Luke realized he'd said that without thinking. "I'm sorry..sweets" he said and Ava laughed.
He wiped his hands on his apron and moved to circle her in a warm hug. "You've had a hectic week" he mumbled in her hair, patting it slowly.
Ava sighed and hoped they'd stay that way for a while. She felt all her problems and worries go away, in his arms. She felt comfortable.
They stood like that for a while, then Luke leaned out and held her at arm's length, observing her.
"You looked stressed."
"C'mon. I'll run you a hot bath, then you can come down later and have this carrot stew. It's a recipe I caught at Mama-san's", he said, taking her shoulders and guiding her out of the kitchen.
Ava giggled "oh that's wonderful."
"What's funny? You think I'm not good enough? You under
