

HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY, ALEXANDER!

The park came alive with applause and delighted exclamations. The birthday greetings shone brightly above the celebration before dissolving into showers of glittering sparks.

It was a magnificent surprise, one that would undoubtedly be remembered long after the evening was over.

Unfortunately, the three little honorees were too fast asleep to witness any of it.

And while everyone else had their eyes fixed on the sky, Kristoff Dalton had a different spectacle in mind.

One that involved only him and Isobel.

Earlier, just before the fireworks began, Kristoff had somehow managed to lure Isobel away from the crowd and toward the Ferris Wheel.

Isobel had eyed him suspiciously the moment he offered his hand.

"Where are you taking me?"

"Somewhere with a better view."

"Can’t we watch the fireworks with everyone else?"

"We could," he replied, his fingers closing around hers. "But then I’d have to share you with everyone else."

She stared at him, momentarily speechless.

What kind of answer was that?

Before she could question him further, he had already led her into one of the gondolas.

To her surprise, he had arranged for the Ferris wheel operator to leave them alone. No other passengers boarded, and when their gondola began its slow ascent, Isobel finally understood why he had insisted on bringing her here.

From above, the park looked like a sea of shimmering lights. The pathways wound between landscaped gardens, the illuminated buildings resembled miniature palaces, and the guests below had become little more than moving silhouettes.

The higher they climbed, the farther the noise of the crowd seemed to recede.

By the time their gondola reached the highest point, it stopped and the fireworks began.

Isobel forgot all about questioning Kristoff.

Her eyes widened as the first explosion illuminated the sky. A burst of colorful light spilled across her face, catching in her eyes and reflecting off the delicate strands of hair framing her cheeks.

"Oh!"

She leaned toward the window, a delighted smile spreading across her lips.

Kristoff, however, wasn’t looking at the fireworks.

He was looking at her.

He had seen Isobel in countless different moods. He had seen her obedient and docile, and occasionally determined, stubborn and exasperated. He had seen her vulnerable, too, though she rarely allowed anyone to witness that side of her.

But this unguarded smile was different.

There was no wariness in her expression, no attempt to hide her emotions behind a carefully composed face. For once, she was simply a young woman enjoying a beautiful moment.

And he wanted to be the reason she smiled like that more often.

"What are you looking at?" Isobel asked without turning her head.

"You."

Her smile faltered.

She slowly turned to him. "The fireworks over there."

"I know."

"Then why aren’t you watching them?"

"Because I’ve got something more beautiful and interesting to look at."

Isobel stared at him.

Even in the dim light, she could see the amusement dancing in his eyes.

"Kristoff Dalton, are you always this shameless?"

"Only when I’m with you."

He said it so naturally that she had no immediate retort.

Worse, the corners of her mouth betrayed her, threatening to curve upward.

She quickly turned back toward the window.

Ridiculous man.

Why did he always have to say things that made her heart behave strangely?

Another firework exploded, scattering silver sparks across the heavens. The light briefly illuminated Kristoff’s face, revealing the faint smile he hadn’t bothered to hide.

Then the birthday greetings appeared.

HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY, KIT AND KAT!

Isobel gasped.

A moment later, Alexander’s name illuminated the sky.

HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY, ALEXANDER!

Her eyes widened with delight.

"That’s wonderful!" she exclaimed. "I wonder who thought of that. Was it my brother?"

Kristoff frowned. He was the one who arranged the fireworks and not Morgan.

Then Isobel turned to him, "Was it you?"

Kristoff leaned back against the seat, looking thoroughly pleased with himself.

Isobel’s smile lingered for a few seconds before she slowly turned back to watch the sky.

Wait.

A terrible suspicion crept into her mind.

She studied his face, then the fireworks, then his face again.

"Kristoff."

"Hmm?"

"Tell me you didn’t do something foolish."

His eyebrows lifted innocently. "What have I done?"

"Those birthday greetings..." She narrowed her eyes.

She was scared that the words, "Isobel, will you marry me?" would suddenly lit the sky.

Her heart gave an unexpected flutter but she abruptly straightened.

"There’s no other message coming, is there?"

Kristoff blinked.

"What message?"

"Don’t play dumb with me." She pointed a warning finger at him. "If you’re planning to put some ridiculous declaration of love in the sky, I swear—"

He laughed. He actually laughed.

The sound was so unexpected that Isobel momentarily forgot what she had been about to say.

"Isobel, would you want that? I thought of doing it, but I am afraid you’ll be embarrassed."

"I don’t want it. I just thought about it because you dragged me up here."

"Dragged?" He pressed a hand to his chest, feigning injury. "I invited you on a romantic Ferris wheel ride, and this is how you describe it?"

"You invited me? When?"

Kristoff just chuckled.

"Just now...Isn’t this a romantic date?"

"Romantic?" She scoffed, though her cheeks had begun to warm. "Don’t flatter yourself."

"Too late. I already have."