Zoe and Bernard woke up in each other's arms. The morning sunlight streaming into their room. They feel refreshed after the preceding night's event that turns out to be her engagement party.
Bernard gently leaned in. Planting a soft kiss on Zoe's forehead. Good morning, my love." His warm breath sent shivers down her spine.
"Good morning." Zoe replied.
Following the successful engagement party Bernard had meticulously planned. The couple returned home late, utterly exhausted, and drifted off to sleep. Zoe's hand is still glowing with her new ring.
Bernard shrugged his head into Zoe's belly, his voice filled with affection. "And how's my baby doing today?" He inquired.
Zoe's hands cradled Bernard's head as he laid it on her belly. "Our baby is doing just fine. He's not only your baby, but mine too." She rolled her eyes.
"Of course, I know." Bernard chuckled.
Bernard's eyes sparkled with excitement as he turned to Zoe. "I think it's about time I tell my Mom about our little one—don't you think so?"
Zoe's smile broadened as she nodded in agreement. "You are right, especially now that we're officially engaged. Everything feels more real and exciting."
"You're officially mine." Bernard said with a grin. "And that means we've got a wedding to plan, so I could officially make you my wife and the mother of my children."
Zoe smiled in response.
Zoe looked at Bernard with a mix of confusion and amusement. "You didn't think to mention that Thomas knew about us?"
Bernard gently removed his head from Zoe's belly and leaned back against the bed frame. A soft smile still on his face.
"Thomas is more than just a friend; he's like a sibling." Bernard clarified. "That's why I shared our news with him."
"I hope you guys didn't gossip about me though?" Zoe asked, her eyebrows raised in mock suspicion, and Bernard grinned mischievously at her.
"No gossip here, my love—, our conversations are always about how amazing you are—, you're sacred to me."
Zoe's tone was playful, yet slightly probing. "If you say so, but I'm watching you."
Zoe's heart was no longer a secret, as she had completely fallen for Bernard and now wore her love openly on her sleeves. Her every smile, glance and gesture revealed the depth of her feelings for him.
Zoe's journey with Bernard had been a revelation, proving that she was capable of receiving a love she never thought possible—, one that healed, uplifted and transformed her.
"You never told me you had a childhood friend—, I mean, Barbara, your friend from last night's party. What's the story." Bernard asked.
Bernard's curiosity piqued, as Zoe's sudden mention of a childhood friend, as he had never heard her talk about friends from her past before.
"Well, Barbara was more than just a childhood friend—, we shared memories from elementary to college. But life took us separate ways when I pursued higher education in a different town." Zoe explained.
"Oh, you must have missed her terribly." Bernard said, his voice filled with understanding, as Zoe shared stories of Barbara.
Zoe's expression turned thoughtful. "Yes I miss her…I should really call her soon."
"That's okay." Bernard said.
'I'd rather call Barbara when I get to my apartment.' Zoe thought to herself.
As they lay together on the bed, lost in each other's eyes. "It's time we start making wedding plans. Don't you agree." Bernard asked.
Zoe's eyes met Bernard's. "Yes, we have to start planning, but I need a bit of time to get my thoughts together and prepare myself for the new chapter.
Despite her deep feelings for Bernard, Zoe didn't want to rush into a wedding just yet. She needed time to prepare herself, as everything seemed to be unfolding too quickly.
"I should head back to my apartment today." Zoe said. "I need to get ready for work tomorrow; my two-day leave ends today."
"Aah, has two-day leave already come to an end?" Bernard wondered aloud, surprised by how quickly time had flown.
"Yes it is." Zoe replied.
Zoe's gaze drifted to the clock hanging on the wall, and rose up from the bed, Signaling the end of her relaxation.
Bernard also stood up alongside Zoe, stretching his arms. Grateful that it was a leisurely Sunday morning with no work obligation to rush to.
After Zoe disappeared into the bathroom, Bernard trailed behind her. Eager to continue his lazy Sunday morning.
"Huh, you're…, joining me?" Zoe stammered seeing Bernard join her in the bathroom. Her face warmed up with a blush as she realized she'd already removed her pajamas and was ready to take her morning bath.
Before Zoe could protest Bernard replied. "Why not?" with a mischievous grin, swiftly removing his pajamas and joining her in the shower.
"You could have waited for me." Zoe said, her voice tinged with playful annoyance. Only to be silenced by Bernard's affectionate embrace and a soothing whisper, "I couldn't wait."
Bernard kissed Zoe's lips with unbridled passion. The warm water from the shower cascading down on them. His kisses danced across Zoe's body, leaving trails of love and desire.
Zoe loved every moment of their intimate encounter, feeling refreshed. She stepped back to soap her body and Bernard's; her hands gliding smoothly over his skin.
After their relaxing bath together, Bernard and Zoe exchange warm grins, as they dry their body feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. They moisturized their skin, then slipped into their comfortable clothes.
Zoe and Bernard walked together to the dining room, where a sumptuous breakfast spread awaited.
They found Sara and Michael already seated at the table, enjoying their meal and engaged in a lively conversation.
"Good morning, Mom, Zoe and Bernard greeted Sara.
"Hey, dude. Bernard said to Michael.
"Hey, Bernard," he responded.
Sarah looked up from her plate. "Are you two lovebirds having a wonderful time?" she queried, her gaze fondly lingering towards Bernard and Zoe.
"We definitely are," Bernard replied. "But today is the day Zoe goes back home and gets back to her work routine."
"Oh, is it two days already?" Sarah wondered, shaking her head in amazement.
"Mom, we've got something special to share with you." Bernard said, exchanging a joyful glance with Zoe.