The Red String Between Us: Part III Eternal Thread

第16章 Heart of the Moment

      The car rolled to a stop just outside Claire's beach house, the salty breeze carrying the faint sound of waves crashing against the shore. Eden stepped out, her eyes adjusting to the late afternoon sun, expecting the usual quiet arrival.

Instead, a warm chorus of voices called her name.

Her heart skipped. "What... what's going on?" she whispered, scanning the crowd. Her family—her Mom, her friends, even Mia—were all gathered, their smiles broad and inviting. Her eyes widened, and a rush of emotion hit her.

Then she saw him. Ethan. Her brother, taller now, stronger, yet the same familiar presence she had missed for four long years while he was stationed in Korea. Tears sprang to her eyes. She ran toward him, throwing herself into a tight embrace.

"I missed you so much!" she sobbed, laughing through tears as he hugged her just as tightly. "Four years..."

"I know, Mads," Ethan murmured, using the nickname only he could, his voice thick with emotion. "But you're here now. That's what matters."

Behind them, Claire gave a subtle nod to Mia, who smiled knowingly, a quiet understanding passing between the two women. Claire's eyes glimmered with a mixture of mischief and satisfaction—the evening's plan was unfolding perfectly.

"Eden," Claire called gently, motioning for everyone to follow. "Let's head to the beach."

Eden's curiosity only grew as they walked, glancing at everyone in turn. "Wait... why is everyone here? The Gala was just a small event—no awards, no formalities. Why are you all here?"

Her family chuckled, glancing at one another. "Just... a little family gathering," her mother said. "Claire and Mia wanted to host something special."

As they drew closer to the sand, Eden's breath caught. The last light of dusk cast a soft, ethereal glow across the beach. The sand, a pristine canvas of ivory, was scattered with delicate crimson rose petals and the warm flicker of dozens of candles. At the center stood a large, heart-shaped arch woven from deep red roses, flanked by two towering coast redwood trees whose fronds swayed gently in the fading sky.

The ocean murmured in the background, a soft, constant hum, as if in agreement with the scene. The air, warm and fragrant with salt and roses, seemed to hold its breath. Candles and petals lay atop a white aisle runner leading to the rose arch, and near the setup, Eden noticed a multi-light "Marry Me, Eden" sign subtly positioned with a photographer discreetly tucked nearby.

Eden's hands flew to her mouth. "Oh... my... my gosh..." she whispered, tears glistening in her eyes as the magnitude of the moment settled around her. She paused in her tracks kneeling down, leaned over, from a rush of excitement and anxiousness. She glanced at her family, at Claire, at Mia, and then back at the aisle and the arch, feeling the quiet, sacred punctuation of a long, beautiful story—and the promise of a new one—settle in her chest.

Claire's gentle whisper brushed against her ear. "Ready, Eden?"

Eden nodded, her heart racing. Every step toward the arch felt like walking into the center of a dream she hadn't dared to imagine... until now.