"You were perfect company," he countered, his voice warm as he turned off the engine. "Besides, you needed the rest after our...active morning."The slight curve of his lips suggested memories that made heat rise to my cheeks.
"Thank you for today," I said, reaching for his hand across the console.
"It was my pleasure," Nicolaus replied, his fingers intertwining with mine. The simple touch carried a weight of intimacy that hadn't been there before today. "Meeting Lydia... was it helpful?"
I nodded, feeling a smile spread across my face. "More than I can explain. It's just... knowing someone else walked this path before me and found happiness on the other side. It makes everything feel more possible."
Nicolaus's thumb traced gentle circles on the back of my hand. "You're stronger than you give yourself credit for, Lilianna."
"So everyone keeps telling me," I said with a soft laugh.
"Because it's true." His eyes held mine, serious and intent. "What you've done—choosing your own path despite everything you were taught—that takes remarkable courage."
I felt warmth bloom in my chest at his words. Before I could respond, the front door opened , warm light spilling onto the porch as Christopher's broad silhouette appeared in the doorway.
"There they are," Christopher called out, his voice carrying the warmth of genuine affection. "We were starting to wonder if you'd gotten lost."
I smiled, watching as Miles appeared beside him, wiping his hands on a dish towel. The sight of them both waiting for us made something settle in my chest—a sense of belonging I was still learning to trust.
"Just enjoying the scenic route," Nicolaus replied, though his eyes remained on me as he spoke. "How was your afternoon?"
"Productive," Christopher said, stepping down from the porch as we climbed out of the car. "Though Julian's been pacing for the last hour. I think he missed having someone to fuss over."
I laughed, accepting the gentle kiss Christopher pressed to my temple. "Where is he?"
“Emergency call," Miles explained, taking the violin case from Nicolaus who had gone to grab the things from the trunk.
"Client crisis or actual emergency?" Nicolaus asked, his voice carrying the slight edge it always did when work intruded on our time together.
“I don’t know. Bit of both, from what I gathered," Miles answered, his free hand finding mine as we walked toward the house. "Something about a deal falling through at the last minute. He said he wouldn't be long."
I nodded, trying not to feel disappointed. Julian was a busy man; I'd known that from the beginning. Still, I'd been looking forward to sharing my day with all of them.
"He made me promise to tell you he'll make it up to you," Christopher added, his arm sliding around my waist as we climbed the porch steps. "Something about breakfast in bed tomorrow."
"That sounds like Julian," I said with a smile, the promise of tomorrow easing the slight sting of his absence tonight.
Inside, the house was warm and filled with the rich aroma of something delicious cooking. My stomach growled in response, reminding me that I hadn't eaten since our late breakfast.
"Perfect timing," Christopher said, hearing my stomach's protest. "I've been working on a new recipe all afternoon. Braised short ribs with root vegetables." He guided me toward the kitchen, his hand warm at the small of my back. "I was hoping to get your opinion."
The kitchen was filled with the rich, savory scent of slow-cooked meat and herbs. A large Dutch oven sat on the stove, steam rising from beneath its heavy lid. Christopher had clearly been busy—the counters were meticulously clean despite the elaborate meal preparation, and I could see fresh bread cooling on a rack near the window.
"It smells incredible," I said, inhaling deeply. "What can I do to help?"
"Absolutely nothing," Christopher said firmly, pressing a glass of wine into my hands. "You've had a full day. Just sit and tell us everything."
I settled onto one of the stools at the kitchen island, watching as Miles joined Christopher at the stove. They moved around each other with practiced ease, a silent communication born of years together.
"Where should I start?" I asked, taking a small sip of the wine—a rich red that warmed me from the inside out.
"The beginning," Nicolaus said, settling onto the stool beside me. His thigh pressed against mine, a casual intimacy that sent a pleasant flutter through my stomach. "Tell them about the cove."
I felt heat rise to my cheeks, remembering exactly what had happened at the cove. "It was beautiful," I said, carefully choosing my words. "The sunrise reflecting off the water was like something from a painting."
Christopher glanced over his shoulder, a knowing smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "And the swimming? How was that?"
"Refreshing," I replied, my cheeks heating up at the mention of the cove.
