locations. The Siam tulip is native to Thailand,” she informs us as she directs our attention to an area to our right with tall green grass and even taller perfectly pink flowers that slightly resemble small artichokes. “In fact, all of the plants in this area are native to Asia,” she continues.
Bonsai trees hover over the tulips, slightly obscured in the light fog that hangs in the area, adding an air of mystery. A well-dimmed spotlight shines subtly on the space, allowing just enough light for us to see the fog twist from the breeze our moving bodies have created.
“The red flowers growing up the lattice are Thai powderpuffs.”
I tear my eyes away from the fog and look toward the vines. The bright red powderpuff looks like a freshly exploded firework—dense in the center, fading out to light, fluffy spindles toward the edges.
“Over to your left, at the center of the room, you’ll see our Asian water garden.”
Brilliant pink and white lotus flowers float atop the placid water of a large pond, their centers bursting with bright yellow. Orange koi fish swim gracefully around the lily pads. Vivid purple, yellow, and white orchids grow around the banks of the water, seemingly leaning over the edge of the pond for a closer inspection. A slow but steady stream of water flows over a stacked stone wall, effectively creating a gentle waterfall. A large, golden Buddha statue rests atop a mossy hill, watching over the pond.
“Wow. This is beautiful,” I say just above a whisper.
Charlie reaches over and intertwines his fingers with mine. My breath catches and a rush of warmth spreads through me as my pulse quickens. The skin on my fingers comes alive with his touch. My hand feels small and protected inside of his. The beauty of our surroundings makes all my worry about loving him again fade away. In this moment I am completely helpless and irrevocably in love with him.
My gaze falls heavily from the waterfall to his face. Our eyes meet and for a moment, the air around us is electrified and it feels like we are the only two people in the world.
We are quickly pulled back to reality when a small, black electric car slowly pulls up beside us. It is roughly the size of a golf cart but doesn’t feature a roof.
“Ah, our car is here. Emma, if you will, please take a seat on the far side. I will help Charlie in on this side.”
She pushes his chair alongside the car and gives him support while he transfers. I climb in beside him.
“Please fasten your seatbelts. The car operates on a guided trail. The two of you will be enjoying the remainder of the arboretum on your own. I will meet you back here in thirty minutes. You’ll be travelling through gardens of the world on your journey. Enjoy.”
We settle into our seats and into each other. Charlie wraps his arm around me and pulls me close. I rest my head on his shoulder and nuzzle my face into him. As the car slowly and silently glides into motion, I inhale his scent. It takes me back in time, before any of the life-altering moments existed, to when our love was pure and perfect. Or at least before we knew it wasn’t.
We glide along the pathway at a snail’s pace. As we round the koi pond and travel to the other side of the small hill in the Asian water garden, the exquisitely decorated Christmas themed area Sam mentioned comes into view.
Several varieties of small to medium sized pine trees line the pathway like a forest. Small white lights are strung across the shorter trees, while spotlights shine onto the taller trees in brilliant shades of blue, red, violet and green. Oversized silver ornaments rest on piles of manufactured snow. Small, glittery snowflakes fall from the darkness, over the trees, creating a winter wonderland.
“I think whoever sent us on this tour is trying to tell you something,” Charlie whispers in my ear.
I turn toward him. “Oh really? And what are they trying to say?”
He leans closer and his voice falls even quieter. “That you should kiss me.”
Pangs of guilt claw at me from deep within. I hesitate ever so briefly. My emotions run wild and within microseconds, love takes over. I lift my face to his and let him kiss me. His kiss is gentle and slow, full of words he wants to say—words he has already said. Words he has taken