21. For Years

I left Penelope momentarily, moving to the bathroom to start filling the bath with warm water, infusing it with a hint of lavender for relaxation. When I returned, she was sitting on the bed, her eyes fixated on the ring adorning her finger. Her expression was one of deep thought, and I could tell she was beginning to overthink everything.

I leaned down and kissed her nose gently. "Nope, you can't do that," I said playfully. "Only one of us in this relationship can be panicky, and that's my job."

She echoed my words, a hint of wonder in her voice. "This relationship?"

I grinned, feeling a surge of happiness at acknowledging what we had. "Okay, now let's get in the bath. I know I smell amazing right now."

She burst into laughter. "Yeah, next time, start with the shower first, considering you were already covered in sweat before we started all that."

I felt self-conscious at her words, even as she giggled. It was a momentary discomfort, but it lingered in the back of my mind.

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