"Arthur, stop it! You're going to make me drop everything!" Lydia's laughter mingled with exasperation as she slid off the chair, attempting to escape his relentless teasing. Her laughter was so pure, so unrestrained, that Arthur's heart warmed. He loved seeing her like this—unguarded, radiant.
"Will you stop it?" she managed between giggles, now rolling on the floor with him beside her. But even as she scolded him, the smile on her face betrayed her enjoyment. "You're giving me crow's feet," she mock-pouted.
Arthur's hand stilled, his touch gentle as he traced a finger over the delicate skin at the corners of her eyes, searching them with an affectionate intensity. "You are beautiful," he murmured, his voice soft but sure.
