Chapter 6: Breakfast with the Stantons

The Stanton elders were easygoing, welcoming me with smiles. No one gave me a hard time—instead, they stuffed my hands with checks and gift cards. Even the aunts and cousins handed me presents, and my tray was overflowing.

I passed the loot to Mrs. Evans and handed out the gifts I’d prepared. The room was full of laughter, silverware clinking, and the scent of homemade cookies—Mrs. Evans’ special recipe.

One of Henry’s aunts winked at me, stage-whispering, "So, did Henry keep you up late last night?"

I shot back, "Let’s just say he’s a fast learner."

The table burst out laughing, and I felt a little more at home.

Mrs. Stanton pulled me aside, smiling. "I heard from your maid that Henry kept you up late. You look tired, honey. Go catch some rest and keep me company for dinner later, alright?"

I ducked my head, embarrassed, and nodded.

She waved Henry over. "Listen to your wife, you hear?"

He took my hand, grinning. "I know~"

He led me back to our room, and I crashed into bed, exhausted. When I woke, Henry was leaning over me, chin in his hand.

"Babe, you haven’t given me a gift yet."

I blinked, confused. "I didn’t bring one for you."

His face fell. "But you gave everyone else one. I want one too."

I cupped his face and kissed his cheek, leaving a lip print. "Is that good enough? Only you get a kiss."

He blushed, then whispered, "Want more kisses."

Soon his face was covered in my lipstick. Finally, he grinned and kissed me back.

Henry was a young guy, after all, and his body had a mind of its own. Every night, he needed to hold me to sleep—and sometimes, he’d nuzzle into my neck and whimper when he got uncomfortable.

I’d sigh and ask, "Want to play the honeymoon game?"

The moonlight spilled across the floor, Rusty snoring at our feet, and as Henry wrapped his arms around me, I realized that maybe, just maybe, I’d found my own kind of happily ever after—in the most unexpected place.