The Red String Between Us: Part III Eternal Thread

第17章 The moment

     The soft crash of waves blended with the quiet rustle of rose petals underfoot as Eden approached the heart of the setup. Her breath hitched at the sight before her: the glowing candles, the arch woven with deep red roses, the white aisle runner leading to the centerpiece where Kenji stood. His posture was calm, steady, hands loosely clasped in front of him, the fading light catching the angles of his face in a way that made her heart ache.

Near the side, her father stood tall, his expression unreadable yet supportive, giving a subtle nod toward Kenji. The quiet permission, the unspoken trust, made Eden's chest tighten.

Eden froze for a moment, tears beginning to spill. The realization of what had been orchestrated for her—the love, the thought, the care—it all collided in her chest. She let the tears fall freely, soft sobs escaping as Kenji stepped forward.

"Hey..." His voice was gentle, grounding. He closed the distance, wrapping her in a warm, steady hug. He rested his forehead against hers for a moment, inhaling the scent of her hair. "It's okay. Look at me, I've got you."

Her hands rested on his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath his tailored jacket. "Kenji... it's... it's incredible," she whispered, voice breaking. "I can't believe this..."

"You don't have to believe it," he said softly, brushing a tear from her cheek. "You just have to feel it. Feel how much I love you."

The violin began to play softly in the background, the familiar strains of "Like I'm Gonna Lose You" by Meghan Trainor and John Legend weaving through the warm evening air. Kenji's gaze never left hers as he took a small step back, taking her hands in his.

"Eden Hayes," he began, his voice steady, resonant, carrying over the quiet murmur of the ocean and the soft gasps of their friends and family behind them. "I love you. I love you more than I have words for, more than I ever thought I could love anyone. You make me better, you make me stronger, you make me want to be the man who deserves all of you. Every laugh, every dream, every quiet moment—we're meant for this life together, and I don't want another second without you by my side."

Eden's tears flowed freely now, her hands clutching his jacket as she nodded, barely able to speak. "Kenji..."

Taking a deep breath, he lowered himself to one knee, the rose petals catching the glow of the candles around them, the illuminated "Marry Me, Eden" sign behind him glowing softly. His eyes locked with hers, unwavering and full of love.

"Eden Hayes," he said again, his voice both tender and commanding, "will you marry me?"

The world seemed to hold its breath—the ocean, the waves, the wind among the redwood trees—all waiting for her answer. Eden's hand flew to her mouth, tears glistening like diamonds in the candlelight. She could barely form the words, her heart pounding like a drum:

"Yes... yes, Kenji!"

The soft music swelled as Kenji rose, fireworks started to go off into the sky. He slipped the ring onto her finger. He pulled her into a long, tender embrace, kissing her forehead, her cheeks, and finally her lips, sealing the promise before all the loved ones gathered around them. Their family and friends erupted into cheers and applause, the moment both intimate and public, a perfect collision of love, trust, and celebration.

Eden rested her head against his chest, letting the warmth of his arms and the reality of their future wash over her. In that glow of candlelight and the soft hum of the ocean, nothing else existed—just them, just love, and the promise of forever.