Chapter 20: Breakfast for the Woman of My Dreams

Chapter 20: Breakfast for the Woman of My Dreams
Andy’s POV
I flipped the pancake with one hand, singing along to “Marry You” by Bruno Mars. It wasn’t perfect as the pancake landed half off the pan but my grin made it hard to care. 
The spatula in my hand became a microphone as I sang into it, moving my feet like I was on a stage instead of the tiled floor of our little Italian hideaway.
“‘It’s a beautiful night… we’re looking for something dumb to do…’”
I twirled toward the counter, nearly bumping the carton of milk. The kitchen smelled like vanilla and strawberries just like her favorite scent and for a second, I imagined Renee’s sleepy smile when she’d wake up to the smell of breakfast and the thought alone melted my inside.
My phone buzzed on the counter, cutting through the music.
“What the heck,” I muttered, grabbing the stereo remote and turning the volume down. I glanced at the caller ID… Thomas Collins.
Great. Renee’s father.
I wiped my hands on a towel, turned off the stove before sliding one AirPod in, and answering. “Morning, Pa. To what do I owe this early call?”
“Hello, son,” Thomas’s deep voice boomed through the speaker. “I stopped by your office yesterday to talk, and imagine my surprise when I was told you were ‘out.’ Then I went to the house this morning, and your maids said you and my daughter had gone on a vacation. Care to explain what’s going on?”
I smiled, flipping another pancake with practiced ease. “Nothing’s going on, father. I just decided to take my fiancée on a short vacation. Just the two of us.”
There was a pause on the line, the kind that carried a thousand unsaid things. Then, “And my daughter agreed to go on a vacation?” His tone said he didn’t quite believe it.
I couldn’t blame him. I knew what was running through his mind “Well.. She did,” I said simply, a quiet chuckle escaping me.
He exhaled into the receiver. “So, does this mean that she’s finally quitting this whole revenge plan of hers?”
I stilled, the spatula frozen midair. That was the same question that had haunted me since the moment she said yes to this week-long vacation.. but I hadn’t dared ask her. I didn’t want to break the fragile peace we’d found.
“Honestly, Father,” I said softly, “I don’t know. I’m just hoping that after this trip… Renee will realize how much she’s missing, trying to get back at someone who’s already lost everything.”
Thomas sighed, the sound filled with weary affection. “You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to that girl, Andrew. I wish she’d listened to me from the start and chosen you. She wouldn’t be wasting all this time chasing revenge.”
His words made something twist in my chest… guilt, pride, love, maybe all three.
I was partly to be blamed, if I had insisted on pursuing her maybe.. just maybe.. she would have seen me.
“Thank you, sir,” I said quietly. Then it hit me “by the way, what brought you to my office? Hope all is well”
He let out a soft sigh before speaking. “All is well indeed, I actually came by to discuss the border issue with the Ashton crime family, but it can wait till you’re back. We’ll talk face to face.”
“Alright, Pa,” I replied, grateful to change the subject. “I’ll see you soon.”
“Enjoy your vacation, son.. my regards to my daughter..” he said, causing me to hum softly.
We hung up, and I placed the phone back on the counter. The kitchen fell quiet again except for the gentle hum of the stove i just turned back on and the sweet sizzle of butter. 
As soon as the last pancakes were cooked, I plated them, added a few spreads of maple syrup and sliced strawberries, and poured her tea just the way she liked…not too hot, not too sweet.
Balancing the tray, I carried it to our room.
Morning light spilled through the curtains, painting Renee’s sleeping figure in gold. Her hair was spread across the pillow like dark silk, her lips parted slightly. She looked so peaceful, so unlike the fierce woman the world knew.
I set the tray beside her and held the cup of steaming tea close to her nose. The scent worked like magic, she stirred, blinked, and smiled.
“Well, good morning, sunshine,” I teased.
Her voice was soft and groggy. “Andy… what is all this?”
“Breakfast in bed,” I said, trying not to grin too wide. “For the woman of my dreams.”
She sat up, still wrapped in the sheets, that shy blush painting her cheeks. “You didn’t have to…”
“I did,” I said simply. “Now eat before it gets cold.”
She kissed me… quick and sleepy… before saying, “Let me wash up first.”
“I’ll keep your tea warm,” I promised.
A few minutes later, she reappeared fresh-faced, her hair tied in a loose bun. She sat cross-legged on the bed and dug in with the kind of hunger that made my heart ache with affection.
“You’re staring,” she said, her mouth half full.
“I’m admiring,” I corrected. “Watching you eat gives me satisfaction.”
She rolled her eyes but smiled anyway. “You’re ridiculous.”
“Maybe,” I said, leaning against the headboard. “But I’m your ridiculous man.”
Her laughter filled the room, light and soft…?the kind of sound that made every sleepless night worth it.
When she finished, I collected the empty tray and set it aside. “Now,” I said, standing, “you need to get ready. We’ve got plans.”
Her eyes lit with curiosity. “What kind of plans?”
I winked. “You’ll find out soon enough.”
She groaned dramatically. “Is everything about this vacation going to be filled with surprises?.”
“What’s the fun in vacations without surprises?” I teased, heading for the door.
Her laughter followed me out… warm, alive, and everything I’d been fighting for.