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.

artist," I joked, watching him layer the bread and toppings like he

best for you, my dear," he said with a wink, adding the final slice of bread with a flourish. "There we go, proper

pack up and go before

little basket, we grabbed a blanket and headed out to the

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

down and leaning back against the tree while Richard

I took my first bite, I had to admit,

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

was toasting to himself. "Thank you,

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 we'd carved out for ourselves. We talked about random things as we ate - the weather, the funny couple nearby who kept taking awkward selfies, what our lives might look like ten years from

mansion," claiming it would

many," I said, rolling

years. Once you're officially Mrs. Sarah...?" He trailed off, leaving the last name hanging in the

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

shrugged, smiling in that way he did when he wanted to keep me guessing. "Maybe. Has

I pretended to be more focused on my sandwich

once bore that name and although it sounded

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

into the basket, pulling out

he said, looking more pleased with

the box and opened it to find a delicate bracelet inside. It was simple but beautiful - a small silver chain with a

charm, feeling its smooth

"Just

feeling a little choked

my wrist, 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 me. "You're getting

trying not to smile too much. "I just... I really like it,

while, not saying much, just enjoying the

like it was falling into place, like maybe this was