Evelyn hesitated, her mind racing for a brief second before her voice emerged softly. "Perhaps our encounter was fated... like a final blessing your mother arranged for us."

Alexander gave a slow, deliberate nod, his features contemplative. "I've always felt that way."

He gave her hand a reassuring squeeze before turning his attention back to the photograph fixed to the headstone. His voice was low but carried absolute conviction. "Mother, I want you to meet someone. This is Evelyn. My wife. She's an incredible person. I give you my word, we will build a happy life together."

The sincerity behind his simple declaration made Evelyn's pulse quicken.

Warmth flooded her cheeks, yet a weight seemed to lift from her heart, as if an unvoiced question had finally been answered.

He was her husband. Her future.

After a moment of quiet reflection, Evelyn gently caught her lower lip between her teeth. She met Alexander's eyes briefly before turning to address the woman in the photograph, her tone earnest. "My name is Evelyn. It's a privilege to be here with you today."

Her gaze shifted from Alexander back to the photo, her voice dropping to a protective whisper. "Please don't be concerned for him. I will keep him safe. Anyone foolish enough to cause him harm will have to answer to me."

Alexander let out a soft, amused laugh, shaking his head in disbelief. "Isn't protecting you supposed to be my job?"

Evelyn puffed out a light breath, her tone teasing yet layered with deep affection. "Since when are there rules about who protects whom? I just need your mother to understand that I'm someone she can rely on."

A tender, unspoken understanding passed between them before they both focused on the task at hand. Working in sync, they cleaned the headstone, the surrounding silence feeling peaceful rather than awkward.

After a few minutes, Evelyn brushed her hands together, surveying the area with a slight frown. "It feels a little bare here, doesn't it?"

She glanced at Alexander, her expression thoughtful. "Was your mother fond of flowers?"

Alexander's eyes softened with memory. "She adored them. I used to bring them regularly, but it's fine for today. We can bring a proper arrangement next visit."

Evelyn dismissed his suggestion with a wave of her hand, a playful grin appearing. "Just give me a moment." She turned and hurried toward a nearby meadow.

She returned shortly, her arms laden with a colorful assortment of wild blooms. "I spotted these not far away. They seemed ideal."

Without delay, she settled onto the grass and began deftly twisting the stems into an intricate circle. "I really hope she approves of this," Evelyn murmured, her focus entirely on her task.

Alexander observed her with quiet awe, impressed by her skill. "I had no idea you could do that."

Evelyn beamed, her eyes shining with accomplishment. "At the orphanage, when things were quiet, Charlotte and I would make these to pass the time. I had plenty of practice."

Intrigued, Alexander gathered a bunch of flowers himself, his forehead creased in determination. "Show me how. I'd like to help."

Evelyn patiently guided his fingers, demonstrating the weaving process step by step.

She expected him to struggle—it wasn't a typical masculine pursuit. But he proved surprisingly adept, his hands learning the movements with natural ease.

He not only grasped the fundamentals but soon began experimenting, adding his own unique flourishes to the designs. His inventive approach caught her completely off guard.

"You're a natural," Evelyn praised, a sincere, admiring smile spreading across her face.

He chuckled, a warm, confident gleam in his eyes. "This is simple. Really."

Evelyn laughed softly, her voice carrying a note of playful envy. "You pick things up so fast. Last night you were critiquing my design work, and today you're crafting wreaths with more variety than I can. You've surpassed your teacher already."

She released a small, wistful sigh. "It's just not fair. How did you end up so clever?"

The usual seriousness on Alexander's face melted away as he looked at her, amusement flickering in his gaze.

With a gentle smile, he selected one of the finished wreaths, a delicate circle of intertwined blossoms, and carefully placed it atop her head. He adjusted it tenderly, studying the effect before nodding in approval.

"Such a beautiful creation," he said softly. "But it pales in comparison to the woman wearing it."