Chapter 35

The kitchen was filled with the comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee, the scent mingling with the sweetness of ripe fruit and the flaky, buttery warmth of croissants. Sunlight streamed in through the windows, casting a golden glow over the wooden table where Monique had already begun setting out our breakfast.

I leaned against the counter, still a little groggy but smiling as I watched her move with ease, slicing strawberries and arranging them neatly on a plate next to small bowls of yogurt and honey. A basket of golden croissants sat in the center of the table, along with a glass jar of homemade jam.

“You’ve really outdone yourself this morning,” I said, stepping closer to wrap an arm around her waist, pressing a kiss to the back of her neck.

She chuckled, tilting her head slightly to allow the contact. “I wanted something light but still delicious. And besides,” she turned in my arms, looping hers around my neck, “I love cooking for you.”

I kissed her, slow and lingering, savoring the taste of coffee on her lips. “You’re spoiling me, you know.”

She smirked. “That’s the plan.”

We took our seats at the table, and Monique poured coffee into two cups, adding a bit of sugar to hers before taking a slow sip. I followed suit, letting the rich warmth of it wake me up fully.

The first few minutes were spent in companionable silence, both of us enjoying the food. I took a croissant, tearing it open and spreading a generous amount of jam on one half. Monique, ever the tease, dipped the tip of a strawberry into the honey before biting into it, humming in appreciation.

“This is perfect,” I said, taking another bite of my croissant.

She smiled, licking a stray drop of honey from her finger. “I’m glad you think so.”

I watched her, the simple, domestic nature of the moment making my chest tighten in a way I wasn’t quite used to.

“I could get used to mornings like this,” I admitted.

Monique tilted her head, studying me. “You say that like we won’t have more.”

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. “It’s just ... I know September isn’t that far away.”

Her smile faltered slightly, but she reached across the table, taking my hand. “It’ll be hard being apart, yes. But it’s just a few months, and then I’ll be back.”

I squeezed her fingers. “I know. I just don’t like thinking about it.”

She squeezed back, offering me a reassuring smile. “Then don’t. Let’s focus on the time we do have.”

I nodded, and we continued eating, the conversation shifting to lighter topics—stories from Monique’s classes, a few updates on my business, and even playful bickering over who made the better coffee.

Eventually, Monique leaned back in her chair, stretching with a satisfied sigh. “I don’t know about you, but I feel like going for a drive.”

I raised an eyebrow. “Any particular destination in mind?”

She shook her head. “Not really. I just want to get out, enjoy the weather. Maybe find somewhere nice to walk.”

I smiled. “That actually sounds perfect.”

She clapped her hands together. “Then it’s settled. Finish your coffee, old man. We’ve got an adventure to go on.”

I chuckled, shaking my head. “You’re never going to stop calling me that, are you?”

She grinned. “Never.”

With that, we cleaned up the kitchen and prepared to head out, the promise of a warm day ahead making the prospect of a leisurely drive and time by the lake even more enticing.