CHAPTER 92
The sun streamed through the kitchen windows as I descended the stairs, my stomach rumbling softly. Cooking had always been a small comfort, a way to cemer myself and ease into the day since I got pregnant. Charlie was still asleep upstairs, and I wanted to make something hearty for breakfast before the day fully began.
I rolled up the sleeves of my sweater as I entered the kitchen, tying my hair back to keep it out of the way. Opening the refrigerator, I pulled out a carton of eggs, a pack of bacon, and some bread for toast. The coffee beans at ready on the counter, just waiting to be ground.
The kitchen warmed up quickly, both from the heat of the stovetop and the rich smells that began to fill the air. I cracked eggs into a bowl, whisking them with a sprinkle of salt and pepper before pouring them into the hot skillet. The sizzle was satisfying, and I gently folded the eggs as they cooked, soft and fluffy. The first batch was perfect.
I turned my attention to the bacon, laying each strip carefully onto the griddle. The smell of it crisping was enough to make my mouth water, bur focused on flipping each piece at just the right moment to get that golden brown finish.
While the bacon cooked, I slipped bread into the toaster and brewed a fresh pot of coffee. The aroma was heavenly, and I poured myself a quick cup. savoring the first sip as I worked.
By the time I started on the second batch of scrambled eggs. I was in a rhythm. Cooking for the two people I loved most made it feel less like a chore and more like a privilege. I couldn’t help but smile as I imagined Charlie’s face lighting up at the sight of crispy bacon and buttery toast.
I was on my last batch when I heard the kitchen door creak open. Turning slightly. I saw Aragon walk in, still looking slightly disheveled from sleep. His dark hair was tousled, and his eyes were warm as they settled on me
“Good morning “he said
“Good morning.” I replied, focusing on the eggs in front of me. “You’re up earlier than Lexpected.”
He walked over to the coffee pot, pouring himself a mug. “I smelled bacon. It’s impossible to stay asleep when the house smells like this.”
I laughed softly. “Fair enough. You caught me in the middle of my masterpiece.
u ever rest? You’re always taking care of everyone.”
He leaned against the counter, sipping his coffee as he watched me work. “Do you
I shrugged, flipping the eggs gently. “It’s not work if I enjoy it. Besides, I like knowing that you and Charlie stan your day with something warm and filling I know I started mine with that”
Aragon shook his head, a small smile tugging at his lips. “You’re too good to us, you know that?”
“Don’t forget it,” I teased, turning off the stove and transferring the eggs onto a plate.
He chuckled, stepping closer, “Let me help. What can I do?”
“You can set the table,” I said, motioning toward the dining area.
“On it” He grabbed the plates and silverware, moving with an case that came from year of knowing exactly where everything was.
As i plated the last of the food, I couldn’t help but glance at him. There was sething grounding about his presence, the way he moved through the kuchen as if he belonged there.
y the time I brought the food to the table, Aragon had already set everything up. he pulled out a chair for me before taking his own sext.
By i
“This looks amazing.” he did, eyeing the spread.
“Thanks.” I said, pouring coffee into his cup. “It’s nothing fancy, but it should do the trick”
He raised a forkful of eggs to his mouth, nodding appreciatively as he chewed. “Nothing fancy? These are perfect
“Stop flattering me and eat,” I said with a grin.
We ate in comfortable siler for a while, the sound of clinking silverware filling the space. It wasn’t until we were halfway through the meal that
Aragon spoke again.
“I was thinking,” he began, setting down his fork. “We should take Charlie out this weekend–Maybe a plenic or a trip to the lake. What do you
Hlooked up, surprised. “That sounds nice. He’d love that.”
“And you!” he asked, Ins eyes searching mine “Would you like it?”
Ismiled softly. “I think it would be good for all of in. We haven’t had much time to just be togriler lately.”
He nodded, his expression thoughtful “Exactly Life’s been too busy. I want to make sure we’re taking time for what really nutter.”
