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“Perfect,” Ben said, turning to walk inside.
“How’s it going, Marcia?” he asked the woman who was cooking away in the kitchen.
“I’m done, Mr. Moretti,” the chef said, beaming. “She’s going to love it.”
“I’m sure she will,” he said, smiling. He looked down at the spread in front of him. Her favorite meal. Chicken with broccoli and carrots ... with an upscale twist, of course.
Marcia walked the plates out to the backyard and set the table. Ben had arranged for a rose garland to hang over their patio with candles spread all around the pool and dining table. He watched as the men lit the candles and Marcia arranged the centerpiece.
Even passing an exam deserved the biggest celebration. She had come so far, and he needed her to know that he was so proud of her.
The candles were lit, and food was placed. He heard a car pull into the driveway behind him.
“Go! Go!” he said to the man and Marcia. The man left through the side gate, and Marcia came up to Ben, holding his hand in hers. “You’re a good man, Mr. Moretti.”
“Thank you, Marcia,” he said, smiling.
He walked into the kitchen as Marcia also left through the side gate. Liz walked in and placed her bag by the barstools.
“Hi, honey!” she said, sniffing the air. “It smells good in here.”
“I wish I could say I cooked,” he said, offering her his hand.
She looked at him, confused. She took his hand with a skeptical look on her face.
“What are you up to?”
“Come with me,” he said, leading her out to the backyard.
They walked outside, and Liz covered her mouth in shock. “Ben!” she exclaimed in excitement.
He turned to face her. “Ninety-seven is pretty good,” he said, pulling her in for a hug. She laughed against his chest.
“You did this because I passed the exam?” she asked, still in shock.
“I did this,” he paused and pulled back from her, looking down into her eyes, “because you’re my wife, and I love you.”
She beamed with happiness. She looked around at the backyard illuminated with candles and more tea lights lit and floating in the pool. She looked up at the rose garland above the patio. There were string lights woven into it, creating a warm atmosphere.
“My favorite flowers,” she said, looking back at the pool, “candles in the pool, and dinner?”
“Only the best for you,” he said, offering her his hand again.
He led her up to the table, and she laughed. “Chicken with broccoli and carrots, huh?”
“I figured I owed you,” he said, inhaling. “After all, I took you to a diner instead of letting you go back to your apartment and cook.”
She laughed as he pulled out her chair. She sat smiling, and he sat across from her.
He noticed her inhale oddly.
“Are you all right?” he asked, concerned.
“Yeah!” she responded enthusiastically. “Just taking it all in.”
A waiter approached, quietly filling their water glasses. She looked at Ben with shock and a smile. After their glasses were filled, he walked away. Liz leaned forward.
“You hired a waiter?” she said excitedly.
