Chapter 28

Sienna swayed her handbag as they strolled through the park, a light breeze ruffling her hair. Riley watched her with a warm smile, her hands tucked casually in her pockets while Sienna's tote bag rested on her shoulder.

"Can you believe she wants us to be her models? It's unbelievable!" Sienna exclaimed, stopping in her tracks to turn and face Riley.

"Of course! You're beautiful," Riley replied, her gaze lingering on Sienna's face, admiration evident in her eyes.

"I still can't wrap my head around it," Sienna said, clutching her handbag tightly. "It's Alessandra Rousseau!" She covered her face, flustered by the excitement of the moment.

Riley chuckled softly, walking closer to Sienna. They had both accepted the initial proposal, learning that they would have a photoshoot the following Saturday for the magazine. Alessandra will provide the details via email.

"You could become the country's greatest model and designer," Riley teased, her arm slipping around Sienna's waist.

Sienna giggled, wrapping her arms around Riley in return as they continued their walk. Suddenly, a thought struck her, causing her to halt. "Wait," she said, standing up straight and looking earnestly at Riley. Confusion flickered across Riley's face.

"What is it?" she asked, tilting her head slightly.

"I forgot to tell you something," Sienna said, her hands clasped behind her back as she smiled at Riley.

Riley raised an eyebrow. "And what's that?"

Sienna stepped closer, gently cupping Riley's face in her hands before leaning in to kiss her softly on the lips. "Thank you for making time for me and for all your efforts. My heart is so full," she said, caressing Riley's cheeks and gazing deeply into her eyes, filled with admiration.

Riley blinked in surprise, then smiled warmly. "Anything for you," she replied, pulling Sienna into a heartfelt embrace.

They continued walking until they reached a bench in front of the calm, flowing river in the park, deciding to sit for a while. Sienna felt like she was in ecstasy; she still couldn't fully grasp it all. She appreciated Riley's effort so much—it made her feel extra special. Leaning her head against Riley's shoulder, she sighed contentedly.

"Tired?" Riley asked, pressing a soft kiss to the top of Sienna's head.

Sienna had been reflecting on their relationship. She had told Riley she would take a chance on her, and they had crossed that intimate line together. But now, Sienna found herself questioning whether they were simply dating or if they were truly in a relationship. Riley hadn't brought up the topic either. Should she let it go, or should she ask Riley for clarity? Maybe she should wait for Riley to bring it up instead. Riley had been so great, never asking for anything in return.

Sienna straightened up and turned to face Riley. "Riley," she said softly.

"Hmm?"

Sienna shrugged, leaning back against the bench. Riley raised her brows and scoffed, a playful glint in her eyes.

"I've been meaning to ask," Riley began, gazing at the lights reflecting on the river. "I don't want to rush things for us, but... I want to know if we can make it official?"

Sienna noticed Riley gulp nervously, causing her to chuckle. "It's fine if you don't want to make it official yet; I can wait," she heard Riley say.

"I've actually been waiting for you to ask," Sienna replied simply. She turned her gaze back to Riley, surprised to see her holding a small box.

Riley rubbed her neck, shyly clearing her throat. "I bought this... I think it will suit you."

With a delicate flick, Riley opened the box, and Sienna gasped at what lay inside: a beautiful ring.

"Wait! You're not proposing yet, are you?" Sienna shifted slightly in her seat, wide-eyed.

Riley blinked twice and laughed softly. "No... at least not yet. I just want to ask if we can make it official, you know, between the two of us," she said, a hopeful smile on her face.

"Riley," Sienna said, reaching out to caress Riley's cheek. "I told you I'm taking a chance on you, and we've already... you know. Besides," she added with a smile, "I don't see any reason why we shouldn't make it official. So yes, let's make it official."

"Really? Like, official-official, the two of us?" Riley asked, making sure she hadn't misheard.

Sienna playfully pinched Riley's nose and nodded. "Yes, official-official, the two of us." She bit her lip, trying not to let her excitement show too much.

"Yes!" Riley exclaimed, throwing her arms down as if she had just hit the jackpot. She looked at Sienna and picked up the ring. "Can I?" she asked, pointing to Sienna's left hand.

Sienna extended her hand, and Riley slowly slid the ring onto her ring finger before kissing her knuckles. "God, you don't know how happy I am right now," Riley mumbled, planting another kiss on her knuckles.

Sienna laughed, retrieving the other ring from the box and holding it out to Riley. "My turn," she said, her smile bright.

Riley extended her left hand, and Sienna carefully placed the ring on her ring finger before kissing Riley's knuckles as well.

"I thought you wouldn't ask," Sienna joked, moving closer to Riley.

Riley chuckled and wrapped her arms around Sienna's shoulders. "I planned to ask you a week ago, but I couldn't get everything organized, so I thought I'd do it after the show."

"But what if I hadn't said yes?" Sienna teased, glancing at the ring on her finger, secretly smiling.

"I could wait until you were ready to say yes," Riley replied, gently rubbing Sienna's shoulder blade.

"Really, huh?" Sienna said with a smirk, twirling Riley's fingers in hers. She chuckled, recalling a previous conversation. "Did you buy this because I told you that if you wanted me to be your wife, you'd have to put a ring on me?"

Riley laughed softly, glancing up at the stars shining brightly above them. "Well, that is the goal. Marrying you and making you my wife," she said, her thoughts wandering to what their future might hold.

Sienna shrugged, still fiddling with Riley's hands. "We've only just started our relationship, though."

"I know," Riley replied, smiling at her, "but I already know I want you to be my endgame. So, you better not take that ring off your finger, or I might stop talking to you," she teased, trying to keep a straight face.

Sienna nudged her playfully. "Why would I even take it off? It's cute, and it fits perfectly," she said, giggling like a child.

"I'm glad you like it," Riley said, her smile widening as she rested her head gently atop Sienna's. "I love you," she whispered softly.