11| Adjusting to Married Life

Sophie woke up to the soft morning light filtering through the curtains of her new room. Today she had actually slept through the night. No problem. But facing her new reality wasn't as easy as she'd hoped.

With a sigh, she pushed herself out of bed, determined to make an effort. This house didn't feel like home-not yet-but she'd find a way to make it hers.

After getting dressed in a casual blouse and jeans, Sophie ventured downstairs. At least the kitchen was beginning to feel familiar. Even though it was far too sleek and modern for her taste, it wasn't as intimidating as it had been at first.

She decided to make herself a cup of tea. Tea always made things better. As she reached for the kettle, she heard the soft sound of footsteps behind her.

"Good morning," Ethan's deep voice greeted, making her jump slightly.

She turned to find him standing in the doorway, casual yet composed. He looked effortlessly put-together in a simple button-down and dark trousers, and his presence immediately filled the room.

"Good morning," Sophie replied, offering a small smile. "I was just making some tea. Would you like a cup?"

Ethan shook his head slightly. "No, you don't need to-"

"Come on, Ethan," she interrupted lightly, already reaching for another cup. "I'm making one for myself anyway."

He paused, clearly unused to being fussed over, then nodded. "Alright. Thank you."

As she prepared the tea, Sophie could feel his eyes on her, quiet and observant. It made her acutely aware of her every movement-the clink of the spoon, the soft steam rising from the kettle.

"Did you sleep well?" Ethan asked, breaking the silence.

"For the most part," Sophie replied honestly, handing him the cup of tea.

He accepted the cup with a polite nod. "If you need anything, let me know. If you can't reach me, call my assistant Jessica."

Sophie blinked, caught off guard by the unexpected practicality of his statement. Still, she appreciated the thought behind it. "Thanks. I'll keep that in mind."

Sophie blinked, caught off guard by the unexpected practicality of his statement. Jessica? The idea of having to contact his assistant for something felt both ridiculous and perfectly on-brand for Ethan.

Still, she appreciated the thought behind it-at least he wanted her to reach him.

"Thanks," she replied, lifting her cup. "I'll keep that in mind.

She took a seat on one of the large kitchen counter barstools, and to her surprise, he took the one next to her. For a moment, they drank their tea in silence.

She was right. Tea did make everything better.

She sipped her tea, stealing a glance at Ethan. Sometimes, she was sure she hated him-his coldness, his detached attitude, the way he made everything feel like a business deal.

But then, in moments like this, when he was just a man drinking tea at the kitchen counter, her feelings betrayed her. They weren't as obedient as she liked them to be.

Ethan finished his tea first, standing up to rinse his mug in the sink. Sophie watched him from her seat, wondering if she'd ever truly understand him.

As he made a beeline for his office, she couldn't help but wonder-Would the world actually fall apart if he didn't work for a day?

She shook her head, half amused by the thought. But deep down, she knew-Ethan Sinclair was a puzzle she wasn't sure she wanted to solve, but couldn't seem to stop trying.

******

Feeling a twinge of loneliness, Sophie decided to explore the backyard she had glimpsed from her bedroom window.

It was even more beautiful than she'd imagined. The care and dedication poured into the flowers immediately warmed her sensitive heart.

Of course, the backyard wasn't lacking in anything. It had a sleek patio, a sparkling pool, and a charming gazebo with more than enough seating.

She wandered until she found a spot beneath the gazebo, the perfect vantage point to admire the perennials blooming in full, vibrant color. As she sat, lost in thought, her gaze drifted toward the driveway just as Ethan stepped out of his car, closing the door behind him. He seemed preoccupied, carrying a stack of documents as he made his way toward the house.

"Ethan," she called out, her voice light as she patted the space beside her. "Come join me."

He hesitated, as if debating whether to humor her request. But after a brief pause, he crossed the yard and sat down beside her. The chair creaked slightly under his weight, and he adjusted his position, glancing around the garden like he was seeing it for the first time.

"This place is so beautiful," Sophie said, her eyes lighting up as she gestured animatedly to the blooms. She pointed out everything she loved-from the delicate ground covers to the vibrant flowers above.

"I don't really come out here often," he admitted, his tone almost apologetic.

Her jaw dropped in mock disbelief. "You have this beautiful space, and you don't even use it?"

He shrugged. "I don't have the time."

"You should make time," Sophie teased, her voice tinged with playful exasperation. "Gee, Ethan, try living a little."

Ethan gave her a small, almost imperceptible smile-the kind that made her heart skip. "You sound like David."

Sophie grinned at the rare moment of levity. "David must be a very wise man," she replied, her tone playful.

