Sophie stirred first, blinking her eyes open to the sight of Ethan's sleeping face inches from hers. His arms were wrapped securely around her, holding her close even in his sleep.
The soft morning light streamed through the curtains, and in the distance, she could hear the faint hum of a lawnmower.
For a moment, she simply lay there, savoring the quiet.
Just yesterday, she had nearly fallen apart, her emotions crumbling under the weight of everything. Now, wrapped in Ethan's arms, she felt something she hadn't in a long time.
Peace.
Love.
Happiness.
Still wrapped in his arms, Sophie couldn't help but smile. She reached up and traced her fingertips along the lines of his face, committing every detail to memoryâthe strong angle of his jaw, the slight furrow in his brow, the way his lashes rested so gently against his cheek.
Ethan stirred beneath her touch, his eyes fluttering open. Sleepy and soft, they met hers, and a slow, tender smile spread across his lips.
"Good morning," he murmured, his voice husky with sleep.
Sophie's heart did a little flip.
"Good morning," she echoed, her voice just as soft.
She leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to his lips, savoring the warmth of him, the simple sweetness of the moment.
Ethan responded by tightening his arms around her, pulling her even closer. "How are you feeling?" he asked, concern flickering in his eyes despite the lazy warmth of the morning.
Just like himâalways worrying about her, always putting her first.
Sophie combed her fingers through his hair, smiling. "I'm fine. Better now that you're awake."
Ethan's smile widened. He kissed her again, this time lingering, his lips moving against hers with the kind of quiet intensity that made her stomach flutter.
"I'm not going anywhere," he murmured against her lips. "You're stuck with me."
Sophie laughed softly, a sound that made Ethan's chest tighten with something dangerously close to adoration.
"I wouldn't have it any other way," she said, her eyes shining with sincerity.
For a while, they simply lay there, wrapped up in each other, exchanging sweet kisses and gentle touches.
Peaceful? Was that the right word? No... content.
He was perfectly content with her. Like he didn't need anything else.
Only her.
His hands moved tenderly along her back, tracing lazy, soothing patterns on her skin. Sophie rested her head against his chest, listening to the steady, rhythmic beat of his heart.
At this point, it was her new favorite sound.
Ethan shifted slightly, propping himself up on one elbow so he could look down at her. He cupped her face in his hand, his thumb brushing lightly over her cheek.
"You're adorably sweet, you know that, right?" he murmured, his voice filled with quiet awe.
Sophie blushed, her gaze dropping. "Oh, stop with the compliments," she giggled, her heart fluttering.
At this point, she wasn't sure she could handle any more sweet words from him without melting completely.
Ethan tilted her chin up, gently coaxing her to meet his eyes again. "I mean it, Sophie. You're strong, brave, and so full of love. I'm so lucky to have you."
Sophie's breath hitched. His sincerity left her utterly speechless.
She smiled, warmth blooming in her chest, overwhelmed by the depth of his affection. "I care about you so much, Ethan," she whispered, the words slipping out effortlessly.
I love you.
The words danced on the tip of her tongue. She didn't even know how she had stopped herself from saying them so many times before.
Maybe now was the perfect time.
Now that she could breathe. Now that she had finally opened herself to him.
Ethan's eyes softened, and he leaned down, pressing a slow, lingering kiss to her lips. "I feel the same way, Sophie," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion.
Maybe she could hold off on saying it a little longer.
She smiled, feeling a lightness she hadn't felt in a long time. She snuggled closer, sighing contentedly.
"Your bed is really comfortable," she mused, a playful lilt in her voice.
Ethan chuckled, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "I'm glad you approve. I was thinking about getting a new mattress, but if you like it, I guess I'll keep it."
Sophie laughed, swatting his arm lightly. "It's perfect," she said, her voice soft with affection.
Ethan grinned, and with a playful glint in his eye, rolled them over so that he hovered above her. "Perfect, like you?" he teased, his face inches from hers.
