Page 91 of Outcast’s Vow

My wife laughs. She’s cute when she does that.

There’s a lingering pause as we take in the stillness.

“Thanks again for everything,” I say quietly. “For what you did for my business.”

Sylvie flicks her hair back, pleased with herself.

“I am very good, aren’t I?”

I lean over and kiss her. First on the cheek, and then on the mouth.

She leans into me.

“Yes, you are,” I say softly. “Very good.”

It’s sincere, and Sylvie gets it. Her pretty eyes flicker.

And then she smiles.

“Finally admit it, husband,” she purrs. “You’re impressed by me.”

I shrug and lick my ice cream.

“Sure.”

“Say it.”

“Say what?” I ask.

“Say you’re impressed,” Sylvie nudges, pouting. “I want to hear it from you.”

“Yes, I’m impressed by you, Highness.”

Sylvie’s smile grows wider.

“Good. Because I did it for you.”

“I know.”

“Cheers to that.”

We clink our ice creams like they’re fancy champagne glasses.

Sylvie laughs at me. It starts as a chuckle but then expands into full belly-chortling.

“What is it?” I growl.

She can barely get the words out.

“Your nose.”

“What about it?”

“You’ve got ice cream on it,” she giggles.

“Don’t laugh at me.”

“You look ridiculous.”