“Then find somewhere,” Geoff said. “Walks are great.”
“Okay, I’ll see if I can find a place to walk when I get home.”
They’d just finished their brandy when Teddy called them to dinner. “It isn’t much, but it’s what I had planned.”
“I’m sure it’s going to be as fantastic as everything else you’ve cooked,” Ciaran said.
On the table was a hearty beef stew, as well as some sourdough bread, butter, and glasses of wine. Ciaran savored the tender beef and spiced veggies, using his buttered sourdoughslice to soak up the remnants of seasoned gravy at the bottom of his bowl. Teddy was an amazing cook. Everything worked together in perfect harmony.
“Teddy, your cooking is the best I’ve had in years.”
“Thank you,” Teddy smiled. His cheeks reddened. The man blushed every time Ciaran complimented him. It was adorable.
After dinner, Ciaran sat back and patted his belly.
“I think I’m going to grab a shower and head to bed,” Ciaran said.
“Would you mind helping with the dishes before you head to bed?” Teddy asked.
“Of course.” Ciaran stood and grabbed his plate and bowl.
“I’m going to gather some firewood for the morning,” Geoff said. He gave Teddy a kiss and walked out the back door.
Ciaran followed Teddy to the kitchen.
“Just put them in the sink for now,” Teddy said. “We’ll rinse and put them in the dishwasher.”
Ciaran cleared off the rest of the table and placed everything in the sink.
“You two are the most adorable couple I’ve ever met,” Ciaran said. “How did you two meet?”
“We actually grew up together and started dating in high school,” Teddy said.
“That’s amazing,” Ciaran said.
“Yup,” Teddy smiled. “We’ve been together for sixteen years.”
“That is a long time,” Ciaran said. He handed the rinsed dishes to Teddy to put in the dishwasher.
“Started dating at sixteen and never stopped.”
“You have a life so many people dream of.”
“There have been rough patches, but we always got through them. We opened this place ten years ago, and it’s been amazing.”
Yet another pang of jealousy hit Ciaran. He knew plenty of couples, but none of them made him feel this way. Was it because this couple had what he wanted? He couldn’t say.
“That’s a wonderful story. High school sweethearts and still a happy couple.”
“We’re lucky.”
They finished up the dishes and met Geoff in the living room.
“Well, goodnight, and thank you again for letting me stay here,” Ciaran said.
“It’s our pleasure,” Teddy said. “If you need to grab a drink or something, feel free. Just be sure to clean up after.”
“I will.”
