Fiona had spent most of her Sunday helping her mother prepare a simple but thoughtful dinner roasted chicken with herbs, fresh salad, warm bread, and a light dessert of fruit and yogurt. The house smelled inviting, filled with the comforting aroma of home-cooked food. Elara had been unusually quiet all afternoon, but Fiona could feel the weight of her unspoken concerns hanging in the air.
At exactly 7 p.m., the doorbell rang.
Fiona's heart gave a small flutter. She wiped her hands on a towel and went to open the door.
Caleb stood on the porch, looking neat and composed in a soft blue button-down shirt and dark trousers. He carried a small bouquet of fresh white lilies for Elara and a box of Fiona's favorite lemon cookies. His smile was warm when he saw her, but Fiona noticed the slight tension in his shoulders he knew this evening was important.
"Hi," he said softly, leaning in to press a gentle kiss to her cheek. "You look beautiful."
