“My short fiancée needs a stool. Maybe I’ll make that next.”
“More presents? I’m getting spoiled.” I unwrap the flowers, gasping at the vivid explosion of color. An assortment of poppies, dahlias, peonies, daisies, and lavender greet me. “These are beautiful.”
“Just like you,” he murmurs into the dip at my neck.
I sag against him. “Gah, the swoon is legit.”
His lips dust a path up my throat. “I’ve never cared much for romance until you.”
“You better be careful, or we’ll be late for lunch.” It takes great effort to straighten out of his hold. I get the stems dunked in water, arranging the petals for maximum exposure. “Where are we going?”
“I found a place within walking distance since Mother Nature is cooperating.”
“Is it Endless Pastabilities?” I hold up a set of crossed fingers.
He presses a hand to the base of my spine, guiding me back to the entryway. “That’s the one. The name alone was intriguing.”
I shrug on my coat while searching for a pair of tall boots. “Very punny, right? Their food is also delicious. I love their pesto cavatappi dish.”
“Another good guess. I’m off to a winning start.”
“You’ve been ahead fresh from the gate.” I lock the deadbolt once we’ve stepped into the hall.
“Mostly because you gave me a lead.”
I extend an arm in front of me. “Following you offers a spectacular view. Not gonna deny it, boss.”
“Are you objectifying me?”
“Are you offended?”
“Not in the slightest, but walking beside me has perks.” He leads me outside by our linked fingers.
“Very true. You offer a broad shield from the rain and wind.” A blast of sunshine immediately warms my face. I tilt my face skyward for a heavier dose of vitamin D. “The temperature has been very pleasant. It’s another glorious day.”
“Maybe we can go to the off-leash park. There’s no snow yet. We can stop for hot chocolate along the way. Extra whipped cream.”
“You remembered,” I murmur. The hitch in my breath couples with a balm of heat washing through me. This burst of comfort has nothing to do with the mild temperature we’re swaddled in.
He lifts our joined hands to drop a gentle kiss on my wrist. “Of course, sweetheart.”
“Would it be weird if we show up without a dog?”
“It’s not an exclusive space. We can consider it a research opportunity for future reference.”
I glance up at him with a growing smile. “Are you interested in getting a pooch?”
“If you are. I’ve always been an animal lover. We always had plenty of pets growing up.” He goes quiet for a moment. “That reminds me, I called my parents and told them about you. Our baby, too.”
I hear my mouth snick open with a pop. “Really? I just talked to my mom about us like an hour ago.”
“Great minds.” He taps his temple.
“So, were they happy?”
A grin twitches the corners of his mouth. “Actually, yeah. My mom started babbling about knitting and finding soft yarn. It was the first time in years that my dad sounded something other than frustrated with me.”
I swing our connected arms, a blip of giddy lightness lifting me up. “Look at you, already making progress.”
Halder shrugs. “Guess so. Maybe I’ll ask about the holidays next. How was the chat with your mother?”
“Very positive. She didn’t seem nervous for a change. The baby news made her squeal. Literally. I had to pull the phone away from my ear.” I giggle at the reminder.
“That’s a good reaction.” He bobs his head. “It’ll give her a reason to leave the house and visit you.”
“Maybe this will be the solution to unite us all in peaceful harmony.”
He grunts. “That’s some fluffy fantasy shit.”
I poke him in the side. “Indulge my nonsense. It’s what you love about me.”
“One of the many things.” His tone drops to a suggestive level. And just like that, we’re no longer discussing our parents. The smooth segue shoots off a round of sparklers under my skin.
“You were very productive this morning.” I wag my brows, recalling his creative wake-up call.
“I’ve never been much of a slacker. Why would I be, when there’s such tantalizing fare to devour.”
A splash of heat singes my cheeks. “Breakfast in bed was an excellent choice.”
“And our next meal is upon us.”
Endless Pastabilities waits for us on the corner. The customary smell of baking bread and zesty spices signals our arrival as we walk into the inviting entrance. A toasty atmosphere of low lighting and dark wood accents further welcomes us as the hostess shows us to a booth along the