After the storm

Chapter 32

Half an hour and a phone call later, Lucifer came back with the food. He opened the door and stepped inside, scanning the room for Chloe's presence. It was quite dark and he noticed her sitting on the couch in front of the fireplace mesmerized by the flickering flames. He put the bags on the kitchen counter and then approached her quietly.

"Chloe?"

She seemed not to notice him so he sat next to her.

"Darling, are you all right?" He asked and touched her arm.

She came out of her daze and met his eyes.

"Hey, you're back." She whispered.

He felt that something was bothering her thus he put his arm around her bringing her closer to him. She instantly placed her head on his shoulder, leaned into him and closed her eyes. At that moment she felt so peaceful and safe from all the worries.

"So how was your talk to your mother?" Lucifer asked, he wasn't sure she was up for talking about it.

Her only answer was a deep sigh.

"I'm sorry, honey. You don't have to tell me if it's too painful." He said and started gently caressing her arm.

"No, I really want to share it with you." She told him quietly.

"Was it that bad?"

"It's never been easy with my mother and it got even worse after my father's death." She said looking ahead at the dancing flames. She thought for a moment, the silence lengthening.

"She told me that at first she was shocked at finding out she was going to become a grandmother again in that way. She asked me if I was sure about our relationship." She paused. "I guess you didn't tell her about our engagement, did you?" Chloe asked and turned to face Lucifer.

"No, I didn't." He said, shaking his head.

"Well, now she knows. I told her the love for you is the most certain thing in the world for me. And to seal it, I'm going to marry you."

"Wow." Lucifer was stunned by that. "How did she react to that?"

"She said that I could do what I wanted and she quickly ended the call."

"Darling, I'm so sorry it didn't go well and I was the source of that."

"Lucifer, I've already told you, you can't blame yourself. I know what I'm doing." She smiled and took his hands. "I love you and nothing or no one is going to change that." She said it with such intensity and confidence that he felt so touched he found it impossible to speak with his throat suddenly constricted. Chloe noticed a single tear rolling slowly down Lucifer's cheek and she wiped it.

"You're amazing. I love you so much." Finally he whispered and kissed her tenderly.

She smiled and spoke. "Can we eat now? I'm still pretty hungry."

Lucifer chuckled at that. "Of course. I've got some delicious food straight from China."

Chloe's eyebrows rose in surprise when she heard him.

"What? You mean you've flown to China to get the food?"

He nodded his head.

"I thought you would get a take-out. You didn't have to do that, you know."

"Yes but I wanted to make you happy."

"Lucifer, being here with me is what makes me really happy." She replied. "Come on, let's eat. It smells delicious."

They went to the kitchen area to unpack the bags and then finally ate the dinner.

Later on, they were in bed. Lucifer was lying on his back, partly leaning on the headboard and Chloe was settled close to him, her head on his shoulder and her hand placed on his chest. His hand was wandering up and down her arm. For a long moment they were both miles away with their thoughts, contemplating the events which took place lately.