The fireworks from the Halloween festival flickered outside, casting warm colors across the room, but Mama Cruz barely noticed. She held her phone tightly, rereading the Duke of Venice's message. Her eyes glistened with excitement and relief.
Hansen, dressed in his morning coat, paced the room, his usual composure replaced by a rare tension.
"Mrs Cruz… I can't believe you actually thought of resigning," he said softly, running a hand through his hair.
"I… I didn't want to be a burden, Hansen," she replied, her voice trembling slightly. "You trust me, you put me in a position you need me in… and I was afraid people would think I'm just using my daughter's connection."
Hansen stepped closer, taking her hand gently. "Mrs Cruz, you've earned every bit of your position. Not because of Sunshine, but because you're brilliant, capable… and honest. You think for a second that I'd let the best person I know walk away? Never."
Her lips curved into a relieved smile. "I just… I didn't want to cause problems. What will people think if they realize I'm your in-law?"
He laughed softly, a deep, reassuring sound. "Let them think what they want. You're not just my in-law, you're my trusted partner. And you make HAG better. I wouldn't risk losing that."
Mama Cruz's eyes sparkled as she held his hands. "And now… the Duke of Venice wants to invest. Hansen, this is huge! It's not just me staying, it's a big win for HAGSC!"
Hansen's usual stern face broke into a smile. "See? You're not leaving… not today, not ever. And this… this is just proof of how important you are."
She laughed, almost in disbelief, as he pulled her into a light hug. "Thank you… for believing in me, Hansen. Truly. I… I feel like I can breathe again."
"And we'll make HAGSC soar higher than ever," he said, smiling down at her. "Together."
Mama Cruz leaned back slightly, brushing a strand of hair from her face, her heart lighter than it had been in months. "I won't let you down."
"I know you won't," Hansen whispered. "Now… go get some rest. Tomorrow, we celebrate this together."
As Mama Cruz returned to her room, humming softly with relief, Hansen closed the door behind her and leaned against it for a moment, exhaling deeply. The tension of the past weeks seemed to melt away, replaced by the warm, quiet intimacy of the moment.
He turned, and there she was Sunshine, standing by the window, the moonlight tracing her silhouette. Her hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her eyes, wide and shining, were fixed on him.
"Hansen…" she whispered, almost breathless.
He stepped closer, closing the distance between them in a heartbeat. "Sunshine… I was worried. You always leave me guessing," he said softly, his voice low and velvety.
"I… I couldn't stop thinking about you," she admitted, her cheeks flushed. "my mom's news made me… I just wanted to see you."
Hansen reached out, gently brushing a strand of hair from her face. His fingers lingered, tracing the line of her jaw, and she leaned instinctively into his touch. "You don't know how long I've waited to hear that," he murmured, his lips dangerously close to hers
.
Sunshine's breath caught. "Hansen…"
"I want you close. Always," he whispered, his forehead resting against hers. "Not just today… not just tomorrow… forever."
She shivered, a soft gasp escaping her lips as he took her hand in his, guiding her to sit beside him on the chaise lounge. "I've missed you," she admitted, her voice trembling with vulnerability. "Every moment away… it felt like something was missing."
Hansen tilted her chin gently, capturing her lips in a kiss that was tender yet burning with unspoken passion. The world outside, the Halloween lights, the distant sounds of celebration faded away until there was only the warmth of their bodies pressed together.
"Why do I love you so much. I can't go a day without seeing you. You're mine… and I'm yours Sunshine, just put that in mind."
Sunshine's hands found their way around his neck, pulling him closer. "And I'm yours, Hansen. Always. Our love is undeniable"
He smiled against her lips, then rested his forehead against hers, breathing in her scent. "Then let's make every moment count," he murmured.
Just as Hansen deepened the kiss, the soft click of the door made both of them pull back slightly. Their breathing was heavy, hearts still racing, when a small, voice piped up
"Auntie Sunshine! Uncle Hansen! Are you two…uh…"
Sunshine and Hansen froze, turning toward the doorway. There stood Valerie, her hands clasped behind her back, eyes wide and curious.
"Valerie! What are you..." Sunshine started, trying to pull herself together, her cheeks flushing crimson.
"I, um… I just wanted to see if you're okay!" Valerie hurriedly explained, though her gaze flicked between them, clearly piecing together the scene. "Mama Cruz said I could stay in my room but… I wanted to make sure you didn't…fall asleep on the floor or something!"
Hansen chuckled softly, running a hand through his hair, still holding Sunshine close. "You caught us, kiddo. But it's nothing to worry about."
Valerie tilted her head, still suspicious. "Uh..huh… sure… nothing to worry about," she said slowly, a small smirk tugging at her lips. "But… can I sit with you two? Just…for a little while?"
Sunshine laughed, ruffling her Valerie's hair. "Of course, sweetheart. Come here."
Valerie ran over and nestled between them on the chaise lounge, her small presence a mix of mischief and innocence. Hansen wrapped an arm around both of them, pulling Sunshine close again, and whispered, "See? Valerie is worrisome."
Sunshine rested her head on his chest, feeling the warmth of the man she loved and the little princess she adored. Valerie looked up at them with a grin. "You two are so weird… but I like it!"
Hansen smirked. "Weird can be wonderful."
Valerie giggled, snuggling closer. "I guess I'll let you two have your…'alone time' later. But for now, I'm taking over this spot."
Sunshine laughed softly, kissing Hansen's chest. "Well, I wouldn't have it any other way," she murmured, feeling the love and warmth of her small, family around her.