Chapter 24

As they sat on the picnic mat, the sounds of the rain slowly faded into the distance. The stars above were now visible, twinkling brightly in the clearing sky, the perfect backdrop for the end of their perfect day. Emily, still trying to keep the magic alive, reached into her bag and pulled out a small, neatly wrapped box.

John glanced at her curiously. "What's this?" he asked, his voice soft with the lingering fatigue from the boat ride and the rain.

Emily smiled, her eyes sparkling. "Just a little something for you," she said, holding out the box. "I know we've had a lot of moments today, but I wanted you to have something tangible—something to remember this day by."