Chapter 16: A Homecoming and a Surprise
Alexander returned home later that afternoon, a sense of anticipation swirling within him. He had missed Lila immensely, the silence in the house a constant reminder of her absence. He hoped the argument was behind them, that they could finally put it behind them and move forward.
As he entered the house, the aroma of Lila's favorite dish, roasted chicken with rosemary and garlic, wafted through the air. A smile touched his lips. She must have prepared it herself.
He found Lila in the living room, a book in her lap, a serene expression on her face. She looked up as he entered, her eyes widening in surprise.
"Welcome back," she said, a gentle smile gracing her lips. "I was just about to start dinner."
Alexander moved towards her, his arms encircling her waist. "It smells delicious," he said, his voice low and husky. "You didn't have to go to all this trouble."
Lila rose to her feet, her eyes sparkling. "I wanted to," she replied, her voice soft. "I missed you."
He pulled her close, his lips brushing against hers. "I missed you too," he whispered, his voice filled with longing.
The kiss was tender, a silent apology for their recent quarrel. Lila leaned into him, savoring the warmth of his embrace. As they pulled apart, she noticed a mischievous glint in his eyes.
"I have a surprise for you," he said, his voice low and husky.
Lila's eyebrows arched. "A surprise?"
"Yes," he replied, a playful grin spreading across his face. "My grandmother's birthday is two days left, and I thought we could go visit her."
Lila smiled. "Your grandmother? I'd love to. It's always a pleasure to see her."
Alexander smiled. "I know you enjoyed meeting her last time," he said, recalling the pleasant afternoon they had spent at his grandmother's estate a few months prior.
Lila nodded, remembering the warmth of his grandmother's welcome and the charming afternoon they had spent. "I'm looking forward to it," she replied, her voice filled with warmth.
"Good," Alexander said, his eyes sparkling. "We'll make a day of it. We can go shopping for a gift tomorrow."
Lila smiled, her heart feeling lighter than it had in days. As they sat down to dinner, the lingering tension between them seemed to fade away, replaced by a comfortable silence.
Later that evening, as they prepared for bed, Alexander pulled Lila close. "I'm sorry about the other day," he whispered, his voice filled with remorse. "I shouldn't have said those things."
Lila turned to him, her eyes filled with understanding. "I'm sorry too," she whispered. "I was… I was scared."
He nodded, his gaze searching hers. "I know," he said gently. "I'll try to be more understanding."
Lila smiled, feeling a wave of affection wash over her. "I will too," she promised, her voice soft. "I won't let my fears come between us."
As they drifted off to sleep, nestled in each other's arms, Lila felt a sense of peace she hadn't experienced in days.