The Marriage Bargain - ENGLOT

Chapter 19: Set Visit

Cadence's POV:

I wake up to the sound of birds chirping outside the window. It's a beautiful day, and I couldn't help but feel happy. I turn my head to the side and see Emory.

Last night had been a revelation for us both. We shared our deepest secrets and fears, and finally admitted our true feelings for each other. It had been nerve-wracking to put myself out there like that, but Emory made it all worth it.

Now, as I lie here in the morning light and watch Emory sleep, I feel an overwhelming sense of contentment. I can't believe that we're finally together. For real this time.

As I lay there, I can't help but smile. I can feel the warmth of Emory's body next to me, and it feels so right. I reach out and gently stroke her hair. Emory stirs, her eyes still closed, and she mumbles something unintelligible. I can't help but smile.

I lean in and give her a soft kiss on her forehead, feeling butterflies in my stomach as I did so. She slowly opens her eyes, looking at me with a sleepy grin.

"Good morning," I whisper.

"Good morning to you too," she replies, her voice still thick with sleep.

We lay there for a few moments, just enjoying each other's company. I feel so comfortable with her, like we've known each other for years.

"You know, I've been waiting for this for a long time," I say, breaking the silence.

She turns her head to look at me, curiosity in her eyes.

"Waiting for what?"

"To be with you," I say, smiling.

A blush creeps up her cheeks, and she pulls me into a hug.

"I've been waiting for this too," she says, her voice soft.

We lay there, hugging each other, enjoying the moment. I feel like I'm on top of the world. For the first time in a long time, everything feels right. This is what happiness feels like, I think to myself.

...

"Are you hungry?" I ask, as my stomach grumbles.

She laughs and nods, and we get up to make breakfast. "Go clean up." She said, pulling me up off the bed. I nodded and went to the bathroom while she went to the kitchen.

When I entered the kitchen, Emory was already hard at work, cooking up a storm. The smell of pancakes and bacon filled the air, and my mouth watered in anticipation. As I watched her move around the kitchen with ease, the corners of my lips turned up into a happy smile.

"Looks like you've got this all under control," I said, admiring her cooking abilities.

Emory turned to me, her eyes sparkling, "I love cooking for you," she said, her voice filled with affection.

"You should do it more often then." I said, crossing my arms over my chest and leaning on the kitchen counter. "Okay, I will." She replied. Emory turned to wink at me and asked, "Did you sleep well?"

I nodded, unable to stop myself from grinning. "I slept better than I have in a long time," I replied, feeling a warmth blossom inside me at the sheer joy of being with her.

Emory pulled me towards her and kissed me, soft and tender. She pulled away slightly, resting her forehead against mine. "I'm so happy, Cadence," she whispered before kissing me again, deeper this time.

Eventually, we pulled away from each other, both of us grinning like love-struck fools. Emory went back to the stove to finish up breakfast, and I sat at the table, unable to take my eyes off her.