After ending the call with Desmond, Anabel sat on the edge of her bed for a moment, smiling to herself. The warmth of his voice still feels alive in her ears, and the memory of their evening together plays over and over in her mind like a favorite song.
She stood and walked to her wardrobe, pulling out a soft cotton robe and a fresh set of nightwear. As she changed out of her dress to a towel, she caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror—her cheeks still slightly flushed, her eyes brighter than they had been in months. Love had a way of softening even the hardest days.
She made her way to the bathroom, the soft click of the door behind her muffled by the quiet hum of the night. The moment the warm water from the shower began to fall, she closed her eyes and let it cascade over her.
As she lathered her skin, her thoughts drifted back to Desmond—his smile, the way he looked at her across the table, the way his lips felt in hers when she kissed him. The way she felt when he was thrusting into her. It was an amazing evening. She smiled to herself, imagining him there, helping her scrub her back. She imagined him touching her tummy and her breast. She could almost hear his voice. She could remember all the naughty things they used to do whenever they were taking their bath together. They hardly avoid a quickie while taking bath together in the morning.
She took her time, not just cleansing her body but letting her mind wander through the memories they had shared and the future they had begun to rebuild. There was something comforting in the thought of him—of the second chance she gave to him.
By the time she stepped out and wrapped herself in her robe, she felt renewed. Not just clean, but calm.
She walked back to her room, towel-drying her hair, already thinking about the next time she would see him.
Anabel changed into her gown and made her way downstairs to join her family for dinner. The aroma of grilled fish and seasoned vegetables filled the air. Her parents, Sir Orton and Lady Orton, were already seated, and her younger brother, Jethro, was scrolling through his phone at the far end of the table.
As she took her seat, her father looked up and smiled. “You’re glowing,” he said with a chuckle. "Did something good happen today?”
Anabel smiled, picking up her fork. “Actually, yes. I wanted to ask, when will you and Mom be free this week?” She asked, and Sir Orton raised an eyebrow. “Why do you ask?”
She paused for a moment, then said with a soft smile, “Desmond and I have reconciled. I've forgiven him. We went on a date today. He wants to come and see you both… to talk about marrying me again.”
There was a beat of silence—then joy erupted at the table. Her lovely mother clapped her hands together. “Oh, Anabel! I knew it! I always knew you two would find your way back to each other. I love this."
Sir Orton nodded, visibly pleased. “That’s wonderful news. I have been waiting to hear this from you. It's nice that you accepted him back into your life. He can come anytime this week. Just give us the date and time, and we’ll be ready.”
Anabel nodded in excitement. “Alright. I’ll let him know.”
As she continued eating, Jethro cleared his throat dramatically. “Well, since we’re sharing good news…” he said with a grin, “I’ve got something too.”