The Fruit of My Affection

Previously

…Liam stopped, turning her to face him. He gently brushed a stray strand of hair from her cheek. "I think," he said, his voice full of a quiet certainty, "that she would have loved it. She wanted you to have a chance to find something beautiful, Elara. And you have. We have." He leaned in, his lips meeting hers in a kiss that tasted of the earth, of sunshine, and of a future as sweet and abundant as the orchard itself. It was a kiss that promised more seasons, more harvests, more love. As they walked into the soft glow of the cottage, hand in hand, the orchard behind them seemed to sigh, a contented sound carried on the evening breeze, a silent witness to the blossoming of a new beginning.