The moment the car rolled to a stop, Victoria didn't even wait for him to open her door.
She pushed it open and stepped out onto the gravel lot, her face alight with pure, radiant excitement.
Turning in a slow half-circle, she looked around in genuine, breathless joy. Twin stone archways glowing under the warm amber light of wrought-iron lanterns framed the entrance to the overlook, with wide stone pavilions rising along the hillside against the dark canopy of pines.
Every trace of the day's fatigue had completely vanished; her eyes shone with unrestrained delight, her smile wide and unguarded as she took in the panoramic beauty of the mountain terrace.
Alex stepped around the hood of the car, watching her glowing expression with a quiet, fond smile before closing the distance between them and sliding his hand firmly into hers.
They weren't alone. As they passed beneath the stone archway, Victoria quickly realized what the mountain truly was: a haven for lovers.
