than, Clara woke up to a quiet apartment, so

the covers, a strange sense of calm washed over her. Maybe she needed some space to think

and they never dwelled on the issue at hand. No one made any big attempts at apology. It was as

s for an upcoming exhibition. It was a weird time of day for Et

te night. Dinner at your favorite restaurant,

d to spread into a smile. It was just like Ethan, though a

is going to make everything a

slice of your favorite cake, extra frosting. And I

in a nice sense. She knew what counted here was that Ethan was trying, and he came out to reach her with hu

ve you a chance. But it

l be. Promise.

re still going to have to

n the cake to do most

blue dress, and felt comfortable yet beautiful. Ethan had suggested that they go to a quiet little bistro, on

e, looking effortlessly handsome in a tailored suit. He stood up as she approached, a she

someone trying a little too hard. Did you not want to jus

But I also wanted to see if I could make you laugh again," he said

ed vegetables. Ethan ordered the same thing, although he seemed to hesitate

at him. "So, so?" She asked her question, her voice slightly softer now, a

ings last week. I shouldn't have let my pride get in the way. I let things fester, and it

lings, always managing to keep things just at arm's length. But tonight, he was

"I was just scared, okay? Scared that you might outgrow me or that you

squeezing gently. "You're not just Ethan Blackwood, the bi

o makes me laugh even when I don't want to, the guy who sees me as mor

feel that way. Because the more I get to know you, the more I realize that

it," she teased. "I'm not the o

out," he said with a wink, his eyes gleaming with

the latest show Clara had binge-watched and the hilarious mishaps that had occurred at one of Ethan's

with a small glass case showcasing mouthwatering cakes and pastries. He poin

dear, since the whole

h visible layers of cream and raspberry drizzle. "That one,"

Really? Are you sure you're not jus

ou to handle it. It's just cake, Ethan.

sure your dessert experience is perfect, Clara. No one

verything around them. There was something beautiful in the simplicity: the

. She was no longer pondering if love was eno

ight, that

through her. She looked at Ethan, her heart swelling with affection, and he m

you know that?

ntly. "You're not so bad yourself," he repl

They weren't perfect, and there were still challeng