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"Dig in," he encouraged, watching as she took her first bite. The flavors melded together on her tongue, creating a symphony of sweetness that left her craving more.
As she savored each mouthful, Ariel could see why Miles loved this dish so much. It was comforting and satisfying, and it reminded her of him – strong, sweet, and full of surprises.
"You've certainly impressed this trained chef," she admitted between bites, earning a pleased grin from her fiancé.
Ariel took another bite of the decadent Land Legs breakfast, savoring the rich flavors as she looked around the kitchen. The morning sun filtered through the frost-kissed windows, casting a soft light on the room.
"Where's Charlie and Oliver? Katie?" she asked Miles, concern furrowing her brow.
"Charlie and Oliver are still asleep. I didn’t guess we should wake them yet. Katie’s already at school," he replied, leaning against the counter next to her. "I made her some breakfast, and she seemed eager to get out of the house."
Ariel's heart ached at the thought of her daughter still upset from their fight. "How was she? Did she say anything?"
Miles hesitated for a moment before answering. "She's still mad, Ariel. But I think she just needs time to cool off."
Seeing the worry in her eyes, he gently reached out to touch her arm. "Give her some space, and she'll come around."
Ariel sighed, trying to find solace in his comforting words. She knew he was right, but it didn't make the pain any less acute.
Miles paused, and then reached up to run the back of his neck. “There’s another fight we still need to talk more about.”
“Oh?” she paused, her fork halfway to her mouth.
He nodded. “You know, I never realized how deep Dale was into gambling," Miles admitted, staring down at the floor. "Maybe I could have helped him if I'd known. Or maybe I saw the signs, but I ignored them."
"Perhaps," Ariel agreed softly, surprised that he was bringing up Dale. "But you can't blame yourself for his choices."
"Can't I?" he asked, his voice filled with frustration. "When I found out about the missing money, I just… reacted. Everything with Emily was already a disaster, and suddenly there was this betrayal by someone I trusted." He shook his head. "By the time the police were involved, it was out of my hands."
Ariel watched the emotions play across his face, understanding the weight of guilt he carried. They both knew that life was full of complicated decisions and relationships, and sometimes there were no easy answers.
"Maybe we can't change the past, Miles," she said quietly. "But we can try to make amends in the present."
"True," he agreed, his eyes meeting hers again. “I just don't know if he'd be willing to listen. I wasn’t."
Ariel studied the lines etched into his forehead – signs of a man who had weathered many storms. "Sometimes all we can do is offer an olive branch and hope for the best," Ariel mused, her thoughts turning to her own estranged father,. And to Katie. She thought about the countless times she had tried to convince Lee to come to the wedding, each conversation leaving her drained and defeated. It was a bitter pill to swallow, the realization that no matter how much she wanted to, she couldn't force anyone to change or open up to new possibilities.
"I actually gave him an invitation to the wedding. I mean, that's how he found Leeside in the first place, before we came to see you at the workshop." She lifted her shoulders slightly, as if trying to deflect any potential judgement. "Maybe... maybe he'll show up. There's always hope, right?"
Miles's eyes widened for a brief moment before his expression softened. He nodded thoughtfully, understanding her need for resolution and healing. "That's very kind of you, Ariel. And you're right, there is always hope."
The silence that followed was filled with unspoken thoughts - the weight of past regrets and the fragile tendrils of new beginnings. As they stood together amidst the familiar surroundings of their shared home, so much had changed, and yet, some things remained constant.
"Hey," Miles said suddenly, breaking the quiet with renewed determination, "why don't I help you out with all the B&B chores until Darcy gets back? The last guest is checking out at two, and then we're officially closed until after the wedding. That way, we can spend some time together, and I can make myself useful at the same time."
Ariel looked at him, touched by his offer. She knew he wasn't entirely comfortable with the domestic side of running a B&B, but his willingness to step outside his comfort zone only made her love him more.
"Thank you, Miles," she said softly. Then, more brightly, “But not until I finish this.”
Nestled in the kitchen's warm embrace, Ariel savored the last bite of Miles's special Land Legs breakfast. The rich, velvety mix of maple syrup, butter, and cinnamon clung to her fork as she lifted it to her lips, the flavors mingling with the tender eggs that had long since disappeared from her plate.
"Okay, I have to admit," she said with a full mouth, "this is one of the best breakfasts I've ever had." She grinned at Miles, who flushed with pride.
"See?" he responded, his eyes twinkling. "I told you it was worth trying."
As they stood together after she was finished, washing dishes and wiping down counters, Ariel couldn't help but feel a surge of contentment. This unexpected day off, coupled with Miles's willingness to help her manage the B&B, felt like a gift – one she would not take for granted.
CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR
