The first month of living in their new forever home was pure bliss. Heather and Jake had finished everything they had planned for the house. Jake knew she'd find a new project eventually.
Jake had been frantic the last two weeks, his mind constantly going between carrying out his idea or leaving it slide for another while.
The previous night, he had made up his mind. Calling in sick to work meant that Heather now had a two hour time slot to work through and she'd be out of the house for longer.
At five pm, when Heather's second hour began, Jake sprung into action. He set up the dining room table for the two of them for dinner, and made sure he had what he needed in his pocket.
Acting sick before Heather went to work hadn't been hard, especially because she fussed over him for nothing anyway. She was just constantly bringing him food and water.
"When's mom coming home?" Juliet asked, sitting at the kitchen island while her father got everything ready for the dinner he was making.
Jake turned to face her, laughing softly at how she was dressed for comfy time already. She knew not to disturb her parents that night during dinner but didn't know why.
"Soon bub, I need your help with something," Jake said, setting everything aside once it was ready to go later on.
Rounding the island, he lifted Juliet into his arms, moving towards his car keys. He had planned on getting her a McDonald's for dinner knowing full well she wouldn't eat what her parents were having.
"I'm gonna ask mom to marry me, and I need your help setting it up,"
***
Heather had been pleasantly surprised to return home to her boyfriend and daughter watching Barbie's The Princess and The Pauper in the living room. What made her laugh was Jake was fully immersed in the movie.
"You look brighter," Heather said, reaching up to feel Jake's forehead. He smiled sheepishly at the look on her face, realising he hadn't been sick at all that day.
She didn't have a chance to ask what he was up to before his lips were on hers, pulling her in even closer to his body.
"Come on, I made dinner," Jake said, pulling her towards the dining room, smiling softly at the confusion covering her face.
It wasn't rare that Jake cooked but it was usually Heather's job. There was always the few dishes Jake just made far better than her.
"You cooked? What's going on?" Heather asked, her mouth almost watering at the scent coming from the kitchen.
Jake rolled his eyes, pulling out her chair for her and pushing it back in when she was settled.
"Nothing, just wanted to do something nice for you," he smiled, ducking down to kiss her lips again before moving off towards the kitchen.
Heather sat quietly, sipping on the red wine he had poured for them. She couldn't place why Jake was doing this and why he was dressed nicely.
His tanned skin was complimented by the white button up shirt he was wearing, navy blue dress pants and brown shoes to complete the look.
"Juliet got McDonald's so she's okay," Jake said, laughing at his girlfriends eye roll. She wasn't the biggest fan of the franchise but still gave into Juliet where necessary.
Throughout dinner, Heather remained confused by his need to make dinner and have it alone while their daughter played in the next room.
Eventually, Juliet wandered into the dining room when Jake was cleaning up and distracted her mother, turning her to face the opposite direction from the kitchen.
