CHAPTER 3

After looking at the model homes, Darien and Serena left the office with a good estimate on how much their new home would cost. Although the figure amount was a little up there, Darien did not mind at all. He was making good, honest money with his job and Serena has much money saved up in her bank account. Darien didn't want her to pay a cent, but Serena felt that the house wouldn't truly be theirs if Darien paid for it all. He agreed and let her did as she wished.

"That was a very productive day of house hunting." Darien pointed out.

"I'll say! I want them to start building right away!" Serena exclaimed with much enthusiasm in her voice.

"I'm glad that you're so excited my love!" Darien looked down at his watch. "Hey, it's almost 1. Are you hungry because I am."

"Yeah, I'm hungry. But instead of eating out do you just want to go back home and make some food there?" Serena suggested.

"Sure, sweetheart." Darien submitted.

The lovely couple ventured back to their cozy home.

"Are you feeling for some pasta?" Darien asked his wife.

"Sure, honey!" She ecstatically replied.

Darien brought out a pot and filled it with water and placed it on the stove. After about twenty minutes, he put dried pasta noodles into it. Serena chopped onions and garlic and soon put those ingredients into another pot to account for the pasta sauce. Cooked ground beef was soon added into the mix as well. Serena scooped up some of the sauce on her finger and tasted it, trying to figure out if she was missing anything.

"Dare, can you taste some of this and tell me if it is alright?" She scooped her finger in the pot and brought her finger to Darien's mouth. He put his mouth on her delicate finger and licked the sauce.

"Hmmm… It tastes fine to me, Serena." He replied.

"Are you sure? I still feel like something is missing." She scooped up some more and tasted again. He grabbed her hand and licked the rest of the sauce off her finger. Darien suddenly began to plant kisses over Serena.

"Sweetheart, the pasta sauce is perfect." He continued to kiss her and she gladly submitted to his tokens of affection.

"Dare, the food!" She pulled away and tended to her cooking. Darien let out a chuckle and leaned on the counter.

"You know, you look really hot right now." He stated taking note on how well the clothes she was wearing. She wore a pair of light washed jeggings that were cropped at the bottom and a red thin striped shirt that stopped right above her jeans. Her hair was in a ponytail, looking really long.

"Darling, you don't need to flatter me. I'm already yours." She teased. "Hurry and set the table. The food is almost ready!"

"Sure thing, Mrs. Shields." He replied planting a kiss on her cheek.

Darien grabbed two plates, two spoons, two wine glasses, and a bottle of sparkling apple cider. He quickly set the table and took a seat, wearing his olive slim pants and a simple white tshirt. He ran his fingers through his dark hair and set a red rose in a small vase.

"What a nice little touch, honey." Serena commented as she brought the bowl of noodles over. She went back to the kitchen and brought the sauce back. Darien sat down and waited to dig in as Serena placed noodles on his plate. He opened the bottle and began pour liquid into the two glasses.

"No wine?" Serena questioned.

"Well, it's just a little afternoon. We can drink later tonight." He flashed his gorgeous smile at her.

"Any special occasion?"

"You'll find out later, sweetheart."

The two began to eat their lunch that they prepared together.