Chapter 27: Utterly Cherished
Mara finished her last piece of bread before stepping into the car, Ethan. He was too much.
Taking up nearly a third of the back seat was the biggest bouquet of red roses Mara had ever seen. The deep crimson petals were flawless, each bloom perfectly arranged, their fragrance filling the air around her.
Her fingers trembled slightly as she reached out, grazing the soft petals before spotting a small card nestled among them.
She pulled it free and unfolded it. "To my beautiful wife. Each rose represents the number of times I thought of making love to you last night but couldn’t. ...That was a joke. I know you look more stunning than these flowers. I love you, and I’m sorry. Love,
Your Husband.
Mara smiled, warmth spreading through her chest as she brought the card closer, rereading it with a quiet giggle.
The driver shut the door, started the engine, and as the car pulled away from the house, she leaned back into the seat, inhaling the sweet scent of the roses, feeling utterly cherished.
"Ethan," Mara giggled as she picked up the phone, her heart fluttering. She adored the flowers, but more than that, it was the gesture, the thought behind it that truly touched her. She had never been particularly fond of flowers, but no one could deny the beauty of these.
"Did you like your surprise, wifey?" Ethan’s voice was laced with excitement, clearly pleased with himself.
"Yes, I did. Thank you, love," Mara said, her fingers gently brushing over the bouquet beside her. It was large enough to decorate an entire room, and yet, it was the simplest words on that little card that made her feel the most special.
"Yeah?" Ethan grinned, rubbing the bridge of his nose absentmindedly. "There’s a small box at the side of the door. I bet it’ll go well with your outfit."