Page 172 of Fame & Rhythm

I glance around again, taking it all in. “Did you do all of this?”

He steps in behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist. “Yes. I did it for you, Annie.”

I smile brightly as I lift my hand and run my fingers through the back of his hair while he nuzzles into me. I shake my head softly, and Aston guides us forward toward the tent.

We step inside, and I notice soft music playing in the background. I glance around, taking it all in. Could this be any more perfect?

He leads me over to the mattress, and we sit down.

I raise an eyebrow. “Does Dad know you’ve practically set up a bed for us in his backyard?” I tease.

He grins. “Yeah, he does. And I’m under strict instructions not to have sex with you here.”

I laugh. “Like that’s ever stopped us before.”

“Well… we might have something stopping us tonight,” he says, gesturing behind me.

I turn to see a waitress stepping into the tent, and I blink in surprise.

“Good evening. Would you like me to bring your selection of food now, Mr. Soulding?” she asks.

“Yes, thank you.”

She nods and leaves, and I can’t help but laugh softly to myself.

This is unreal.

I kick off my shoes and sink back onto the mattress, resting my head against the soft pillows. Aston joins me, lying beside me, and I turn into him, curling against his side.

“This is amazing, babe. Thank you. I really don’t deserve all this.”

“Annie,” he murmurs. “Stop thinking like that. You deserve everything… and more. You always have.”

“I can’t believe I ever let you go,” I admit.

His expression softens. “It was a tough time for both of us. But I’m not going anywhere, babe. Even if you tell me to. I’m yours… always.”

Warmth spreads through me, settling deep in my chest.

The waitress returns with a platter, and we both sit up as she places it between us. It’s filled with delicate finger foods, each one more impressive than the last.

“Where did you get all this?”

“Your Uncle Joseph helped. He made everything.”

I shake my head, smiling. “You really are a romantic.”

He picks up a crostini and holds it to my lips.

I take a bite, and my eyes widen slightly. “That’s incredible.”

“Good,” he says softly. “Because you deserve to be shown how much I love you. And all this…” he gestures around us, “… doesn’t even come close to how much I feel for you. Not even a little.”

I swallow and lean in, kissing him gently.

“I have a gift for you,” he says, pulling back.

I glance around, smiling. “I thought this was the gift?”