"He's not, really," Ethan muttered, though there was a trace of fondness in his voice.

She leaned back in her chair, watching the flowers sway gently in the breeze. "I'll be going back to the flower shop tomorrow," she said casually, though her nerves bubbled beneath the surface. She hadn't realized how much she wanted to talk to someone about it.

"I'm sure all your customers can't wait to see you," Ethan said, his lips curving into a soft smile. It wasn't just polite-it felt genuine.

"Probably because Lily scares them a little," she joked, her laughter lightening the air.

"It was nice taking a break, though," she continued. "I work a lot, so... I get why you're always busy. But breaks are important." She glanced at him with a playful smirk. "And I was this close to tracking down your gardener to steal his secrets. These flowers are way too perfect."

Ethan raised an eyebrow, the faintest hint of amusement in his eyes. "I'm sure he'd be flattered."

"No, but really-I'll need to meet him," she said, her tone turning serious, making Ethan chuckle. She laughed with him, letting the moment settle into a comfortable silence.

But after a while, she shifted, her smile fading slightly. Her fingers traced the edge of her chair, nerves bubbling up again. "Hey... about the other day." She hesitated, trying to find the right words. "When you asked me what I wanted... I hope I didn't make things weird. I just wanted to be honest, but maybe it was too much."

Ethan's blue eyes locked onto hers, steady and unreadable. He studied her for a moment, like he was weighing his response. "No, I was the one who-"

A sudden horn blared from outside, breaking the moment. Sophie nearly cursed the bad timing.

"Oh! I almost forgot-some of my things are being delivered today," she said, rising quickly.

She stood, holding out her hand to him instinctively. Ethan hesitated for a fraction of a second before taking it, letting her help him up.

They walked together toward the front of the house, Sophie's cheerful stride contrasting with Ethan's measured steps. The delivery truck was parked near the gate, and movers were unloading furniture and boxes.

"This way," Sophie directed them, her warm, friendly demeanor making even the gruffest mover smile.

Ethan hung back, watching her as she guided them with ease. She was so natural, so genuine, and for a moment, he found himself staring. That familiar ache stirred within him-the one that warned him he might be in trouble.

"I hope you don't mind," Sophie said, turning toward him with an uncertain smile. "I thought bringing some of my things here might make it feel more like home."

Ethan shook his head. "Not at all. It's your home too."

Relief washed over her face as she began arranging the pieces-her small bookshelf here, a comfortable armchair there. Bit by bit, the space started to shift, warming, becoming something that reflected her.

Once the movers had left, Sophie stood back, admiring the changes. "It's starting to feel like me," she said softly.

She picked up a framed painting, holding it up against the wall. "I just need to hang this here," she said. But as she reached up, the frame slipped from her fingers.

Ethan reacted instantly, his hand shooting out to catch it before it hit the ground.

"Careful," he said, his tone laced with both concern and amusement.

"Thank you," Sophie murmured, her heart racing from the sudden proximity.

As he handed the frame back to her, their hands brushed-just for a second. But the brief contact sent a shiver through her. When she looked up, her eyes met his.

Ethan held her gaze for a beat too long before looking away, stepping back as if putting distance between them would quiet whatever had sparked.

"It looks beautiful," he said, nodding toward the painting in her hands.

"Oh, Lily painted it," Sophie said, her face lighting up with pride. "She's always been my little creative sister. I'm glad I can have a piece of her work here." She laughed softly. "Though, honestly, she said bringing it here would give her better 'visibility opportunities.'"

Ethan chuckled, and the warmth of it settled between them like an unspoken truce.

Sophie hung the painting on the wall, stepping back to admire it. "There. Perfect."

Ethan stood beside her, his eyes lingering on the painting before shifting to her. "You're right," he said quietly. "Perfect."

Sophie turned to face him, and their eyes locked again. The intensity in Ethan's gaze was undeniable, and she felt her heart begin to race. It was as if the room had shrunk, leaving just the two of them standing there in the charged silence.

For a moment, time seemed to pause.

Ethan's blue eyes held hers, the air thick with something she couldn't quite name. The space between them felt smaller, her senses heightened-the subtle scent of his cologne, the warmth of his presence. It was all too much and not nearly enough.

Ethan took a small step closer, and her breath hitched in her throat.

Then, his phone rang. The sharp sound cut through the tension like a blade.

Ethan sighed, pulling his gaze away as he glanced at the screen. "I have to go to the office," he said, his tone shifting abruptly. "I'll be home late."

Sophie blinked, the spell broken. "Of course," she replied softly.

As the door closed behind him, Sophie let out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding.

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Photo credit: Pinterest

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