Classical music floated faintly through the air of Rebecca's favourite restaurant in Charlottesville, blending with the low hum of quiet conversations and the occasional clink of fine china. At a corner table by the window, Rebecca leaned forward, smiling across the candlelit table at Nick.
He looked especially handsome tonight,crisp navy suit, hair neatly slicked back, that easy smile that had a way of making her heart do little flips.
Just then, a waitress approached, mid-twenties, poised, with a neat bun and a warm professional smile. A small name tag read Marissa.
"Good evening," she said gently. "I'm Marissa, I'll be your waitress tonight, Can I start you off with anything?"
Nick turned to her. "Actually, Marissa, we were wondering...what's your special for the night?"
Marissa brightened. "Of course. Tonight our chef prepared a truffle-butter filet mignon served with parmesan risotto, and for seafood lovers we have a pan-seared Chilean sea bass with lemon herb glaze. Both are guest favorites."
Rebecca smiled up at Nick, eyes shining. "They both sound incredible."
Nick nodded, still holding her hand. "We'll take both specials." Then he added, lowering his voice slightly with pride, "We're celebrating our anniversary."
Marissa's face lit up instantly. "Oh...happy anniversary! That's wonderful." She gave them a genuine smile. "Congratulations to both of you."
"Thank you," Rebecca replied, cheeks warm, leaning a little closer to Nick.
"We'll bring out another champagne refill shortly," Marissa continued. "And I'll make sure the chef gives extra attention to your plates."
"Thank you," Nick said, lifting their joined hands slightly. "We really appreciate that."
Marissa nodded gracefully. "It's my pleasure" And she walks away same way as she came.
"I can't believe it's been eight months already," she said,swirling her glass absently. "It feels like yesterday we were arguing about which side of the bed is yours."
Nick laughed, setting down his glass of champagne. "And for the record, it's still the left side. You just happen to sleep in the middle.
Rebecca rolled her eyes, giggling. "I don't. I simply expand. It's called comfort."
"Comfort," he repeated, amused. "Sure. Let's go with that."
Their laughter came easy, the kind that filled the quiet space between them like music.
Rebecca took a sip of champagne and sighed, gazing out at the city lights glimmering beyond the window. "You know, nothing's really changed. We're still the same.Still laughing, still annoying each other."
Nick reached across the table, brushing his thumb against her hand. "That's how you know it's real. When eight months feels like eight minutes."
She smiled, eyes soft. "You're getting good at this romance thing."
He grinned. "I've had the best teacher."
After they werdone eating, Marissa cleared their table and left them with dessert,tiny portions that looked more like artwork than food. Rebecca leaned in. "By the way, you still haven't told me why you didn't let me throw a party. You know I had a whole setup planned."
Nick chuckled, shaking his head. "Exactly why I stopped you. I wanted tonight to be just us. No noise, no cameras, no crazy friends turning it into a circus. Just me and you,simple, quiet, real."
Her gaze softened. "Okay, that's actually sweet."
"Sweet enough to make up for no party?"
She tilted her head, pretending to think. "Hmm. Depends. Are there gifts involved?"
Nick smiled knowingly and reached into his suit pocket. "You're so predictable."
"I've been told," she said, eyes gleaming as he slid a small velvet box across the table.
Rebecca gasped lightly. "Nick…"
"Go on, open it," he urged.
She carefully unwrapped it, her eyes widening as the light caught the delicate diamond necklace nestled inside. "Oh my God, Nick, it's beautiful!"
"Only the best for my wife," he said softly.
She looked at him, emotion flickering in her eyes, then stood and leaned across the table to kiss him gently. "Thank you," she murmured against his lips. "You spoil me."
"More is waiting at home," he teased with a wink.
Rebecca laughed, cheeks flushing. "If this is one of your 'naughty surprises,' you're not getting it that easy. My gift for you is at home too but not that kind of gift."
Nick raised a playful brow. "Now I'm curious."
"You'll have to wait," she said, settling back in her seat with a mischievous smile.
"Cheers to many more anniversaries with you, babe" He said.
"Cheers"
They clinked glasses, laughter mingling with the faint music as the night stretched on,soft, sparkling, and full of that quiet kind of love that didn't need an audience to shine.
...
The ride home was quiet but electric. The city lights shimmered on the car windows as Nick's hand rests on Rebecca's thigh. She smiled without looking at him, their fingers interlocking naturally.
When they reached home, he opened the door for her like he always did. She laughed softly. "Still being a gentleman?"
"Always," he said, his tone low but warm.
Inside, Rebecca turned on the lights. She slipped off her heels, sighing in relief, and turned to him with a grin. "So… this is the part where you said there's more waiting for me?"
Nick smirked. "Maybe. Depends if you've been good."
Rebecca laughed, stepping closer until they were only inches apart. "Define good."
He tilted his head, tracing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Exactly like this."
Their lips met, soft at first, then deeper, slower, full of the affection that came from years of growing together. She pressed her hands against his chest, feeling his heartbeat under her palms. When they finally pulled apart, both a little breathless, Rebecca reached into her purse.
"Wait," she said, her eyes glimmering. "Before you get too smug… I've got something for you too."
Nick raised a brow as she handed him a sleek, square box wrapped neatly in matte silver paper. He opened it, and for a moment, his usual cool confidence slipped,replaced by genuine surprise. Inside was a vintage wristwatch, the kind he'd once admired in a small boutique weeks ago but never bought for himself. It gleamed softly in the light, elegant and timeless.
"Rebecca…" he murmured, almost speechless.
She smiled, brushing her thumb over his jaw. "You didn't think I'd forget, did you?"
He looked at her, emotion flickering behind his eyes, affection, gratitude, and love "You're unbelievable," he said quietly. "You know that?"
"I try," she teased.
He leaned in, kissing her again slower, more tender this time. "You win. Best anniversary gift."
Her lips curved against his. "I know."
Their tongue swarm desperately trying to grasp themselves in the most possible way they could.
"Come on" Nick said lifting her up as she wrapped her legs around his waist. "Let's go upstairs"
Rebecca giggles as she hugs him tight. "Naughty boy" she said. The rest of the night unfolded with soft laughter, whispered words, and the quiet closeness that only two people who truly love each other can share.