Months passed, and Emma's life in the town became everything she had hoped for and more. Her illustrations had turned into a full children's book, which she planned to send to a publisher soon. Lukas continued working at the bakery, but they spent every free moment together—exploring, laughing, and dreaming of the future.

One evening, after a long day at the bakery, Lukas invited Emma to the secret garden behind the shop. It had become their special place, where they would go to talk and escape the world.

But tonight, something felt different.

Lukas had set up a small table beneath the lanterns, with candles flickering softly in the gentle breeze. A bouquet of wildflowers, just like the ones he had brought her on her first day in town, sat in the center of the table.

Emma smiled as she approached, her heart fluttering. "What's all this?"

Lukas grinned, pulling out a chair for her. "Just wanted to do something special for you."

They sat down, sharing a quiet, intimate dinner. The conversation was light, but Emma could sense something on Lukas's mind. After dessert—a perfect sundae, of course—he stood up and reached into his pocket.

Emma's heart stopped as he knelt before her, holding out a small velvet box.

"Emma," Lukas began, his voice steady despite the emotion in his eyes. "You came into my life so unexpectedly, but you've changed everything for the better. I don't want to imagine my future without you in it. Will you marry me?"

Tears welled up in Emma's eyes as she stared at the man she had fallen so deeply in love with. Her voice trembled, but there was no hesitation in her answer.

"Yes," she whispered, her heart full to bursting. "Yes, I'll marry you."

Lukas slid the ring onto her finger, standing up and pulling her into his arms. They kissed beneath the lanterns, surrounded by the soft glow of the garden—a kiss full of promise, love, and the beginning of their forever.

Epilogue: A Love to Last

Emma's life had taken a turn she could have never predicted. What had started as a simple trip to a quaint town had turned into the adventure of a lifetime. She had found love, not just in Lukas, but in the place that had become her home.

As she stood by the window of their shared apartment, looking out at the peaceful town, she smiled. The future was uncertain, but she knew one thing for sure—she had found her reason to stay.

Lukas wrapped his arms around her from behind, resting his chin on her shoulder. "What are you thinking about?"

Emma leaned back into him, her heart full of contentment. "Just how lucky I am."

Lukas kissed her cheek. "I'm the lucky one."

And as they stood there, watching the sunset paint the sky with vibrant colors, Emma knew that this was just the beginning of their story—a story filled with love, laughter, and a life they would build together, one sundae at a time.