Alex peered into the living room, checking on the status of his surprise for Ava before he shuffled back to the kitchen to butter her toast.
He’d risen early, leaving her to sleep after the exhausting day yesterday.
The day had been life-changing for him. He’d finally admitted to her his feelings for her, and she hadn’t run screaming. She stayed.
She’d stayed with him.
But she had some reservations, fears that their relationship would fall apart if they allowed their marriage to become real.
He knew that wouldn’t be the case, and he’d spend the rest of his life proving it to her. No matter what it took, no matter how much he had to reassure her, spoil her, love her, he’d make certain Ava never regretted her decision to stay.
With the butter melted on the warm toast, he added it to the tray along with her mug of coffee, squeezed next to a single red rose, and hoisted it up.
He mounted the stairs, whistling as he went up them and pushing through the bedroom door.
Still snuggled in the covers, Ava’s rhythmic breathing still filled the quiet room.
He eased onto the mattress, setting the tray to the side before he leaned forward to kiss her cheek. “Sparky, time to wake up,” he whispered as he eased a lock of hair back.
Her eyelashes fluttered, confusion pinching her features for a second before she found his face, a smile spreading across her face. “Hey.”
“Good morning,” he said with a smile as his hand wrapped around hers.
“Good morning, what time is it?” she asked in a groggy voice.
“Little after ten,” he answered.
She shifted under the comforter. “Why did you let me sleep so late?”
“Because you needed it,” he answered. “And you needed this.”
He lifted the tray as she pulled herself up to sit.
Her features melted as she clicked her tongue. “Aww, you made me breakfast in bed.”
“I did,” he answered as he slid the tray toward her before he leapt from his perch and skirted the bed, diving onto the other side next to her.
“And with a rose,” she said, cupping his face as he settled into the pillows next to her and giving him a soft kiss.
Alex pressed his forehead against hers, savoring the moment between them. He’d waited so long to kiss her, and now he never wanted to stop.
But they needed to talk, so he encouraged her to eat.
