"Me?" He arched a brow.
"You're an amazing man Zachery Frost. I don't know what I did to deserve you and I appreciate you", she clinked her glass against his and drunk to that. He did too, watching her as he took a long sip.
"As much as I'm flattered, I'm also worried. What's going on baby?" He asked, taking her hand in his.
"I mean it. You're amazing." She cupped his cheek with the other hand and gently caressed it. Her eyes watered seeing him watch her intently with worry in his eyes. She breathed out a sigh before continuing. "I know, I haven't been the best version of me lately but you've been nothing but supportive and loving through and through. You didn't question my feelings of worthlessness instead, you remained a strong pillar of support. Actually, you've always been like that for as long as I've known you. And I really appreciate that. I love you for that. It makes me want to be a better person, a better mother for our daughter and our future kids, a better partner, and in two months, a better wife."
He reached out to wipe a fallen tear with his thumb. Amy's heartfelt confession melted his core. "You many not know this but you're perfect for me, Amy. Your strengths and your flaws are what make you you and I love all of you. And as for me, I'm not perfect but I also strive to be a better partner, a better father for our kids, and soon husband for you. I may disappoint you but I promise I'll always work on me and on us, for us. So this it to celebrate us, not just me."
Amy chuckled and sniffled as he raised his glass as did she and clinked in a toast. But instead of drinking to that, he crushed his lips against hers sealing their promises with a passionate kiss.
"Gosh, I said I wouldn't cry", she complained as he wiped her cheeks clean of tears. Just then, Edmund walked in with other maids to serve them the dishes.
"When did you plan all this?" He asked, curiously. "Weren't you working?"
"Madam personally prepared everything as soon as you got back. She barely required any assistance. She insisted on doing things herself", he said while uncovering the lids to reveal the meals.
"I'm not sure if you're reporting me or bragging in my stead", Amy smiled awkwardly.
"Oh I'm bragging madam", he admitted. He was helping her impress Zach.
"You're dismissed", Zach said. It may have seemed cold but hearing the friendly tone in his voice, Edmund knew he had succeeded in his task and the man wanted to be alone with his beloved.
"Thank you, sir. Enjoy your meal, sir, madam."
Once the butler left the room, Zach finally marveled at the sumptuous meal Amy had prepared for them. She served them both and forked out a bite from his plate and onto his mouth. He let her feed her, enjoying her pampering him and goodness, he could easily melt with the amazing flavors that exploded in his mouth.
"How is it?" She asked expectantly. He nodded enthusiastically as he was not done chewing until he swallowed. "It's very good. But I think it will taste even better if you feed me one more time."
She shook her head smiling at his shamelessness and still, she fed him. He nodded once more, sighing into the amazing taste. Finally, he let her eat. They both enjoyed the meal in comfortable silence.
"She hasn't cried yet", Amy noted once she was done eating, now looking at the baby monitor.
"Don't", he warned. Else she might cry. He took her hand and kissed her knuckles, earning a smile from her. From the angle she sat, the candlelight did little to diminish her beauty. If anything, he looked even more beautiful. He easily got mesmerized by her.
"Babe, do you dance?" She asked suddenly, snapping him out of his trance.
"Of course, I'm a man of many talents", he replied smugly.
"Cooking isn't one of them", she took a jab at his ego while looking through her phone before the song 'Stick with you'' by Pussycat dolls started to echo in the quiet room.
"Why yes, I can't be too perfect baby", he stood up, her hand still in his and drew her to him.
They stood a few feet away from the table and started to quietly sway to the song. Amy stood on her tiptoes to peek over his shoulder with her hands locked around his neck. Zach tightened his hold on her waist and took a whiff of her floral scent. The warmth of her body embracing his. She fit perfectly in his arms. Everything was perfect.
Edmund was walking in with the maids to clear the table but quickly made a u-turn to give the couple the privacy they needed. Zach buried his face in the crook of her neck when she started to play with his hair. It was a gentle yet loving gesture. With the new position, she decided to softly sing along to the chorus after the bridge to him.
"Nobody gonna love me better
I must stick with you forever
Nobody gonna take me higher
I must stick with you
You know how to appreciate me
I must stick with you, my baby
Nobody ever made me feel this way
I must stick with you"
She continued onto the chorus. Zach squeezed hef against him, feeling her singing pull at his heartstrings. She pulled away to look at his face with him giving her such a loving gaze. "All my life, I've done nothing but run and hide. We were apart for so long because of that. But right now, I can be a little brave to face the world because I know I have you. So, no more running or hiding. Instead, I'm going to stick with you and go wherever you go till the ends of time."
"If anyone needs to run and hide, it will be our enemies, not us. It will be you and me for the rest of our lives. I can't imagine being with anyone else but you", he took her hand and placed it on his chest. "My heart has been stuck with you from the day I met you."
Amy felt her eyes well up with tears, touched by his words. If anything, she felt the same towards him. Why else would she be so drawn to him?
"I love you Zachery", she whispered in his face, her eyes confirming her words.
"I love you Amy."
He cupped her cheek and crushed his lips against hers. Words were not enough to express how deeply they felt for each other. The innocent kiss quickly changed into an urgent one full of need and want. The deep and dangerous passion he's suppressed for the past few months was threatening to unleash itself. There have been too many things he has wanted to do to Amy.
Bang!
Edmund looked at the empty dining room and up the stairs before speaking to the maids. "The desert will not be served. Clean this up."