The funeral had been a blur of tears, sadness and grief, but Maya remembered the sense of relief she felt knowing that Lucas had taken care of all the arrangements and expenses.
He had surprisingly been a rock for her, her aunt and Kathy, handling every detail with kindness and compassion.
As the days turned into weeks, Maya realized that Lucas's support had gone beyond financial help.
He became a constant presence in her life and family, offering a listening ear, a comforting embrace and a warm smile.
He helped her navigate through the complex emotions that came with losing a loved one and had been patient and understanding when she needed time to process her grief.
Maya's heart was filled with gratitude as she thought all about what Lucas had done for her, she couldn't have gotten through this difficult situation without him.
Lucas's thoughts were filled with wonder and amazement as he reflected on his growing feelings for Maya.
He had never intended to fall for her, but the more time he spent with her, the more he realized how beautiful she was in and out.
He admired her strength, kindness, resilience and love for her family. She always put her family's well being first.
He found himself wanting to be around her more and more.
And the nonchalant, arrogant man he was, no longer existed. His feelings developed so quickly.
Whenever he looked at Maya, his heart skipped and he knew he wanted to be there for her, to support her and to love her for all the days of his life.
Lucas became a part of the family, a steady presence in their lives as he helped them navigate the ups and downs in grief.
He was always there to listen, offer a shoulder to cry on for Kathy, and help with errands that seemed too much to tackle alone.
Aunt Lily had grown fond of him and he became a source of comfort for her as well.
As the days turned to weeks, he supported them as they began to rebuild and find a new sense of normalcy.
Maya revealed her feelings for Lucas to aunt Lily. Her eyes widened in suprise as she listened to Maya.
"Falling in love with him?" Aunt Lily repeated, her voice filled with disbelief.
Maya nodded, her cheeks flushing with a mix of excitement and nervousness.
"Aunt Lily I know it all sounds sudden, but being around him made me realize he's so much more than I initially thought."
"He has been kind, compassionate and it's all captivating. And they way he's been here for us…supporting us through this difficult time.. I feel like I can rely on him for anything."
Aunt Lily's expression softened, her eyes filling with a warm light.
"Oh Maya, dear, you deserve all the love in the world, and if Lucas is the one who can give that to you, then I'm all for it."
Maya smiled warmly, feeling a sense of relief and joy.
"Thanks aunt Lily…this means a lot to me and I can't help how I feel. And I think Lucas might feel the same way too."
"Well, I can't wait to see where this journey takes you both. Love is a beautiful thing, embrace it and I wish you the best." Aunt Lily said with love in her eyes.
Maya's eyes lit up as Lucas invited her on a boat ride. 'A boat ride'?
She felt excited and relieved, she had been cooped up in the house for too long and the thoughts of getting out on the water, feeling the sun on her face, and the wind in her hair, was just what she needed to clear her head.
Lucas smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I thought you might like it, we can take my boat out on the lake, just us, the water and the sunshine." He said, his voice low and gentle.
He had become so gentle with her, the way he spoke to her and his actions towards her all changed.
"Thank you Lucas." Maya said as she embraced him.
They hugged each other tightly.
As they made their way to the dock, Maya knew this boat ride was going to be more than just a relaxing evening on the water.
She knew it was going to be a chance for her to connect with Lucas on a deeper level.
Maya's gaze drifted out to the water, her mind reflecting on the journey that had brought her to this moment.
She thought about her uncle's passing, his funeral and the days of sadness and grief that passed by.
"I feel like I've been on a rollercoaster of emotions," she said finally.
"Losing my uncle was like losing a part of myself. He basically trained me since I was four, but you've helped me heal and I'm grateful."
Lucas's eyes softened. "You are my wife, I'm gonna be here for you, okay?"
Maya nodded.
"But, why? What changed Lucas? You used to resent me."
With a deep sigh he said, "I fell in love with your strength, resilience, your beauty. Your perspective of life is beautiful. Your heart shines so brightly in its darkest times…Got to know you are special."
" I want to be the one that makes your heart skip, the one who makes your smile brighter."
Maya's heart fluttered as Lucas's words wrapped around her like a warm embrace.
She felt her soul stirring, responding to the deep emotion in his voice.
Her heart skipped a beat as his hands cradled her face, his fingers tracing the curves of her cheek and jawline.
His eyes locked onto hers, filled with love and admiration.
She felt her breath catch as he leaned in, his lips brushed against her skin as he kissed her hand, sending shivers down her spine.
She felt herself melting in his embrace.
Maya raised her hands to his chest, feeling the warmth of his body, the beat of his heart. In that moment, words were unnecessary.
Their eyes locked in a solid understanding, their gazes speaking volumes.
They smiled at each other, their faces radiating love and adoration.
Maya's pupils dilated as she gazed into Lucas's eyes, she felt like she was drowning in their depths - surrendering to the sea of love. Lucas's eyes darkened with emotions.
Their eyes spoke a language of love and passion.
Lucas drew her in closer, his arms wrapping around her, holding her tight.
As the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting a golden glow across the water, they both knew they were really falling for each other.