"Perhaps it's not the chocolate," Lucas replied, his voice low and infused with a hint of suggestion.
Melanie met his gaze, her heart fluttering like the wings of a captive bird finally set free. In that shared glance, words became unnecessary, and the room seemed to shrink to the space they occupied—their laughter, the soft pop of Sprite, and the chocolate sweetness lingering on their tongues crafting a world all their own.
Chapter Ten
The wheels of the plane touched down on the tarmac, a gentle rumble marking their return to Missouri. Melanie peered through the oval window, her playful grin from moments ago dissolving into a straight line as the familiar landscape ushered in a shift from weekend whimsy to workweek wariness.
"Back to reality, huh?" Lucas asked, noting the change in her demeanor.
"Seems like it," Melanie replied, her voice tinged with a mix of reluctance and resolve.
They exited the plane, a bustling St. Louis airport swallowing them whole. As they made their way through the terminal, Melanie's mind was already ticking through a checklist of tasks awaiting her attention. The fun of the weekend felt like a distant memory, one that she packed away along with her carry-on luggage.
They reached the car, a silver SUV that seemed to glint under the airport lights. No sooner had Melanie buckled her seatbelt than her phone chimed, a reminder of the world that didn't pause for leisurely getaways. Without hesitation, she answered, her voice all business.
"Hey, Abigail. Fill me in on how things went this weekend."
As Lucas started the engine and steered them onto the road home, Melanie listened intently to Abigail’s report, nodding along to the updates and instructions.
"Okay, good. And the new batch of freeze-dried berries? Excellent. I'll check the inventory first thing tomorrow."
Melanie's words were crisp and efficient, every syllable painting the picture of a woman who ran not just a farm but a burgeoning enterprise. Lucas admired her dedication and the keen intellect that drove her success. He understood that the same ambition that drew him to her also meant sharing her with a constant stream of obligations and decisions.
"Make sure Jacob follows up with the suppliers," Melanie continued, her gaze now fixed on the road ahead.
Lucas watched her, the way her fingers danced across the screen, the furrow of concentration between her brows. He took in the view for just a moment longer before he acted.
"Melanie," he said gently but with enough command to slice through her focus. As she wrapped up her conversation with a curt nod, Lucas reached out and smoothly plucked the phone from her hands, his fingers brushing against the warmth of her skin.
"Hey!" Melanie's voice spiked with surprise, her eyes snapping to meet his, their green depths reflecting a mix of emotions—shock being the most prominent.
"Relax," he replied, offering her a grin that edged on playful mischief. "We still have until Monday morning before our weekend is over."
Her expression softened, and a laugh bubbled up from deep within.
"Lucas Barnett, you're a brat," she said, her laughter tapering off into a warm smile that crinkled the corners of her eyes.
"Only with you." His voice carried the weight of truth, laced with the hope of what their life together in Missouri could be—a blend of love, laughter, and shared dreams.
The neon sign of a cozy roadside diner flickered warmly against the gathering dusk as Melanie and Lucas pulled off the highway. The weariness from the flight had started to seep into Melanie's bones, but it was quickly dispelled as they stepped inside. The diner was a time capsule, with red vinyl booths and the aroma of coffee mingling with the scent of home-style cooking.
They slid into a booth by the window, and without a word, Lucas reached across the table, his fingers finding hers in a comforting grip.
"Remember this," he said, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. "Even when we're swamped with work, I'm still this guy holding your hand."
"I'll hold you to that," she replied, returning the pressure of his hand.
Their meal was relaxed and enjoyable, and Melanie realized he was right. Work could wait until morning, and she could just enjoy being with her husband.
“You’re right. You have my complete attention until it’s time for work tomorrow.”
He grinned. “I ask for nothing in life more than that.”
She laughed. “Oh, I’m certain you’ll ask for more someday, but for now, it’s enough.”
THE WORLD DIDN’T SLOW its pace even a little in the week that followed. Each day was a whirlwind of activity, with Melanie orchestrating operations at the plant and Lucas splitting his time between the farm and the offices in the plant. Their hours were long, and the amount of time they had together seemed to dwindle daily.
Friday night arrived, cloaked in exhaustion and the smell of something new wafting from the kitchen. Melanie had decided to surprise Lucas with a new recipe she'd concocted with Abigail.
