In the early morning light at the metro station, Alex and Emma stood side by side, preparing to part ways as they headed to their respective offices.
"Good luck at the office," Emma said, her voice filled with warmth and encouragement.
"Be careful at the office," Alex replied, his tone tinged with concern.
"I will be careful," Emma assured him, a smile gracing her lips.
As they stood together, a sense of affection and camaraderie enveloped them. Alex leaned in and placed a gentle kiss on Emma's forehead, a gesture of love and support.
Emma's cheeks flushed pink at the unexpected display of affection. She playfully swatted Alex on the arm. "Idiot, we're in public," she teased, a hint of laughter in her voice.
"Sorry, sorry," Alex said, raising his hands in defense, a playful smile dancing on his lips.
"Don't forget about our evening date!" Alex called out as he made his way towards the metro.
"Ok!" Emma replied, waving goodbye as she continued on her path to the office.
Emma arrived at the office after her two days off, feeling a mix of excitement and anticipation as she returned to her usual routine. Quickly, she made her way to her desk and settled into her chair, ready to dive back into her work.
"Emmm!" Charlotte's enthusiastic voice caught her attention, and Emma looked up to see her colleague approaching with a wide grin.
"Hey, Char!" Emma greeted her with a smile.
"Congratulations on your pregnancy, Em!" Charlotte exclaimed, pulling Emma into a tight hug.
"Thank you, thank you!" Emma replied, returning the embrace with gratitude and warmth. The excitement in Charlotte's eyes mirrored Emma's own feelings, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of joy.
"So, what's Alex's reaction?" Charlotte inquired with interest.
"Usually, he gets emotional!" Emma teased playfully, a hint of affection in her voice.
Charlotte nodded in agreement, offering a supportive nod. "You've definitely got a good one," she remarked, smiling warmly at Emma.
As the topic shifted to marriage, Charlotte's curiosity piqued. "So, any plans for tying the knot?" she asked.
Emma's smile widened as she considered the question. "Well, Alex hasn't popped the question yet, but I have no doubt that when he does, we'll be saying 'I do' before we know it!" she replied confidently, her eyes gleaming with anticipation for their future together.
"Don't overstress about work!" Charlotte mentioned before heading back to her desk.
Emma nodded in agreement, a grateful smile on her face. "I know," she replied softly, reassured by Charlotte's thoughtful reminder.
In the evening, as the sun began its descent, casting a warm golden glow over the city streets, Alex found himself waiting patiently on the sidewalk. His fingers traced the edges of the small box nestled in his pocket, a nervous anticipation fluttering in his chest.
As he glanced up, he spotted Emma making her way towards him, her radiant smile lighting up the bustling streets. With a quickened heartbeat, Alex carefully slipped the box into his bag, hiding it from view.
Emma approached him, her steps quickening with excitement as she drew closer. "Hey there," she greeted him, her voice filled with warmth.
"Hey," Alex replied, returning her smile with one of his own. He reached out to take her hand in his, his touch gentle and reassuring.
With a playful grin, Alex asked, "Had enough for lunch?"
Emma chuckled softly. "Yes, I'm perfectly satisfied," she replied.
"And feeling alright?" Alex inquired, his concern evident in his voice.
Emma rolled her eyes affectionately. "Oh, Mr. Concerned person, I'm fine. You don't have to worry about me," she teased, reaching out to pinch his cheeks gently.
"Alright, alright," Alex relented with a laugh. "Let's focus on dinner now," he suggested, eager to continue their evening together.
As they sat down at the restaurant, Alex pulled out a chair for Emma with a smile. They looked over the menu and ordered drinks while chatting about their day.
Their appetizers arrived, and they dug in eagerly, enjoying each bite and sharing a few tastes of each other's dishes.
When their main courses came, they continued chatting and enjoying their meal together, savoring the flavors.
For dessert, they treated themselves to something sweet, ending the evening on a delicious note. Throughout the meal, their laughter and conversation filled the cozy atmosphere, making it a memorable night out.
As they walked arm in arm through the quiet streets, the remnants of their dinner still lingering on their taste buds, Alex couldn't shake the nagging feeling that something was amiss. He found himself constantly checking through his bag, his brow furrowed in deep concentration.
Emma, ever perceptive, noticed his restless behavior and gently nudged him with her elbow. "You seem a bit tense," she observed, her voice filled with concern.
Alex tried to brush off her observation with a nonchalant shrug. "No, it's nothing," he replied, though his tone betrayed a hint of suspicion.
Emma couldn't help but chuckle at his response. "You seem like you robbed the bank!" she teased, nudging him playfully.
Their conversation then shifted to more mundane topics, with Alex asking about her next doctor's appointment. "This weekend," Emma replied, her voice laced with a touch of weariness.
Feeling a surge of protectiveness towards her, Alex suggested, "I've been thinking. How about we go shopping this weekend? Along with Lily?"
Emma's eyes lit up with excitement at the idea. "Sure, why not?" she replied, her smile widening.
As they settled on the bench beneath the soft glow of the lamp in the night, Alex's heart raced with anticipation. He took a deep breath, steeling himself for the moment he had been waiting for.
"Emma," he called out, his voice tinged with nervousness.
Emma turned to him, her brows furrowing in confusion. "What is it?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.
"Emma, the thing is..." Alex began, his words trailing off as he reached into his bag and retrieved a small box. With trembling hands, he opened it to reveal the gleaming ring nestled within.
A surge of excitement and fear coursed through him as he mustered the courage to ask the question that had been weighing on his heart. "Will you marry me?" he blurted out, his voice laced with emotion.
Emma's eyes widened in surprise, her lips parting in disbelief. But before she could respond, she suddenly reached out and grabbed his ear, pinching it hard.
"Ouch! Ouch! That hurts!" Alex exclaimed, caught off guard by her unexpected reaction.
"Why are you asking that? Why are you giving me options?" Emma chided him, her tone playful yet tinged with mock indignation. "Do you think I won't accept the marriage?" she teased, pinching his ear again for good measure.
"I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I didn't think about that!" Alex pleaded, wincing as she released his ear.
Emma couldn't help but smile at his genuine remorse. Leaning in, she planted a sudden kiss on his lips, leaving him momentarily stunned by her boldness.
In Oliver's cozy home, Lily and Oliver were engrossed in a lively game, their laughter filling the air as they competed against each other. Issable sat nearby, a smile playing on her lips as she watched the playful interaction between her brother and her niece.
The doorbell chimed, abruptly halting their game. Lily's eyes sparkled with excitement as she jumped up from her seat.
"Mama and papa are back!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with joy.
Issable rushed to open the door, revealing Alex and Emma standing there, their presence instantly filling the room with warmth.
"Mama! Papa!" Lily squealed, throwing herself into their arms for a tight hug.
"How was your date, brother?" Issable inquired with a smile.
"Fantastic," Alex replied, his eyes gleaming with happiness.
"Good night, Issy! Thank you for looking after Lily," Emma chimed in, her gratitude evident in her tone.
"Good night," Issable and Oliver echoed in unison.
As Alex, Lily, and Emma made their way back to their apartment, Alex couldn't contain his excitement.
"Lily, we're going out this weekend!" he announced, a grin spreading across his face.
"Really?" Lily exclaimed, her eyes widening with anticipation.
"It's bedtime now, sweetie," Emma gently reminded her daughter.
"Okay, Mom!" Lily agreed, clutching Mittens, she headed to her room.
"Good night, Mama! Good night, papa!" Lily called out as she closed the door behind her.
"Good night, sweetheart," Alex and Emma replied in unison, their voices filled with love and warmth.