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.

and toppings like he

a wink, adding the final

Mr. Chef. Let's pack up and

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

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

blanket, settling down and leaning back against the tree while Richard unpacked the

I had to admit, it was...

nodding. "I have to give it to you.

he was toasting to himself. "Thank

this little slice of happiness we'd carved out for ourselves. We talked about random things as we ate - the weather, the

mansion," claiming it would have an entire

that many," I said,

he replied, raising an eyebrow. "But give it a few years. Once you're officially Mrs. Sarah...?" He trailed off, leaving the last name hanging in the air,

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

just shrugged, smiling in that way he did when he wanted to keep me guessing. "Maybe. Has a nice ring to it, don't you

heat up a little, and I pretended to be more focused on my sandwich than the way his words made me

that name and

light. "But that's a lot of shoes to

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?"

he said, looking more

It was simple but beautiful - a

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

you," he said, watching my reaction closely. "Just

whispered, feeling a little choked up.

fasten it around my wrist, and I couldn't stop staring at it, feeling a warmth spread through me that had

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

a while, not saying much, just enjoying

moments where everything felt like it was falling into place, like