Evelyn exhaled. "I feel like I just passed the most important exam of my life!"
Axel chuckled as he led her to his car, "You did great. She already adores you. I've never seen her adore someone other than her own child before."
She shook her head, laughing. "I'm grateful for that. Please don't be jealous."
"I won't." He smiled and opened the car door for her.
Evelyn climbed and settled on the passenger seat.
After Axel helped her with the seatbelt, she said, "I don't know how your mother manages to be that graceful. Even when she teases you, it feels… royal but sincere."
"She's had years of practice," Axel said dryly, holding the door, "You'll get there soon enough."
"Oh, so I'll be the queen next?" she teased.
He leaned in slightly, eyes gleaming with affection. "Next? No, you already are my queen, Eve. You are my Queen!"
Her heart fluttered. She quickly looked away before he could see the way his words made her blush.
...