Hu words hung in the air, and for a moment, I fel a lamp in my throat. It wasn’t often thai Aragon got sentimental, but when he did, it hit me square
Com re right.” I and quietly. “We need that
He reached across the table, his hand covering mine. “Then it’s seuled. This weekend, no distractions. Just us
Isparezed his hand, feeling a warmth spread through me that had nothing to do with the coffee. “I’ll hold you to it.
The sound of tiny footsteps pattering down the stairs interupted the moment. Curlie appeared in the doorway, rubbing his eyes serpily.
“Momuny” Darkly?” he called out.
“We’re in here, sweetheart,” I said, standing up to greet him
He ran into the kitchen, his face lighting up when he saw the food on the table. “Breakfast!”
Aragon chuckled, lifting him into a chair. “Sit down, little man. We’ve got plenty for you”
Charlie dug into las plate with the enthusiasm only a child could muster, and I couldn’t help but laugh, Watching him eat, his cheeks puffed out like a chipmunk
We finished the breakfast as a family.
Later that afternoon, the sound of a soft knock on my bedroom door drew my attention away from the book I was pretending to read. Aragon stood there, a bouquet of bright yellow sunflowers in his hands, his signature crooked smile lighting up his face
“Flowend Really?” I teased, though my heart swelled at the gesture.
“They reminded me of you,” he said, stepping into the room and holding them out. “Bright, bold, and impossible to ignore.”
11ook the bouquet, my cheeks warming. “You’re getting better at this romantic stuff.”
“Stick with me. I’m just getting started. I have a lot to make up for,”
I laughed, setting the flowers in a vase on my dresser. “Let me grab my jacket. I’m more than ready for this date you keep hyping up.”
He leaned casually against the doorframe, watching as I slipped on my jacket and checked my reflection in the mirror. “You don’t need to fuss. You’re perfect as you are.”
“Flanery will get you everywhere,” I said, grabbing my bag and heading toward him. “Now, let’s go before I change my mind.”
He chuckled, holding the door open for me. “Not a chance.”
The drive was peaceful, a Argon hadn’t told me where we were going, but I didn’t press him, I tristed him to make this special, and the way he kept glancing at me with that mischievous glint in his eyes only heightened my curiosity.
When we finally pulled up to the spot, my breath caught. We were on the edge of a secluded lake, the water shimmering in the fading sunlight. A small wooden pier justed out into the water, and on it sat a cozy setup: a blanket pillows, and a small basket.
“You did all dus?” I asked, numing to him.
He shrugged, though the hint of pride in his smule betrayed him. “I wanted something quiet, just the two of us. Thought this might do the trick since you seemed to enjoy it so much yesterday,”
“It’s beautiful,” I said softly, taking in the scene.
He grabbed the basket and offered me his hand. “Come on. Let’s enjoy it before the sun sets.”
We seuled on the pier, the blanket soft beneath us as the evening breeze rolled in. Aragon opened the basket to reveal a simple but thoughtful spread.fresh fruit, sandwiches, a bottle of wine, and a couple of chocolate truffles.
the sun dipped below the horizon, the sky turned a deep purple, stars beginning to peek out, a spimsayyoðust stood, holding out his hand.
“Dance with me,” he said.
“There’s no music,” I pointed out, though I couldn’t help but smile.
“Who needs music?”
T
I let him pull me to my fees, his arms wrapping around my waist as we swayed gently on the pier. The sound of the water lapping against the wood was soothing, and the world seemed to fade away until it was just the two of us
“You re not terrible at this,” I said, resting my brad against his chest,
“High praise,” he replied, his tone light.
We stayed like that for a whale, moving to a rhythm only we could hear. When the chill in the air became too much, we returned to the blanket, sitting close as we watched the stan
“Thank you for this,” I said breaking the comfortable silence.
“For what?” he asked, turning to me
“For reminding me that life can be simple and beautiful. That not everything has to be complicated.”
He smiled, has eyes warm. “That’s the goal. To give you moments like this, where you can just breathe.”
raned in, pressing a soft kiss to his lips. “You’re doing a pretty good job so far.”
We stayed by the lake until the clull became too much, and even then, I didn’t want to leave. But as we packed up and made our way back to the car.