Sophie giggled, wrapping her arms around his neck. "Heck no, it doesn't even compare," she shot back with a laugh.
Eventuallyâreluctantlyâthey pulled themselves out of bed to start their day.
Maybe staying in would have been better. But Sophie knew she needed to talk to Lily. Maybe it was just her false confidence that made her think keeping things from her sister was a good idea in the first place.
And she owed Mia an apologyâfor making her keep a secret she never wanted to keep.
Her phone had been buzzing all morning. She figured people were asking why the police had been at the shop. But right now, she needed to talk to the people she lovedâthe ones who had always rallied for her.
Ethan pulled her from her thoughts as he stepped out of the bathroom, dressed in what she could only describe as formal casual sexy. Freshly showered, he lookedâand smelledâamazing, even from across the room.
He held his hand out to her. "Let's go downstairs."
She took his hand without hesitation.
Today, the air between them felt different. Lighter, yet deeper at the same time. Like they had unraveled new layers of themselves. Like between them, there was now a quiet understandingâa true partnership.
In the kitchen, Sophie made coffee while Ethan scrambled eggs, the scent of fresh coffee and sizzling butter filling the air.
Why did this feel so perfectly domestic? Like they were a real husband and wife.
Over breakfast, Ethan reached across the table, lacing his fingers through hers, his thumb brushing idly over her skin.
"What's your plan for today?" he asked, his voice warm with genuine interest.
Sophie smiled, feeling more connected to him than ever. "I'll be at the shop most of the day. I think I have some explaining to do to Mia and Lily. They're probably going to be a little upset with me."
Ethan nodded knowingly. "Don't be mad at Miaâshe told me because she was worried."
"I know," Sophie admitted. Then, with a dramatic sigh, she added, "But I think I'm the one who should be scared. She's terrifying when she's mad, and I feel like I'm going to get scolded by both her and Lily today."
Ethan smirked. "They love you. They're just upset that you carried the burden alone."
"I know," she said again, this time softer, her gaze dropping slightly.
She hesitated before looking at him again. "Hey... does it still hurt?" she asked, running her fingertips gently over his hand.
Her fingers traced his bruised knuckles.
Ethan glanced at his hand like he hadn't even noticed it. "Not really," he said, his voice dismissive.
"I'm really sorry, Ethan," she murmured.
Ethan shook his head, his expression soft. "I hate seeing you apologize like that. If anything, I should be the one apologizing for not being a better husband."
Sophie frowned, squeezing his hand. "Stop it. You're the best husband I know."
Ethan's eyes warmed, a slow smile spreading across his face. "I really like you, you know."
Sophie's heart did a funny little flip. She bit her lip, feeling her cheeks heat. "I really like you too, Ethan."
Ethan let out a breathy chuckle, shaking his head. "I don't think I'll be able to think of anything but you today. What are you doing to me, Soph?"
Sophie giggled, her blush deepening. "Just being my amazing self, I guess."
Ethan leaned across the table, capturing her lips in a slow, tender kiss. "And that's more than enough," he murmured against her lips.
After breakfast, Ethan stood up, grabbing his car keys. "Come on, I'll drop you at the shop. And I'm picking you up too."
Sophie shook her head, smiling. "You don't have to pick me up. I close earlier than when you're done with work."
Ethan's expression turned serious, his gaze firm with quiet determination. "I know, but I don't care. I'll pick you up, drop you home, and go back to work if necessary. I always want to know that you're safe."
Sophie's heart melted at his words. The overwhelming sense of love and gratitude she felt for him was almost too much.
"But Ethan, that will be really stressful for you," she protested gently.
Ethan pulled her into a gentle hug, resting his chin on the top of her head. "No buts. I'm doing this for me. I just want to make sure you're safe and sound."
Sophie sighed, leaning into his embrace. "Thank you, Ethan."
He kissed the top of her head, lingering there for a moment before pulling back with a smile. "Come on, let's get you to the shop. We've got a busy day ahead of us."
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