Winning Back His Ex's Wife's Broken Heart by Hayley

Chapter 74

Sarah's Pov

The morning sunlight peeked through the curtains, soft and warm. I could feel it on my face before I even opened my eyes, and for a second, I just stayed there, wrapped up in that gentle warmth. Richard's arm was around me, and he was breathing slowly and steadily beside me. He looked so peaceful, and I almost didn't want to wake him. But as usual, my mind started drifting.

What would our life be like, years from now? Would it still feel this calm, this... simple? I turned over, my nose almost touching his.

He stirred a little, one eye cracking open as if he could feel me staring.

"You're awake already?" he mumbled, his voice rough from sleep.

"Barely," I teased, brushing a bit of hair off his forehead. "Maybe I just like staring at you while you sleep."

He gave a half-grin, eyes still closed. "A bit creepy, don't you think?"

I nudged his shoulder. "You like it."

"Maybe." He rolled onto his back, stretching his arms over his head. "So, what's the plan today? Or are we just gonna lie here all day?"

As tempting as that sounded, I had another idea. "How about a picnic?" I said, propping myself up on my elbow. "You know, fresh air, some sandwiches, maybe a little wine. You and me, away from everything." Richard opened his eyes fully, looking at me like he was trying to decide if I was serious. "A picnic, huh? Haven't done that in ages."

He sat up, rubbing his neck. "Alright, but only if you let me make the sandwiches. Your version of a sandwich is just... sad."

"Oh, really?" I scoffed, pretending to be offended. "My sandwiches are masterpieces, thank you very much."

"Masterpieces of chaos," he muttered, chuckling. He threw off the blankets and got out of bed, stretching again before heading for the kitchen.

"Let's see what we've got, and maybe you'll learn a thing or two about real sandwich-making."

I followed him to the kitchen, leaning against the counter while he rummaged through the fridge. He pulled out some lettuce, ham, and cheese, arranging everything with way too much care.

such an artist," I joked, watching him layer the bread and toppings

wink, adding the final slice of bread with a flourish. "There we

Chef. Let's pack up and go before you start making fancy

basket, we grabbed a blanket

was soft and green, and the breeze felt cool against the warmth of the sun. We found a spot under a big tree, a little shaded

out the blanket, settling down and leaning back

my first bite, I had to admit, it was...

"I have to give it

toasting to himself. "Thank you, thank you. I'll be

I couldn't hide the smile on my face. It was one of those perfect moments where everything just felt right like nothing could ruin this little slice of happiness

teasing me about our "future mansion," claiming it would have an

many," I

replied, raising an eyebrow. "But give it a few years. Once you're officially Mrs. Sarah...?" He trailed

to say?" I asked, trying to sound casual, even

in that way he did when he wanted to keep me

I pretended to be more focused on my sandwich than the way his

name and although it sounded familiar but also

replied, keeping my tone light. "But that's a lot

I couldn't help but join in. We finished our sandwiches, and he reached into the basket, pulling out a small box I hadn't noticed before. "What's this?" I asked, looking at him

it," he said, looking more pleased with himself than

simple but beautiful - a

feeling its smooth surface,

"Just

a little choked up.

and I couldn't stop staring at it, feeling a warmth spread through me that had nothing to do with the sun. "Look at you," he teased, nudging

smile too much. "I

sat there for a while, not saying much, just enjoying the

where everything felt like it was falling into place, like maybe this was