The sun began to set, painting the sky in soft pinks and oranges. Mia and Ryan returned to the hotel after a leisurely walk along the harbor. The gentle sound of the waves created a calm, romantic atmosphere, and Mia felt her heart swell with happiness.
"Do you want to rest for a bit, or should we head out for dinner?" Ryan asked, smiling down at her.
"I think we should head out," Mia replied, grabbing her light jacket. "I want to see the city at night. Everything looks so magical."
Ryan nodded, holding the door open for her. "Perfect. I know just the place."
They walked through cobblestone streets, the city lights reflecting in the water. The aroma of fresh bread and coffee drifted from small cafés, and street musicians played soft melodies. Mia felt like she had stepped into a dream.
The restaurant Ryan chose was quaint and elegant, with tables overlooking the river. Candles flickered softly, and the warm glow made the atmosphere intimate without being crowded. They were led to a table by the window.
"Wow… this place is beautiful," Mia whispered, taking in the view.
Ryan smiled, watching her eyes light up. "Not as beautiful as you."
She blushed lightly and looked away. "Stop, you'll make me embarrassed."
"I mean it," he said softly. "I love seeing you like this—happy, relaxed. Makes me feel… lucky."
They ordered a simple dinner—fresh pasta for Mia and grilled salmon for Ryan, accompanied by a basket of warm bread. As they waited for the food, they talked about small things: favorite childhood memories, funny moments from school, even silly habits they had that no one else knew about.
"You really have a way of making everything feel easy," Mia said, laughing at one of Ryan's stories. "Even serious stuff feels lighter when I'm with you."
Ryan reached across the table and gently held her hand. "That's because I want you to feel safe with me. Always."
Mia's chest warmed at his words. "I do feel safe with you… more than I ever thought I could."
When their food arrived, they ate slowly, savoring each bite. Ryan watched her closely as she ate, noticing how her eyes sparkled when she smiled or laughed. Every movement she made seemed to captivate him.
"So… what's the plan after dinner?" Mia asked, resting her chin on her hand.
"I thought we could walk by the river for a while," Ryan said, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. "Then maybe we can find a little place for dessert… something sweet to end the evening."
"That sounds perfect," Mia said softly.
After dinner, they strolled along the riverbank. The reflection of the city lights danced on the water, and the cool breeze carried a hint of the sea. Mia felt Ryan's arm brush against hers, and she slipped her hand into his. He held it lightly but securely, and she felt a thrill run through her.
"Ryan…" she murmured, looking up at him.
"Yes?" he asked, glancing down with a soft smile.
"Thank you… for today, for everything," she said. "I've never felt like this before."
Ryan's heart tightened. He wanted to tell her everything—how much he loved her, how he planned to make her his forever. But he held back, savoring the moment and planning the perfect time to confess. "You don't need to thank me," he said. "I enjoy every second I get to spend with you."
They continued walking, laughing quietly, sharing little jokes. Some people passing by gave them smiles, noticing the gentle intimacy between them. Occasionally, a girl would glance at Ryan a little too long, trying to get his attention, but he didn't even notice. His focus was entirely on Mia.
As the evening deepened, they found a small dessert café tucked away in a quiet street. They shared a chocolate mousse and a fruit tart, feeding each other little bites and laughing when they got messy.
"This has been… wonderful," Mia said, leaning back in her chair, her eyes shining. "I don't want this night to end."
"It doesn't have to," Ryan replied, smiling softly. "We have all the time in the world… at least while we're here."
Mia leaned her head on his shoulder, and he rested his cheek against her hair. In that quiet, beautiful moment, Ryan's mind worked carefully, planning the perfect way to ask her the question that had been on his heart for so long. He wanted it to be special, meaningful—something she would never forget.
For now, though, he simply held her, letting her feel safe and cherished. The night was theirs, and Ryan silently promised that soon, he would tell her everything.