The Trap

Chapter 68

"Paula?"

"In here, babe."

Simon walked to the kitchen to where her sweet voice was coming from.

"What do you need help with?"

"Can you set up the tables outside and put the table clothes on, please?"

He nodded. "Sure."

Simon and Paula engaged in the activity of her telling him tasks to do and him doing whatever she asked. He knew that she was too stressed to play his games.

"Okay just one last thing. I guess we're using my house too, so whatever is left in the bags, I want you to decorate the other house too, please."

"Will you redecorate after I'm done?"

"No, I trust your judgment. Just please make it look nice."

"Will do, love."

"Good, thanks."

Then he pulled her into his big, strong arms as he heard her take a deep breath. When he was ready to let her go, she smiled up at him as they kissed.

"Thanks Si. I really needed that."

"I knew it and you're welcome love." He smiled and winked at her.

As she watched him leave, he turned back around to see her looking at him.

"Are you checking me out?"

She folded her arms. "What are you going to do if I was?"

He strolled back over to her. "You know we have some time before the guests arrive."

He smirked and winked as she laughed.

"What's so funny? I'm serious."

"So am I, Si. I was just fliriting with you."

"We can still do that?"

"Yeah why not?"

"So we can still flirt when we're married?"

"Yes but only with each other."

"Of course, love. Goodbye girlfriend."

She smiled at him. "Bye boyfriend."

As Simon walked away again, he could hear Paula laughing. He loved hearing her laugh. It was so contagious. Then he walked next door and decorated the space he had to work with the best he could. He didn't have a lot of time or materials, but he made it work. Decorating had never been his forte, but he wanted to help Paula any way he could.

Just then he heard a knock on the front door. He walked over and answered it. Standing there was Sydney with a sweet smile on her face.

"Ello Sydney."

"Hi Simon. What are you doing?"

"Oh the children are going to have a party over here. I was just decorating."

"Oh do you need help?"

"I just finished. Sorry."

"No don't be, it's okay. I was just wanted to help."

"Well thank you. Maybe you can help Paula. She's so stressed out right now."

"Oh no. Yeah I'll go ask her, thanks."

"Sydney?"

"Yes, Simon?"

"You're coming to the party tonight, right?"

"Yeah I just thought I would come early to help you and Paula set up."

"Sydney, you know you're a sweetheart, right?"