Roman stood by the table. He had come early on purpose. No phone in his hand. He just waited, eyes fixed on the door. His chest felt tight in a way he had not felt in years. This dinner was theirs alone. No Aldric. No company. Just them.
The door opened. Sera walked in. She saw him right away. He stood there, tall and still.
She looked at him. He looked at her. Three seconds passed in silence. Her heart pounded hard. Something twisted in her chest.
"You look." Roman said. The words stuck. He stopped himself. She waited, hands at her sides. He took a breath and chose different ones. "I'm glad you came."
"So am I," Sera said. Her voice came out quiet but real. A small warmth moved through her even as her nerves jumped.
They sat across from each other. The table was small, made for just
