The Marriage Bargain - ENGLOT

Chapter 36: Day 16

Cadence's POV:

I woke up early, feeling the sun peeking through my window and the feeling of warmth on my skin. I turned my head to look beside me, but Emory wasn't there. I sat up and looked around the room, then saw a note on the nightstand. I smiled as I read it, seeing that Emory had left me a message telling me she was feeling better and had gone to make breakfast.

I got out of bed and made my way to the kitchen, where Emory was cooking pancakes. I stepped up behind her, wrapping my arms around her waist and pressed my lips lightly to her temple, checking her temperature. I felt Emory froze before I pulled away.

"Good morning," I said, taking in the delicious smells of pancakes and coffee.

"Good morning to you too," Emory said, glancing at me as I take a seat and giving me a smile. She looked so much better, and I was relieved that she was feeling like herself again. "You look better. Just a slight fever." I said, pouring myself a glass of orange juice.

Emory nodded, "I feel better."

"That's great to hear," I replied, grabbing a plate and taking a pancake. "These look amazing."

Emory chuckled. "Thanks. I figured you could use a good breakfast after staying up and taking care of me these past days."

I grinned. "It was worth it. Anything for my favorite person."

Emory's cheeks turned pink, and she turned back to the stove to flip over a pancake. "Don't tease."

"I'm not!"

I ate my breakfast, enjoying the delicious taste of the pancakes and sipping my juice. It was quiet for a moment as we enjoyed our meal, but then I figured since Emory is feeling better that was can finally talk about us, our status.

"Hey, I was thinking we could go on a picnic today. The weather is perfect, and it would be nice to get some fresh air."

She nodded. "That sounds like a great idea. I could use some exercise."

I smiled. "Awesome. I'll pack some food, and we can head out in an hour or so. You should go and rest for a bit."

"Okay mom."

I rolled my eyes and stood up, taking my plate with me. "I'm serious Em, go!"

Emory handed me her empty plate and mock saluted me. I chuckled and shook my head at her childishness. As she turned to walk away, I reminded her, "don't forget your medicine!"

I heard her groan before replying, "I won't!"

I smiled as I washed the dishes, energuzed and ready for the day ahead.

...

I spent the rest of the morning preparing all of Emory's favorite foods, from homemade chicken salad sandwiches to fresh fruit and chocolate chip cookies for dessert. I also had a bottle of sparkling cider chilling in a cooler, ready to be opened and enjoyed.

Once everything was packed and ready to go, I made my way up to Emory's room, knocking lightly on her door. "Emory, are you ready to go?"

There was a short pause before Emory's muffled voice replied, "Yeah, just give me one minute to get dressed."

I waited patiently outside, feeling my excitement growing with each passing moment. Finally, Emory opened the door and stepped out, looking so beautiful in her simple white dress. She still looked a bit tired, but the color had returned to her cheeks, and her smile was infectious.

"Wow, you look amazing," I said, unable to resist checking her out.

Emory chuckled. "Eyes up Cade, I still feel a bit weak."