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The unfinished renovations in their own house, tools, and materials stacked in disarray mirrored the emotional disruption between them. What was supposed to be a minor inconvenience had become a representation of the growing disconnect they both felt.
Max yearned for a return to the intimacy they once shared, for the restoration of the love that had defined their relationship for years. He wished to rebuild the bridge that now seemed so fragile, to rediscover the passion that had once held them together.
Silently, he moved towards the bed, careful not to disturb the tranquility of the room. Steph lay there, a vision of serenity in her slumber. Her vulnerability, even in sleep, pulled at Max’s heartstrings.
Memories of their trip to the Bahamas just nine weeks ago surged back into his thoughts. The shared laughter, the thrill of adventure, the depth of their love—those moments felt like a distant dream now. The time spent on the beach, diving into crystalline waters, and the warmth of their embraces served as a poignant reminder of what they had once been and what they could be again.
Max’s heart ached for the closeness they had shared, for the passionate connection that had once defined their love. He yearned to hold Steph, to let go of his fears and insecurities, and to rediscover the genuine bond they had cherished.
However, he knew that the issues between them were not just about physical scars or the changes in Steph’s appearance. Emotional barriers had grown, silencing communication and pushing them further apart. It was time to confront these issues, to tear down these invisible walls that separated them.
Max reached out and tenderly brushed a strand of hair from Steph’s face. Deep in his heart, he hoped they could rekindle the love that had been their foundation to reignite the warmth that had sustained them for so long. Max leaned down and gently kissed Steph’s brow.
“I love you, Steph,” Max whispered.
He straightened and was tiptoeing from the room when Steph’s sleepy voice stopped.
“Max?”
Max turned to see her stretching and stifling a yawn. She reminded him of a kitten stretching in a sunny spot.
“Hey!” Max walked back to her.
“What’s the time?” Steph said, her eyes springing wide open, and she sat up.
“Don’t get up,” Max told her. “I came home early after Hannah called to let me know you’d fainted and ended up at the doctor.”
“Oh!” Steph cricked her neck. “You didn’t have to break your day for that,” she told him. “It was nothing.” She gave him a tight smile. “I know how busy it is at the center.”
“Of course I’m going to break the day when I get told you landed at the doctor.” Max frowned.
“I promise you, it’s nothing serious,” Steph told him, and he knew she understood why he would’ve reacted like he did at being told she’d passed out. “The boys!”
“Hannah told me that Lorry went to pick them up.” Max wanted to pull her into his arms and crush her lips with his, but he stopped himself. She looked so beautiful. “How about we order in tonight? I know the boys would love it.”
“That sounds like a great idea,” Steph told him. “And we need to get a nice sticky dessert.”
Max’s frown deepened as he gave her a curious look. “I thought you were on a metabolism reset diet.”
“The doctor told me I had to quit it.” Steph stood and straightened the pillows.
“I’m glad,” Max told her. “You don’t need to change anything about yourself.”
“What were you thinking of for take-out?” Steph ignored his compliment as she walked toward the bathroom connected to their bedroom. “Or should we wait to ask the boys?”
“I think we should wait for them,” Max suggested. “You know that whatever we order will be wrong.”
“Gone are the days when they loved everything we did for them.” Steph sighed and shook her head nostalgically.
“I do miss those days.” Max laughed. “I must admit that I envy Nicky having a new baby, as it’s been nice to have a baby in the family again.”
“Yes!” Steph’s abrupt answer made his frown deepen. “She didn’t have to endure the danger of giving birth.”
Before he could say more, she stepped into the bathroom and shut the door, leaving Max staring after her, wondering what that was all about. A sound from the hallway told him the twins were home and unhappy with each other as they were bickering.
“Hey, guys!” Max stepped into the hallway.
His twin fourteen-year-old sons, Liam and Jack, instantly stopped arguing and greeted their father.
