Bikeriders Serenade

A Sweet Surprise

A few days after his surprise visit with Priscilla, Austin was back in his office at Heartland Productions, reviewing promotional photos for the movie. The atmosphere was focused, yet he felt a sense of anticipation lingering in the air. Suddenly, a knock on the door broke his concentration.

“Come in,” he called out, looking up with curiosity.

The door opened to reveal his wife, Lucy, standing there with a bright smile and a basket full of goodies. Austin’s heart swelled at the sight of her, and he couldn’t help but smile softly.

“Baby, what are you doing here?” he asked, his surprise evident.

Lucy stepped inside, her eyes sparkling. “Well, your dad has the kids for the day, and Lori-Anne is hard at work getting her nonprofit up and running. I was at home alone and thought I’d surprise my husband, who probably hasn’t stopped to eat lunch.”

Austin chuckled, feeling a rush of warmth. He closed his laptop, letting the work fade into the background as he walked over to her. He took the basket from her hands, placing it gently on the table, and then pulled her into a tight embrace.

“Just what I needed,” he murmured into her hair, feeling the comfort of her presence wash over him.

Lucy hugged him back, her voice soft but teasing. “I figured you could use a little reminder that life exists outside of work.”

He pulled back slightly to look into her eyes, gratitude shining through. “You always know how to brighten my day.”

She smiled, her expression filled with love and understanding. “I brought some of your favorites—sandwiches, snacks, and even those cookies you love. I thought we could have a little picnic right here.”

Austin’s heart swelled at her thoughtfulness. “You’re amazing, you know that?”

“Just trying to keep you grounded,” she replied with a wink. “Now, sit down and let’s eat before it gets cold.”

He chuckled and gestured for her to take a seat. As they settled in, he opened the basket to reveal a colorful array of treats. The simple act of sharing a meal together felt like a breath of fresh air amidst the whirlwind of his recent days.

As they enjoyed their lunch, laughter filled the room, and they shared stories about the kids and their lives. Austin felt the weight of the world lift off his shoulders, if only for a moment. Lucy’s presence reminded him of the balance he needed in life—work was important, but so was family and love.

“Thank you for this,” he said, his voice sincere. “It means more than you know.”

Lucy reached across the table, squeezing his hand. “I’m always here for you, Austin. No matter how busy things get, remember that you’re not alone.”

He nodded, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. With Lucy by his side, he could face anything that came his way, both in his career and in life. As they finished their lunch, he realized that these moments of connection were what truly nourished his soul.

A Meaningful Addition

After finishing lunch, Austin looked at Lucy, a hint of excitement in his eyes. He pointed at the gallery wall in front of his desk. “Do you notice anything different about the gallery wall?”

Lucy got up and walked toward the wall, her curiosity piqued. She took a closer look, scanning the frames that held cherished memories. Then, her gaze landed on a new addition—a framed photo of Austin and Lisa Marie.

“Is that Lisa?” she asked, turning to him, her expression a mix of surprise and understanding.

Austin nodded, a soft smile spreading across his face. “Yeah. Priscilla wanted me to have it. She felt Lisa would want me to have something to remember the last happy moment we shared together before she passed.”