“Knock, knock,” said Pauline, as she poked her head around his office door. It still felt strange to call this room his office; it felt like it still belonged to Luca, even though he had taken over the role of chief editor ofThe Weekly Chroniclefrom him three years ago. His new office was bright and airy, compared to his previous cramped cupboard-like room. The view of New York was beautiful, but not as beautiful as the artwork that he had stuck to his walls from his daughters over the years.
“Come in,” he called to Pauline.
Pauline smiled and walked over to one of the comfy chairs that sat opposite his giant glass desk.
“Oh, what’s up with you? You look stressed. Everything is going great with the issue, so I know it’s not that.”
Well, that Zac could agree with. Thank God things at the paper had been running smoothly since Luca left to be a stay-at-home dad to their girls.
“Why is it that you can read me like a book?”
Pauline just grinned and waited for him to answer.
Zac sighed and laced his fingers together. “Well, I sort of forgot our wedding anniversary,” he said sheepishly, like he was expecting a telling off from Pauline.
Her eyes widened. “Zac, seriously? And let me guess, Luca didn’t?”
“He got me my favorite bubble bath.”
Pauline sighed. “Well, yes, that’s a sweet gesture.”
Zac nodded. How had he gotten away without a scolding from Pauline? It seemed she had taken pity on him today.
“Well, how about an anniversary night take two, then? I could look after the girls, take them to my place, and have a girls’ night in, while you and Luca celebrate your anniversary,” Pauline suggested.
Zac smiled. Trust Pauline to walk right in with a solution.
“That sounds perfect, thank you. Plus, I know the girls would love that. They adore their Auntie Pauline.”
Pauline waved a hand, but Zac could tell that it meant a lot to her. It was the girls themselves who started calling his best friend by the moniker, so it meant even more.
Now, Zac just needed to figure out how to get Luca out of their apartment so he could set some things up.
* * * *
Zac fumbled with the key in the lock, juggling a mountain of bags and boxes. He tried his darndest not to drop the one with Luca’s favorite champagne.
Once inside, he ran around like an excitable dog, attempting to clean up their apartment. Before having kids, Luca was a neat freak, but now, there were much more important things to be dealing with. Although Zac knew how happy a clean apartment would make his husband. Hell, it would probably turn him on. Zac chuckled to himself at that last thought, all the while scattering rose petals and lighting candles.
Zac plated up their Chinese food and glanced at his watch. Luca would be here in a few minutes.
Zac stood with his hands on his hips, surveying his handiwork. The door rattled and Zac sprinted to open it. He gave Luca a mock bow and swept his hand inside.
Luca chuckled. His dark eyes sparkling as he took everything in.
“What’s all this?”
Zac cupped his hands around Luca’s face, pulling his head toward him for a soft kiss.
“Well, this is our anniversary dinner.” He cleared his throat. “A little late, I know, and I’m so sorry I forgot. There’s no excuse, but I just wanted to show you how much I love you with all of your favorite things.”
“I think I can forgive you.” Luca grinned, momentarily leaving Zac breathless.
“Yeah?”
Luca nodded. “Besides, I have a little confession.” Luca licked his lower lip. “I only remembered at the last minute because my mom texted to ask me if we had a nice anniversary. I’d bought you the bubble bath as a little treat, but I passed it off as an anniversary gift.”
Zac threw his head back and laughed. Now he didn’t feel quite as bad. Well, he didn’t feel bad at all!
