A Table for Three
The restaurant Lucas chose wasn’t loud or extravagant .
It was warm .
Soft amber lights hung low ,
classical music breathing gently through the space .
The kind of place where laughter didn’t echo—it lingered .
A corner table had been reserved ,
away from the crowd ,
with a small vase of white lilies placed deliberately in the center .
Marilyn noticed everything .
' He planned this , ' she realized .
' Not to impress—but to belong . '
Marie clutched Marilyn’s hand as they entered ,
eyes wide with wonder .
“Mumma, this place smells happy . ”
Lucas chuckled, bending slightly to her level .
"That’s because good food makes people smile . ”
Marilyn watched him—how naturally he spoke to their daughter ,
how careful he was not to overstep .
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