It was a new day, the first of a fresh week, and we strolled through the park. The wind was crisp, the morning sky a clear blue, and the grass shimmered green with dew.
I walked calmly, relaxed, while Lucius was all tense, fidgeting as if wrestling with some important thought. I already knew what he wanted to say—and I was waiting for him to finally say it.
"You know..." he began, voice uncertain.
"Hmm?" I hummed softly, catching his flustered glance.
He went red instantly and looked away, rubbing the back of his hair nervously. "I—I... the sky's, so beautiful, right?"
"Ah, yes, it is," I said, narrowing my eyes at him. "What do you want to say? Just say it already." He took a deep breath, steeling himself, then fumbled in his pocket. "I got you a little gift."
"Oh? What is it?" My eyes lit up as he pulled out a small box, the thrill of anticipation rushing through me. Inside was a delicate silver bracelet and matching ear piercings—modern, sleek, and perfect.
"Woah, this must've been expensive," I said, surprised.
He shook his head, shy. "It wasn't much, do you like it?"
"I love it," I nodded, leaning closer. "Put it on me." He hesitated a moment, then carefully slid the earrings onto my ears and wrapped the bracelet around my wrist. His fingers lingered, brushing my earlobes delicately, as if handling something fragile and precious.
I caught the way his gaze softened, eyes locked on mine like he was memorizing every detail. "I really like this gift," I said, teasingly, raising an eyebrow. "But where's the main course?"
"Huh?" He blinked, confused.
"You're about to confess, right? Just do it already. How much longer are you going to wait until I leave with someone else?"
"N-no!" He blurted too loudly, instinctively flaring as if the thought of me with someone else was unbearable. His blush deepened immediately.
"I see." I smirked, enjoying his flustered state.
"S-so, You know.." he muttered, biting his lip.
I smirked, "Of course, you're so obvious that you like me."
He was quick to say, "But it's not just like. It's love... I love you." His voice was soft, almost sinking in on itself, his gaze earnest and trembling.
My heart fluttered, and heat rose to my cheeks. "Ah, right, same." I whispered, shyly admitting the truth.
"So, what's your answer?" His eyes were hopeful, earnest, almost desperate.
I leaned closer, teasing. "Hmm, how do I know? You know how I am. I always get my heart broken by others. How do I know you won't be the same?"
He didn't waver, voice steady, serious. "Yes, I know. That's why I can wait—any length of time. I'll wait as long as it takes for you to realize how much you mean to me. And for that, you need to let me stay near you."
I smiled, hiding my own excitement. "Are you sure? I might make you wait, a year, two, five, maybe even ten years."
He grinned, unshakable. "I don't care. That just means I get to stay with you longer, maybe forever, too."
I laughed softly, glancing down at the bracelet and earrings, feeling the warmth of his hands still brushing mine. Then I leaned up, capturing his lips in a kiss. He kissed back instantly, hungry and tender all at once.
Above us, the sky seemed even bluer, the birds chirping as if offering their blessing, while the morning sun cast a gentle glow over the two of us—two hearts quietly promising forever in a single shared moment.
"So that means daddy is still waiting for you to say those words back?" little Rael asked, eyes wide with shock.
I nodded.
Rael, my little boy, gave me a long, thoughtful stare before darting toward the kitchen, where Lucius was busy baking cookies for the three of us.
"Dad made you wait for so long," Rael said, climbing onto the counter with his tiny legs to watch Lucius carefully place a tray of freshly baked cookies down.
Rael reached for them, but Lucius gently held his hands, patting them lightly. "It's still hot."
"Sorry, daddy," Rael said, pouting. "But it smells so good."
"Of course it does—he made it for me," I said, crossing my arms with a grin.
Rael gave me a serious look, then spread his little arms as I scooped him up, letting him snuggle against my chest. "Dad, you should not keep daddy waiting more."
I chuckled softly as Lucius leaned against the counter, his hair slightly messy, no glasses now, just that mature, effortlessly handsome look. He smiled, leaning closer to kiss me.
I made sure Rael's face was pressed against my chest so he wouldn't see, and kissed Lucius back happily.
"Rael, baby, why don't you go outside to play? I'll call you once the cookies are cool enough," Lucius said, his voice soft but playful.
Rael nodded eagerly, jumping to his feet. "I'll go grab Norven with me!"
"Yes, but no more fighting, little devil. You need to control your anger," I said, trying to act serious, remembering last week's scuffle.
"But they bully Norven, and he's my best friend! How can I allow that?" Rael said, strict and determined, making me sigh as Lucius chuckled softly.
Before we could say anything else, Rael dashed out, brandishing his fake sword with a heroic flourish, leaving us alone.
Lucius immediately took the opportunity, wrapping his arms around me and pressing a soft, lingering kiss to my lips.
I melted into it, returning it with just as much warmth, the quiet hum of the oven and the cozy kitchen making the moment feel perfect.
Life couldn't have been better. After college, we carved our paths together without any breaks or interruptions. Lucius became a celebrated author, his books adored by many, while being a devoted husband to me and a perfect father to our little Rael.
After ten years of being together, we officially adopted Rael when he was still a child—a perfect mixture of my fiery temperament and beauty, and Lucius's calm brilliance.
We had married abroad, and three years later, we welcomed Rael into our family. Lucius's parents were far more supportive than I had imagined.
They showered him with love, gifts, and attention, always saying whenever questioned in Media about their only son being in a same sex marriege, "He's happy, so why would we care about anything else? We have an adorable son-in-law and grandson, and that's all that matters." Their open-mindedness always made me feel loved and welcomed.
My own father, initially dramatic upon learning about our relationship, eventually came around—especially after discovering Lucius's background. He quickly grew fond of Rael, pampering him and supporting us fully.
Even after fifteen years together, nothing had changed in Lucius's love, adoration, and devotion toward me. And as for me, I still teased him relentlessly, lived my best life, but had never quite said those three words. Until now.
I glanced at the family portrait on the wall—Rael in my arms, me kissing his cheek, while Lucius held us both, pressing a gentle kiss to my forehead.
"The cookies are ready. Try one," Lucius said. No matter what he baked, it was always my rule to have the first bite.
Even Rael followed it happily.
Both son and husband cared for me in ways I could never take for granted.
"I will," I replied, smiling as I patted his hand before whispering softly, "I love you, husband."
I heard him catch his breath, then feel his arms tighten around me. "I know, I love you more," he murmured, sealing the words with a tender kiss.
Just then, the door burst open. Rael rushed in, holding his best friend Norven's hand. "Daddy! Can Norven have cookies too?" he asked, his eyes sparkling with excitement.
Lucius and I exchanged a glance, noticing Norven's shy smile as he followed Rael.
We bent down, ruffling both their hair. "Of course, darlings. Let's have cookies together," I said, and we all settled down, laughing, sharing cookies, and enjoying the moment as a family.
Love is beautiful. And if one love story ends, another might begin somewhere else, sometime soon.
For me, though, my love story—our story—was perfect. I couldn't have asked for anything more.