Perfection

335 Days After, 25 Days Until

Alexia

"I still feel bad that I didn't get you anything." Sam said. I was walking us to the building I bought her with my hands over her eyes.

"Don't feel bad, Bonita." I chuckled. "I thought I should show you what I got before court. And that judge is going to see how well you're doing and see how happy we are, and he'll have no choice but to give us Riley back."

"What happens if—"

"No. None of that. She's coming home."

"You're right. You're right. Now, show me."

I uncovered her eyes and smiled. "I know it doesn't look like much, but I thought you could turn it into the restaurant you always dreamed of having with your brother. Tell me—"

She wrapped her arms around my neck, pulling me close. I put my arms around her.

"I love it. I love you." Sam pecked my lips several times. "When'd you buy it?"

"A while ago. But I thought now was the perfect time. Do you want to go in?" I dangled the keys in the air.

She snatched them from me and ran to the door. I followed her inside. It was mostly empty and you could tell dust was collecting from nobody taking proper care of it.

We explored the building. Sam told me where she wanted to put the tables, the set up for them, the overall theme. Her vision was beautiful.

While she continued to explore, I ordered for some food to be delivered to us. When I got the notification that food was here, I told her I'd be back. I paid the worker then brought the food in. I looked around and found a small round table and two stools. I put our food out just as Sam came out.

"Hola mi amor."

She softly laughed. "What is this?"

"The first of many dinners inside your restaurant." I smiled. "But from another restaurant."

She came up and kissed my cheek. "You're cute." We both sat down and started digging into the takeout I ordered. "I'm nervous. About court."

"You shouldn't be." My right leg began to bounce slightly. "I'm sure Riley will come home. She wants to be here."

"I wish a judge would see that."

I reached across the short table and gently took her hand with mine. "I love you." I brought her hand to my lips. "We're going to get her home. I promise you that."

"You're an optimist these days."

"When you've torn your ACL, you have to find joy in something. I find my joy in my family. Mi madre, mi hermana, Nala—"

"Of course you'd say Nala."

"Hey, hey! Nala is a princess. And you didn't let me finish. I find joy in those things, but I find the most joy when I'm with Riley and when I'm with you."

"I never thought I'd get married." Sam whispered. "I mean, we eloped but I never thought I'd get married. Most people wouldn't want to even date someone with a child. I'm glad you're the one I ended up marrying. You love me but you also love Riley."

"I was too attached to my job for a long time, but now that I found something—someone to put my love and care into, my life's meaning makes more sense. I don't know how to explain it."