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.

him layer the bread and toppings like he was creating some five-star

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

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

sandwiches in a little basket, we grabbed a

breeze felt cool against the warmth of the sun. We found a spot under a big tree, a little shaded but still close enough to

and leaning

bite, I had to admit, it was... really good. Better than my sad sandwiches,

nodding. "I have to give it to you. This is

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

slice of happiness we'd carved out for ourselves. We talked about random

our "future mansion," claiming it would have an

if I own that many," I said, rolling my

give it a few years. Once you're officially Mrs. Sarah...?"

Is that what you were going to say?" I asked, trying to sound casual,

he wanted to

little, and I pretended to be more focused

bore that name and

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

burst out laughing, and I couldn't help but join in. We finished our sandwiches, and he reached into the

looking more pleased with himself

inside. It was simple but beautiful - a small silver chain with a tiny heart charm dangling

fingers touched the charm, feeling its smooth surface, and my heart swelled

my reaction closely. "Just a little something... to

whispered, feeling a little choked up. "Thank

warmth spread through me that had nothing to do with the sun. "Look at

I muttered, trying not to smile too much. "I

saying much, just enjoying the quiet

those moments where everything felt like it was falling into place, like maybe this was how life was