Mmabatho woke up to sunlight streaming through the curtains, the faint hum of the city below breaking the morning stillness. She stretched lazily, the soft sheets tangled around her legs. Sandile was already awake, sitting in a chair near the window, sipping his coffee while scrolling through his phone. He wore a simple white vest and black joggers, the relaxed look making him appear even more irresistible.
"Morning," she greeted, her voice still husky from sleep.
He glanced up and smiled. "Morning, sleepyhead. I was starting to think you'd sleep through breakfast."
She rolled her eyes playfully as she swung her legs over the side of the bed. "You know I like my sleep."
"Clearly," he teased.
After freshening up, they headed down for breakfast. The hotel's buffet was lavish, offering everything from freshly baked croissants to a full English breakfast. Mmabatho balanced Sonele on her hip, grabbing a plate of pancakes for herself and a little bowl of fruit for the baby.
"He's eating more and more every day," Sandile observed, watching as Sonele gleefully stuffed a slice of banana into his mouth.
"That's because he's your son," Mmabatho quipped. "Always hungry."
Sandile laughed. "I'll take that as a compliment."
After breakfast, they decided to spend their last day at the hotel's pool. It was an expansive rooftop area with stunning views of the ocean on one side and Table Mountain on the other. Mmabatho changed into a black one-piece swimsuit with a wrap-around skirt, while Sandile opted for black swim shorts and a loose button-up shirt.
They found a shaded lounge chair and settled in. Sandile played with Sonele in the water, holding him securely as the baby splashed and giggled.
"Look at him," Mmabatho said, sitting on the edge of the pool, her legs dangling in the cool water. "He's going to be a water baby."
"Of course," Sandile replied, grinning. "He's fearless, like his mom."
She scoffed. "Fearless? You clearly weren't paying attention during that thunderstorm."
He waded over to her, holding Sonele in one arm. "Okay, maybe not fearless. But brave where it counts."
Mmabatho smiled softly, her heart swelling at the sight of Sandile being so gentle and attentive with their son.
After a few hours by the pool, they headed back to their suite to freshen up. Sonele was fast asleep in his crib, exhausted from all the excitement.
"Finally," Mmabatho sighed, collapsing onto the bed. "A moment of peace."
Sandile joined her, lying on his side and propping his head up with his hand. "You're good with him, you know. You make it all look easy."
She turned her head to face him, their eyes locking. "It's not always easy. But having you helps. A lot."
For a moment, the air between them felt heavy with unspoken words. Sandile reached out, brushing a strand of hair away from her face. "Yesterday... last night," he began, his voice low, "that wasn't just about the moment. It meant something to me."
"It meant something to me too," she admitted.
His thumb grazed her cheek. "I've been holding back for so long, but I can't anymore. I want you, Mmabatho. Not just here and now, but in my life. With me."
Her breath hitched, her heart racing. "Sandile... Iâ"
He silenced her with a kiss, soft and searching. It wasn't rushed or desperate but deliberate, as if he wanted to savor every second. Mmabatho melted into him, her hands sliding up to his shoulders.
Their second time together was slower, filled with quiet laughter and whispered reassurances. Sandile traced every curve of her body as if committing her to memory, while Mmabatho let herself be completely vulnerable, trusting him in ways she hadn't trusted anyone before.
Afterward, they lay tangled in the sheets, the sunlight streaming through the windows casting a golden glow over their skin.
"I don't want to leave," Mmabatho murmured, her head resting on his chest.
Sandile kissed the top of her head. "We'll come back. Cape Town will always be here. Us, on the other hand..." He tilted her chin up so she could look at him. "We're just getting started."
She smiled, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. For the first time in a long time, Mmabatho allowed herself to believe that things might just work out.
Their flight back home later that evening was quiet. Sonele slept through most of it, while Sandile and Mmabatho exchanged knowing glances, their connection stronger than ever.
Author's Note
Sorry for the late and short update
It's my birthday today so I was busy and I couldn't really upload a long chapter
-Pð