The best man

Chapter 7

I was already dressed and ready by the time 10 a.m. rolled around, my white cozy dress paired with cute sneakers, giving me just the right mix of comfort and style. As I was checking my reflection one last time, I heard a knock at the door that sent a rush of excitement through me.

I swung the door open to find Ethan standing there, a bright smile on his face. Without missing a beat, he wrapped his arms around me, pulling me into a warm embrace before leaning in to kiss me softly. The butterflies in my stomach fluttered wildly.

"Ready for some coffee?" he asked, his eyes sparkling with energy.

"Absolutely!" I replied, stepping out into the bright day with him.

We made our way to a nearby café, and as we sipped our coffees, Ethan couldn't help but crack jokes. "You know, if coffee beans had feelings, they'd probably feel really pressured every morning," he said, laughing. "I mean, they always have to 'espresso' themselves!"

I chuckled, shaking my head. "You're terrible! But I love it."

After a few more laughs, he looked at me, his expression curious. "So, what do you want to do today? Any adventures planned?"

I thought for a moment, then suggested, "How about the farmer's market? We can buy some fresh produce and maybe find a few hidden gems."

"Great idea! Let's go," he said enthusiastically.

As we drove to the market, Ethan played a mix of songs from his phone. We sang along to "Shut Up and Dance" by Walk the Moon and "Uptown Funk" by Mark Ronson, our voices blending with the lively sounds of the market. I felt carefree, lost in the joy of the moment, when suddenly I felt Ethan's hand slip into mine. My heart raced, but panic surged through me, triggering a reaction I didn't expect. I instinctively pulled my hand away, my eyes wide with embarrassment.

"I'm so sorry, Ethan," I blurted out immediately. "I didn't mean to—"

"It's okay," he replied, though I could see a flicker of hurt in his eyes. "I get it."

I took a breath, determined to make it right. "Can I try again?" I asked, reaching for his hand once more. This time, he let me take it, and a sense of relief washed over me.

As Ethan and I strolled through the farmer's market, the vibrant colors and lively atmosphere enveloped us. The smell of fresh fruits and vegetables mingled with the sweetness of baked goods, creating an inviting aroma that made my stomach growl.

We wandered past a stall overflowing with bright red tomatoes. "Look at these beauties!" I exclaimed, picking one up and admiring its glossy skin. "We should definitely get some for a salad."

"Absolutely! But only if you promise to make it for me," Ethan replied, feigning a serious expression. "I wouldn't want to be eating anything less than gourmet."

I laughed, rolling my eyes. "Deal! Just don't blame me if I burn it."

We moved on to another booth displaying a colorful array of fruits. "What about some strawberries?" Ethan suggested, his eyes lighting up. "I can't resist a good strawberry."

I nodded enthusiastically. "Let's get a pint! They'll be perfect for breakfast tomorrow."

As we continued through the market, I spotted a table filled with homemade jams and jellies. "Oh, we have to try these!" I said, pointing to the jars. "Peach and vanilla? That sounds amazing!"

Ethan grabbed a jar and held it up, pretending to scrutinize it. "Hmm, I don't know. What if it's not up to our gourmet standards?"

I giggled, nudging him playfully. "You're ridiculous! Let's just try it."

We decided on the peach and vanilla jam, adding it to our growing collection. Next, we approached a vendor selling fresh-baked bread. The warm, crusty loaves were hard to resist.

"Can we get some bread for our sandwiches?" I asked, my mouth watering at the thought.

"Only if you promise to share," Ethan teased, grabbing a loaf and holding it protectively. "I'm not sharing my precious bread with anyone who doesn't offer me half of their sandwich in return!"

We laughed, and after picking out a beautiful, golden-brown baguette, we headed toward a flower stand. The vendor had an array of vibrant blooms that caught my eye. "Ethan, look at those sunflowers! They're gorgeous!"

"Those would brighten up your apartment for sure," he said, picking one up and pretending to hold it like a trophy. "I declare this sunflower the king of all flowers!"

I burst out laughing, loving his playful spirit. "Alright, then let's get it!"